That is the case with the Play In tournament.
When it first got introduced, there was obvious pushback.
Last year the Wolves were 10 games over .500 and it was the same thing (46-36).
It was a fair concern at the time.
Once we get to the tournament, who doesn’t love the drama?
It’s basically Game 7-level intensity before the playoffs even start.
Outside of the Hornets, the games have been pretty entertaining.
Not only that, but it’s basically saved the last month plus of the regular season.
Take the current standings in both conferences for example.
For the most part, we have about 9-10 games left for everyone.
How big was a shot like this last night from the Cavs?
Since MIA won the H2H series, if they finish with the same record they’ll jump MIA.
Is anyone’s head spinning yet?
Even in the back half of the Play In, nothing is settled.
Everyone from 8-12 is still alive to make the dance/figure out their positioning.
Look at those standings!
Just 3 games separate the 4 seed from the 12th seed!
In this conference, the potential Play In matchups are proof alone that this idea is a smashing success.
You’re telling me we could get Steph/Luka?
Imagine if those games happen in the 9/10 matchup and not 7/8?
you could’t tell me that doesn’t get your juices flowing and it’s all realistic!
Let’s say Zion magically comes back and we get a NO/LAL 9/10 game.
You’re telling me that doesn’t interest you given the whole AD/Pelicans saga?
Maybe there was some 8th/9th seed drama, but not really.
Every single night is must watch for pretty much every game on the NBA slate.
These games have real implications that could end up dictating someone’s playoff run.
Then again, let’s say the Warriors finish 8th, are you happy as a Nuggets fan?
One of the best seasons in forever and your reward is Steph Curry in the playoffs.
Let’s say they dodge that bullet, well they could also get a healthy LeBron/AD.
I would imagine they are praying things to stay MIN/DAL or that GS falls no lower than 7th.
No matter how you slice it, the Play In tournament works.
It gave the end of the year some actual juice and forced teams to actually play their good players.
