Tim Bontemps, ESPN NBA analyst, joins to dissect the NBA Cup's second year, which is ramping up excitement early in the season. He highlights the intense rivalry between the Mavericks and Thunder as they seek revenge after a playoff clash. The New York Knicks are evolving with a high-powered offense but need to shore up their defense. Stephen Curry's resilience is crucial for the Warriors, while the youthful Rockets are generating buzz. Tune in for insights on which teams might truly contend for the title!
The NBA Cup's evolving format and importance highlight new engagement strategies for teams as they adapt to heightened competition.
The episode underscores the significance of supporting cancer research through ESPN's V Week, emphasizing 100% of donations go directly to the cause.
Deep dives
V Week and Cancer Research
The episode highlights the annual V Week at ESPN, dedicated to supporting the V Foundation for Cancer Research, founded by Jim Valvano. This initiative serves as a reminder of the ongoing need for contributions to cancer research, emphasizing that 100% of donations go directly to this cause. Valvano’s impactful message, 'Don't give up. Don't ever give up,' continues to inspire support for the fight against cancer. By promoting donations, the show encourages listeners to actively contribute to this critical research effort.
Evolution of the NBA Cup
The NBA Cup has shown notable changes in its second year, with evolving excitement and format as teams adapt to this in-season tournament. Last year's inaugural tournament provided unexpected drama, evidenced by the memorable performances of the Lakers and Giannis Antetokounmpo. The upcoming quarterfinals will see teams such as the Knicks and Warriors face off, generating new intrigue with the absence of perennial contenders like the Celtics. As the tournament continues, discussions around how to celebrate victories and maintain engagement with the format remain prominent.
Impact of Point Differential in the Tournament
Point differential has emerged as an important tiebreaker in the NBA Cup, influencing teams' strategies and outcomes. This new rule encourages teams to play hard until the final buzzer, as evidenced by the Knicks' efforts to maintain a lead against the Magic. Observers note that the innovations, inspired by European soccer formats, add an interesting dimension to the tournament. Teams are adapting quickly, demonstrating how this aspect can create unexpected scenarios for advancing through the knockout rounds.
The Emirates NBA Cup is now in year two and we're all still trying to feel out what place it will take in the league’s attention economy. But one thing is clear –– nearly everyone is thrilled to have some bigger stakes on the table this early in the NBA season. Are the Oklahoma City Thunder ready to avenge their playoff elimination against the Dallas Mavericks? Can the New York Knicks prove their new offense-first approach to be a winning formula? Are Steph Curry and the Golden State Warriors ready to contend for another title?
With the cup quarterfinals happening Tuesday and Wednesday, Tim Bontemps joins David Dennis Jr. to preview what to watch for and why this week will give us our biggest indication yet as to which contenders are for real.
Tue, Dec. 10
Magic vs. Bucks | 7 p.m. ET (TNT)
Mavericks vs. Thunder | 9:30 p.m. ET (TNT)
Wed, Dec. 11
Hawks vs. Knicks | 7 p.m. ET (ESPN)
Warriors vs. Rockets | 9:30 p.m. ET (TNT)
You can honor Jim Valvano and support ESPN’s V Week with a donation to the V Foundation for Cancer Research.