>Of course you'll see competitive games between contenders, or
>rivals, or whatever...but a Celtics/Pacers game feeling like a
>playoff game in early December? Nah. That's all the
>tournament.

Sure...but that's one game out of what 70 tournament games? Assuming all the knockout games have that buzz, how many other ones have? probably less than 10 total which is a really low percentage.

>
>Also - I don't think that's necessarily true on the
>meaningless games leading into the knockout round. There was
>some intrigue - especially with point differential. Still,
>that part of it took some time for anyone to actually
>understand it - and probably will continue that way.

but they were pretty meaningless. You lose one game and you're a longshot to make it. We had 'tournament games' at the end with 2 teams eliminated already lol
>
>It's obviously not a HUGE deal, but these players are
>absolutely playing harder in the elimination games than they
>would in a simple regular season game this early in the year.
>It's fun.

I mean if that's the basis for success, great. I think its more indicative of the problem the nba has with the reg season not mattering. i'm not convinced this is the solution.

Edit...i just checked ESPN and the tournament isn't even a top headline lol

women's boxing >>> in season tournament lool