Golden State Warriors: Pros and Cons of NBA Play-In Tournament

By Tony Pesta | May 4, 2021

LOS ANGELES, CALIFORNIA - JANUARY 18: LeBron James #23 of the Los Angeles Lakers is guarded by Stephen Curry #30 of the Golden State Warriors during the first half at Staples Center on January 18, 2021 in Los Angeles, California. 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. Mandatory Copyright Notice: Copyright 2021 NBAE (Photo by Harry How/Getty Images) /

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Golden State Warriors (Photo by Lachlan Cunningham/Getty Images) /

Pros

There is nothing better than high-stakes basketball. Putting all the chips on the line and telling these teams they can decide their entire playoff fate in one game is enough to spark some competitive battles.

The single-elimination format is something that tends to cause pure chaos — it’s part of the reason March Madness is so damn entertaining. Flipping this into the NBA might be a bit controversial but it will be just as much fun to watch for fans.

On top of this, it brings more value to the regular season. Don’t want to risk losing your spot in the Playoffs? Then don’t coast down the stretch. The final months of the year have real value and above all else — teams lose their incentive to tank.

Take the Golden State Warriors, for example. This team has been battered and bruised throughout the course of the season. In the past, perhaps they would have cut their losses and committed to tanking midway through the year.

Instead, the Dubs were able to remain in the picture simply by staying above .500. They knew along that if they could just stay within reach, they’d be rewarded with a fighting chance to reach the playoffs.

This is the biggest positive behind the Play-In format. If you want to see these teams play with some intensity, give them something to lose.

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