"After a comeback win against the Atlanta Hawks, the Toronto Raptors have improved to 2-0 in NBA Cup group play games with the other win coming against the Cleveland Cavaliers on Halloween. Last night's win has put Toronto in clear control of their group: East Group A Standings Toronto Raptors 2-0 (+23) Cleveland Cavaliers 1-1 (+23) Atlanta Hawks 1-1 (+8) Indiana Pacers 0-1 (-20) Washington Wizards 0-1 (-34)"
"The inaugural NBA Cup took place in the 2023-24 season and was known as the In-Season Tournament. The tournament was introduced as a way to spice up the early parts of the season, providing teams with extra incentive to compete early in the year. The incentive? Cash prizes to all the players on the team depending on how far they advanced: Advance to quarterfinals: $50,000Advance to semifinals: $100,000Advance to finals: $200,000Champions: $500,000"
"While upping the intrigue of the early season, the NBA Cup also provides young, inexperienced teams the opportunity to compete in a playoff-like atmosphere. Teams like the Indiana Pacers in 2023 and Oklahoma City Thunder in 2024 advanced to the Cup finals before making deep playoff runs later the same year. So, there is something to be said for the pressure-cooker environment that the tournament provides."
Toronto Raptors lead East Group A with a 2-0 record and +23 point differential after a comeback win over the Atlanta Hawks. Six group winners and two wild-card teams advance to the knockout stage, requiring three single-elimination wins to claim the NBA Cup. The tournament provides cash prizes ranging from $50,000 for quarterfinalists to $500,000 for champions. The Cup creates a pressure-cooker, playoff-like environment that has helped young teams such as the Indiana Pacers (2023) and the Oklahoma City Thunder (2024) build late-season momentum. Toronto hosts Washington on November 21 as it pursues a knockout stage spot.
Read at Raptors Republic
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