Pool play for the inaugural NBA In-Season Tournament comes to a close tonight, and the New York Knicks find themselves on the cusp of advancing from group play to the 8-team, single elimination rounds.
Year one of the NBA Cup was initially met with (reasonable) skepticism, as players and fans found it hard to buy into an unproven concept that would affect the circadian rhythm of a traditional regular season. But as group play has progressed, the games have truly turned into an extra reason to sit down and watch. Fancy jerseys, new courts, and something tangible to play for has encouraged fans and players alike to turn the IST into a better product.