Milwaukee Bucks news: There’s no denying that there’s now a lot more attention on the NBA’s In-Season Tournament compared to when it kicked off earlier in the season. You have to give the league a lot of credit for the success they’ve achieved thus far with this unprecedented initiative — one that was initially frowned upon by some when Commissioner Adam Silver first announced it.
This drummed-up interest also extends to the players. Just ask Bucks superstar Damian Lillard.
Milwaukee Bucks’ Damian Lillard Gets Real on In-Season Tournament
Speaking to the NBA on TNT crew ahead of Tuesday’s elimination showdown against the New York Knicks, Lillard admitted that even the players didn’t really have a clear understanding of the IST when it was first launched. However, as the tournament progressed, Dame and the Bucks developed a deeper appreciation for the same:
“I think it’s growing on everybody a little bit more,” he said. “… I think everybody just wanted it more and more. Now it’s turned into real entertainment, real competitive basketball. We playing for something.”
"I think it's growing on everybody a little bit more…I think everybody just wanted it more and more. Now it's turned into real entertainment, real competitive basketball. We playing for something." 💯@Dame_Lillard shares his thoughts on the In-Season Tournament pic.twitter.com/KMsmi2jS6l
— NBA on TNT (@NBAonTNT) December 6, 2023
That something is the first-ever NBA In-Season Tournament title, which also comes with a $500,000 prize pot for each player on the winning team. The winning coach gets the same prize money as well, which adds another layer to the tournament.
For their part, the Bucks will be one step closer to their objective if they are able to defeat the Knicks on Tuesday night. Waiting in the wings are the Indiana Pacers, who themselves took out the Boston Celtics on Monday in their quarterfinal showdown.
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