The Oklahoma City Thunder concluded the inaugural year of the in-season tournament with a 1-3 record and a plus-six point differential, good enough for third place in the West’s Group C.
The Sacramento Kings were the winner of the group with a perfect 4-0 record in group play. They’ll have a chance to advance to the Las Vegas semifinals when they play the New Orleans Pelicans in the eight-team knockout round.
The concept has been met with controversy. Fans have mocked the tournament, citing it’s just glorified regular-season games that mean the same.
When asked about it, Jalen Williams was more appreciative of the bold idea.
It was fun. I enjoyed it,” Williams said. “I wish I knew some of the games were the tournament games. I didn’t really pay attention to it too much. Just tried to come in with the same mindset that every game holds the same weight.
“It was funny too, I felt like the only games we lost were the tournament ones during that run. It was fun.
“I think it’s good for the NBA too. Especailly during football season and stuff and kinda give some other people something to watch. I know people were arguing about the point (differential). I don’t understand how that works either.”
Jalen Williams on the in-season tournament
Looks like he was as confused about the point differential tiebreaker as a lot of others were lmao pic.twitter.com/IRkVS4TtXm
— Clemente Almanza (@CAlmanza1007) November 30, 2023
What Williams is referring to at the end is the tiebreaker point differential. Since group play is only four games, odds are pretty high multiple teams in the same group finish with the same record.
To determine the final standings, the best point differential of each team’s respective four in-season tournament games will be the decider.
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