NBA Cup year two: Is it a success? Yes. And, no.

LAS VEGAS: The atmosphere was electric as the Bucks celebrated their NBA Cup victory. Damian Lillard held the trophy high, surrounded by confetti, a moment he had long awaited. The Bucks were all smiles in the locker room, soaking in the joy of their first trophy together.

“Winning feels amazing,” said tournament MVP Giannis Antetokounmpo. He expressed pride in his team for achieving their goal. But despite the celebration, they chose to keep it low-key, knowing there’s still a long season ahead.

Coach Doc Rivers shared that they decided against a big champagne celebration, wanting to stay focused on the rest of the season. It’s a smart move, considering how much basketball is still left to play.

So, is the NBA Cup a success? Well, it’s a mixed bag. Players seem to enjoy it, and the games have a bit more intensity. Many players from the teams in Las Vegas praised the Cup, saying it adds excitement and gives them something to play for before the playoffs.

Lillard mentioned that the unique atmosphere of the Cup games makes them feel special. Plus, there’s a nice cash prize for the winners, which definitely motivates everyone to give their best.

Fans are noticing the difference too. The games have been more thrilling, and the core NBA fans are loving it. But the NBA Cup was also meant to attract casual viewers, and that hasn’t quite happened yet.

Overall ratings are down this season, which is a bit concerning. Adam Silver, the NBA commissioner, pointed out that this trend isn’t just affecting basketball; it’s a broader issue with cable viewership.

Looking ahead, the NBA Cup is set for some changes next year. For starters, the semifinals and finals will be broadcasted by Amazon Prime, which could shake things up a bit.

There’s talk of extending the group stage to eight games to build more interest. This could help the stronger teams advance further instead of getting knocked out early.

Another idea is to move the Cup later in the season to avoid competing with football. But that could lead to clashes with other big NBA events, so it’s a tricky balance.

Some are suggesting that semifinal games could be held in home arenas, with only the championship in Las Vegas. This might create a better atmosphere and more energy in the building.

Lastly, there’s a thought to play all the Cup games consecutively over a few weeks. This could make it feel more like a traditional tournament, which might attract more casual fans.

It’s clear the NBA Cup has potential, but it’s still a work in progress. Fans and players alike are eager to see how it evolves in the coming years.