The Boston Celtics will advance to the knockout round of the NBA’s inaugural in-season tournament following a loud 124-97 victory over the Chicago Bulls Tuesday evening. After the Celtics host the Philadelphia 76ers this Friday, they will then head out to face the Indiana Pacers for the next stage of the tournament and further their chances of winning the 2023-24 NBA Cup.
The Celtics needed a little help to advance in the tournament. Boston entered the game in third place in Group C by virtue of point differential, and needed to win by at least 23 points over the Bulls. Likewise, the Celtics needed a victory from the Brooklyn Nets, who ended up defeating the Toronto Raptors 115-102 at home. With those results, Boston and Brooklyn ended group play with a 3-1 record, but because the Celtics won so handily over Chicago, they finished the round with a greater point differential and will advance as a result.
Celtics dismantle Bulls as Boston grabs 124-97 victory over Chicago https://t.co/8gthMRO7SR pic.twitter.com/IbaC7xkPAk
— The Celtics Wire (@TheCelticsWire) November 29, 2023
The in-season tournament is a new experiment from the NBA to try and generate renewed excitement beyond the playoffs. Many European soccer league’s have multiple cups, tournaments, and trophies throughout the season, after all.
The NBA unveiled new courts, jerseys, and other exciting ways of branding the in-season tournament to build buzz a familiarity among fans. So far the results have been mixed. Boston’s own jerseys pay homage to basketball’s history in New England.
The Celtics are now headed to the next stage of the tournament. These are truly uncharted waters, and an exciting opportunity for Boston to showcase their stuff early in the NBA calendar.
Celtics Lab 229: Assessing the East at the 2023-24 NBA season's quarter-mark with Ky Carlin https://t.co/GhCtpFeorG pic.twitter.com/lUkQPBlOCG
— The Celtics Wire (@TheCelticsWire) November 29, 2023
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