The first edition of the NBA In-Season Tournament has not left anyone dissatisfied. With new jerseys, stadiums and teams that want to win another title, the winner of this inaugural edition and their brand new MVP (Most Valuable Player) of the tournament will soon be announced. Unlike the regular season MVP, which is based on players’ performance throughout the year, the In-Season MVP will be decided based on players’ performance from the Group Stage to the playoffs. offs. That is, players who perform well in the tournament will have a better chance of winning the award, regardless of their performance in the regular season.
Only eight franchises have qualified for the final phase of the tournament, making the importance of winning a cup even greater for managers. The quarterfinals have already been decided (Lakers-Suns, Kings-Pelicans, Pacers-Celtics and Bucks-Knicks), also being played as a single game to spring several surprises. Las Vegas will host the Final Four where four teams will fight to win the title, and several players are already positioned to deserve the MVP.
Tyrese Haliburton, Indiana Pacers
Nov 21, 2023; Atlanta, Georgia, USA; Indiana Pacers guard Tyrese Haliburton (0) goes to the basket against the Atlanta Hawks during the second half at State Farm Arena. Mandatory Credit: Dale Zanine-USA TODAY SportsDale ZanineUSA TODAY Sports via Reuters Con
Haliburton of the Indiana Pacers has been in top form this season, scoring an average of 28.5 points, 4 rebounds, 13.5 assists and 1.8 steals per game with a field goal percentage of 49.3%. He led the Pacers to a 157-152 victory against Atlanta with 37 points and 16 assists while also managing to score 26 points and make 10 assists in the Group Play final against Detroit. Haliburton has transformed Myles Turner into a feared pick-and-roll finisher, with the Pacers scoring an impressive 1.51 points per possession. The Indiana Pacers won Group A of the East and are moving on to the Knockout Rounds, thanks to Haliburton’s notable performance.
LeBron James, Los Angeles Lakers
Nov 27, 2023; Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, USA; Los Angeles Lakers forward LeBron James (23) smiles after a Philadelphia 76ers foul during the first quarter at Wells Fargo Center. Mandatory Credit: Bill Streicher-USA TODAY SportsBill StreicherUSA TODAY Sports via Reuters Con
James ranked third last week in the tournament statistics, averaging 25 points, 8 rebounds, 7.5 assists and 1 steals per game with a field goal percentage of 60.0%. He has only missed one of his 18 shots in the tournament in the restricted area and has made 14 of his 24 three-point attempts, all from the top of the fast break. The Los Angeles Lakers (4-0) were the first Western Conference team to secure their spot in the Knockout Rounds. James has set a high shooting standard for the team and his top five scorers have a field goal percentage above 50%.
Damian Lillard, Milwaukee Bucks
MILWAUKEE, WISCONSIN – NOVEMBER 26: Damian Lillard #0 of the Milwaukee Bucks takes the court for player introductions prior to a game against the Portland Trail Blazers at Fiserv Forum on November 26, 2023 in Milwaukee, Wisconsin. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. Stacy Revere/Getty Images/AFP (Photo by Stacy Revere / GETTY IMAGES NORTH AMERICA / Getty Images via AFP)STACY REVEREAFP
Lillard’s statistics in the tournament are notable, with 29.3 points per game, 5 rebounds, 6.3 assists, 52.9% shooting from the field and 50.0% shooting from the field. He is an excellent three-point shooter, making seven of his nine three-point attempts in the third quarter of the tournament. Lillard’s play is improving and he works well with his teammates. In the recent win over Washington, Lillard assisted Brook Lopez four times, leading the big man to score a career-high 39 points. Lillard takes fewer shots per game than most top 20 scorers, but he’s still a Milwaukee superstar. The Bucks are now in a good position to win Group B of the East, thanks to Lillard’s excellent performance.
Domantas Sabonis, Sacramento Kings
Nov 24, 2023; Minneapolis, Minnesota, USA; Sacramento Kings forward Domantas Sabonis (10) reacts with head coach Mike Brown during the third quarter against the Minnesota Timberwolves at Target Center. Mandatory Credit: Jeffrey Becker-USA TODAY SportsJeffrey BeckerUSA TODAY Sports via Reuters Con
Sabonis has averaged 19.7 points per game, 12.7 rebounds per game, 8.3 assists per game, 2 points per game, shooting 53.5% from the field in the tournament. His teammate, De’Aaron Fox, is catching up. He scored 36 points and had 12 assists in his last game. Sacramento (3-0) now has control of Group C in the West thanks to Sabonis’ contribution of 15 points, 11 rebounds, five assists, two steals and three blocks in Friday’s game against Minnesota. If they win their final Group Play game against Oklahoma City, they will advance to the next phase of the tournament.
Devin Booker, Phoenix Suns
Dec 1, 2023; Phoenix, Arizona, USA; Phoenix Suns injured guard Devin Booker following the game against the Denver Nuggets at Footprint Center. Mandatory Credit: Mark J. Rebilas-USA TODAY SportsMark J. RebilasUSA TODAY Sports via Reuters Con
The Phoenix Suns have had an impressive performance, scoring an average of 30.7 points per game, 4.0 rebounds per game, 8.3 points per game, 1.7 points per game and an impressive 55.4% shooting per game. match in the tournament. Booker’s return to the team was a game-changer, with the Suns outscoring their opponents by 55 points in the 99 minutes of play in which he played. Phoenix currently leads the race for the lone wild card in the Western Conference, a significant change after their loss to the Lakers and a narrow victory over Utah.
In their recent game against Memphis, Phoenix played without Kevin Durant and won 110-89. Booker scored an impressive 40 points and helped increase Phoenix’s point differential. The Suns are now likely to make the knockout rounds.
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2023-12-03 11:10:11
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