When NBA Commissioner Adam Silver announced the league would introduce an in-season tournament, fans were confused. They were not accustomed to it. In soccer and overseas basketball leagues, such tournaments are quite popular. After last night’s events, it appears NBA fans now understand precisely why there is value in having an in-season tournament.
Last night, we had our first two quarterfinal matchups for the play-in tournament. The Indiana Pacers hosted the Boston Celtics. The Sacramento Kings hosted the New Orleans Pelicans. Both winners travel immediately to Las Vegas for the matchups on Thursday in the final four.
Both games brought a lot of sizzle to them, young teams with a lot of talent that’ll be around for a long time. The atmosphere during the Indiana Pacers game was particularly unique. The Pacers, who have struggled in recent seasons, experienced a revitalization with the acquisition of Tyrese Haliburton, injecting new life and direction into the team.
Not only is Halli leading the league in assists, but when you need a bucket, you can call him. Finishing with a triple-double last night. Twenty-six points, ten rebounds, 13 assists. He did it all, and his dad was in attendance, supporting his son and making sure the ref heard him in the playoff atmosphere last night.
Last night, arguably the best defensive guard in the NBA was placed on Hali, and it didn’t phase him. He went to work and showed Jrue Holiday twice that this wasn’t last year.
The ongoing discussion revolves around the impact of this midseason tournament, but it’s truly worth taking a moment to watch the impressive 9-0 run by the Pacers in the final 1:42 of the game. The electric energy from their home crowd adds another dimension to the experience.
Jayson Tatum finished with 32 points, twelve rebounds, six assists, and a steal. The Celtics will use this as motivation all season. But the thing about the end-season tournament is that it’s one game. The Pacers have all of the momentum swing in their way right now and I’m excited to see what they can pull off on Thursday against the winner of the New York Knicks and Milwaukee Bucks tonight.
