Why the NBA Cup Is Working for Adam Silver

The NBA Cup final on Tuesday night showcased why the league’s in-season tournament, still in its infancy, is garnering attention. Despite some skepticism, the event carried the potential to evolve into a significant addition to the basketball calendar.

A Promising Start in Sin City

The championship game, held in Las Vegas, delivered on several fronts. It featured the Milwaukee Bucks, recent NBA champions, squaring off against the up-and-coming Oklahoma City Thunder. The matchup had star power, with the Bucks’ Giannis Antetokounmpo and Damian Lillard facing the Thunder’s Shai Gilgeous-Alexander.

Although the Bucks’ 97-81 victory lacked a nail-biting finish, the physical intensity and hard fouls demonstrated the players’ commitment. The crowd’s energy, though understated on TV, was palpable in the arena, lending credibility to the tournament’s atmosphere.

Early Challenges: Ratings and Tickets

However, the road to widespread acceptance remains steep. Ratings for this year’s tournament were lower than its inaugural season, and tickets were reportedly easy to find at affordable prices. These factors suggest the NBA Cup isn’t yet a “must-watch” event.

When the confetti rained down in T-Mobile Arena and Giannis held aloft the oversized golden trophy, the celebration didn’t quite match the grandeur of an NBA Finals moment. But it still carried genuine joy for the Bucks, who used the victory to mark a turning point in their season after a challenging start.

A Long-Term Vision

The NBA remains confident in the NBA Cup’s future. Inspired by European soccer’s in-season tournaments, Commissioner Adam Silver and the league office are committed to giving this concept time to grow. Low ratings and ticket sales aren’t seen as failures but as part of the growing pains of establishing a new tradition.

The league’s approach focuses on long-term success rather than short-term metrics. Adjustments may come, but the NBA Cup is expected to develop over the next decade, not just a few seasons.

Players and Coaches Embrace the Concept

Feedback from players, coaches, and executives has been positive. The tournament has introduced a playoff-like intensity to games that would otherwise be regular-season contests.

“This is the closest thing to a playoff environment we get during the season,” Thunder guard Jalen Williams remarked. “It helps us prepare for those high-pressure moments later on.”

Several general managers also praised the Cup’s ability to motivate players to compete harder, aligning with Silver’s goal of elevating regular-season games’ quality.

Areas for Growth

The league acknowledges the NBA Cup isn’t perfect. A closer title game or the presence of household names like Steph Curry or LeBron James might have generated more buzz. Yet stars like Giannis ensure the event retains credibility.

The semifinals were engaging, and while not every game was unforgettable, the overall product has shown promise.

Looking Ahead

The NBA Cup isn’t yet a fixture in the sports world, but it has the potential to become one. Adam Silver’s decision to prioritize patience and let the tournament grow naturally might be its greatest strength.

In five or ten years, the NBA Cup could be a celebrated event that basketball fans eagerly anticipate. For now, it’s a work in progress — but one that’s heading in the right direction.