The NBA has unveiled an array of prestigious trophies for its much-anticipated inaugural In-Season Tournament, headlined by the illustrious NBA Cup. This grand prize is a collaborative masterpiece, crafted by the renowned artisans at Tiffany & Co. and designed in partnership with artist Victor Solomon.
Standing 23 inches tall, The NBA Cup is a striking emblem of success, marrying traditional gold with a distinctive black accent—a fresh addition to the league's trophy collection, specially conceived for the In-Season Tournament. Forged from sterling silver, the cup is lavishly coated in 24-karat gold vermeil and black ceramic, symbolizing the ultimate achievement in professional basketball and the innovative spirit of the tournament.
The trophy's base is a work of art in itself, intricately adorned with net details that fuse design elements from both the Eastern Conference and Western Conference Championship Trophy bases. Underneath, the NBA In-Season Tournament event logo is proudly displayed, signifying the unique identity of this competition.
MVP and Player Recognition
The tournament's Most Valuable Player will be celebrated with the In-Season Tournament MVP Trophy. At 15 inches high, the trophy not only represents the 15 teams in each conference but also features two stems, echoing the final contest between the two remaining teams vying for the championship title.
In a thoughtful gesture of appreciation, each player on the winning team will receive a medal, serving as a tangible reminder of their triumph. These medals are inscribed with "NBA In-Season Tournament Champions" and the year of victory on the front. On the reverse, a silhouette of The NBA Cup takes pride of place, surrounded by two tournament brackets and embellished with four balls representing the semifinalist teams that competed in Las Vegas.
Moreover, the tournament will culminate with the selection of the All-Tournament Team by a distinguished panel of media members. This honor will be bestowed upon the five players whose performances have shone brightest throughout the event. Each member of this elite group will be awarded a trophy, featuring a solid black crystal basketball with gold channels, one of which is adorned with a bracket motif in homage to the tournament's format.
Semifinal Showdowns Set
The road to the NBA In-Season Tournament finals is heating up following recent quarterfinal victories. The Indiana Pacers secured their spot in the East semifinals after a 122-112 win over the Boston Celtics. Meanwhile, the New Orleans Pelicans booked their semifinal berth with a 127-117 triumph over the Sacramento Kings.
The semifinal matchups will be rounded out after Tuesday night's games, where the Los Angeles Lakers will take on the Phoenix Suns, and the Milwaukee Bucks will face off against the New York Knicks. The East and West semifinal games are slated for Thursday, December 7, with the championship game scheduled for Saturday, December 9.
Fan Festivities and Entertainment
Toshiba Plaza is set to become a hub of fan excitement during the tournament, offering a chance to see the larger-than-life NBA Cup trophy up close. Fans can also indulge in exclusive merchandise and participate in tournament-style basketball activities.
Adding to the festive atmosphere, Nelly and TLC will provide musical entertainment between the semifinal games. As part of a novel reality competition titled "The Sum: All-Star Music Battle," these iconic artists will engage in a head-to-head singing battle. Fans aged 18 and older have the opportunity to apply for a chance to sing alongside either Nelly or TLC, making for an interactive and memorable experience.
The NBA In-Season Tournament is shaping up to be a thrilling spectacle, not just for the players on the court, but for fans around the world. With the combination of high-stakes competition, artistic trophies, and engaging fan experiences, the NBA continues to innovate and elevate the game of basketball.