Bucks tip off first-ever NBA in-season tournament with brand-new court

 

MILWAUKEE (CBS 58) -- The Milwaukee Bucks are unveiling a brand-new court and uniform for tip-off of the first-ever NBA in-season tournament.

The Bucks will play on a unique court for the tournament. This is the first time all 30 teams will have unique tournament courts. The Bucks are also debuting the new city edition uniforms that feature Great Lake blue and a unique speckle pattern that represents the fans. The pattern was taken from actual aerial footage of fans packed in Deer District when the team won the championship.

The first game will be against the New York Knicks and the Bucks say the tournament is only adding to the excitement of the season.

"There’s been a ton of excitement around this season, so we’re just continuing that trend with all of the trades with Giannis’ extension," said Mallory Steinberg, Bucks Vice President of Marketing.

The NBA's inaugural in-season tournament is creating a lot of buzz for the Bucks.

"It's part of the regular season, so nothing changes in terms of how the regular season unfolds. This is just an entire new level to get folks excited,” said Steinberg.

The tournament will consist of two stages. Group Play and Knockout Rounds. There are six groups total and only eight teams will advance to knockouts.

The Bucks are part of East Group B, which not only includes the Knicks but also Miami Heat, Washington Wizards, and Charlotte Hornets.

The team that wins it all will earn the NBA Cup and each player will get $500,000. "Whenever there’s a trophy on the line, you know we’re going to want to fight for that,” Steinberg said.

The tournament final will be held Dec. 9 in Las Vegas.