"The ball from Space Jam" - Fans react to NBA debuting new ball design for Emirates NBA Cup
The second year of the NBA Cup, otherwise known as the in-season tournament, starts on Tuesday. This year, it's known as the Emirates NBA Cup and to celebrate the tournament's tip-off, the league released a newly designed ball. The new design had a print of the tournament bracket and the trophy aside from the "Wilson" branding and the league's logo.
The new ball was revealed ahead of the group games and was posted on X, formerly known as Twitter.
The league's fans shared various reactions to the newly designed ball.
"This looks like the ball from Space Jam," one fan said, referring to the famous basketball movies.
"Wish this same level of detail was also used for the actual championship lol," another chimed in.
"Didn't work out well the last time you changed up the ball," one person commented.
Meanwhile, some fans liked the newly designed basketball and shared their enthusiasm for it.
"The ball is getting a makeover, and I'm here for it. Emirates NBA Cup Games, let's go," one person said.
"New design looks great! Ready for group play to kick off tonight," another tweeted.
"Excited to see the new design! Let's hope it brings some good vibes along with the game. Game on!" One fan said.
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Which teams are starting the Group Stage of the NBA in-season tournament
There are 16 teams in action for an eight-game slate for the first day of this year's in-season tournament.
The schedule has five Eastern Conference matches on the schedule. These are the Atlanta Hawks vs. Boston Celtics, Miami Heat vs. the Detroit Pistons, Charlotte Hornets vs. Orlando Magic, New York Knicks vs. Philadelphia 76ers and Toronto Raptors vs. Milwaukee Bucks.
There are also three Western Conference games scheduled. These clashes are Phoenix Suns vs. Utah Jazz, Dallas Mavericks vs. Golden State Warriors and Minnesota Timberwolves vs Portland Trail Blazers.
There is another set of Group Stage games set to take place this week, on Friday. After that, the rest of the Group games are scheduled for Nov. 19, 22, 26, 29 and Dec. 3.
After that, the Knockout Rounds will begin. The quarterfinal is scheduled to take place on back-to-back days, Dec. 10-11. After that, the semifinal will be on Dec. 14 and the Final is scheduled for Dec. 17.
Last year's NBA Cup champions, the LA Lakers, are scheduled to play their first Group Stage game on Friday. They will take on Victor Wembanyama and the San Antonio Spurs in the franchises' first-ever NBA Cup clash.
Last season, LeBron James, Anthony Davis and the Lakers went undefeated in their in-season tournament games.