The In-Season Tournament's first round of games delivered, but there was one thing in particular that was on everyone's mind.
Dominant as Nikola Jokic, Stephen Curry and Damian Lillard were in their respective team's wins, a lot of the conversation the next day revolved around the NBA's new courts — and not necessarily in a good way.
The In-Season Tournament is a new addition to the NBA calendar. To make it easy for fans to tell which regular season games also count towards the In-Season Tournament standings, the home team will wear new City Edition uniforms in addition to playing on a new and, in almost every case, very bold court design.
Here's everything you need to know about the In-Season Tournament courts.
MORE: NBA In-Season Tournament, explained: Format, schedule and more
Why are the NBA courts different tonight?
Each NBA has an alternative court for In-Season Tournament games.
The In-Season Tournament is a new addition to the NBA calendar. All 30 teams will participate in the tournament and have been split into six groups. Each team will play four Group Play games — one game against each team in their group — on designated "Tournament Nights." The top team in each group, plus the team from each conference with the best record that finishes second in its group, will then advance to the quarterfinals.
The new courts will be used in Group Play and the quarterfinals to make it clear to fans that they're In-Season Tournament games. The semifinals and championship will be played at the T-Mobile Arena in Las Vegas.
MORE: NBA In-Season Tournament group stage standings, results, schedule
According to the NBA, this is the first time all 30 teams have had an alternate court. For the Celtics, Bulls, Lakers, Pelicans and Trail Blazers, it'll be their first time playing on an alternate court in franchise history. Each court shares a few design details, including a fully painted court with no woodgrain details, NBA Cup silhouettes at both center court and in the lanes, and a 16-foot lane from end to end in a "contrasting wash of color."
Here's a quick look at each team's court:
NBA DEBUTS IN-SEASON TOURNAMENT COURTS FOR ALL 30 TEAMS pic.twitter.com/OHmOA8LYGL
— NBA (@NBA) October 30, 2023
MORE: Ranking the NBA's eye-popping In-Season Tournament courts
NBA In-Season Tournament schedule
- Group Play start date: Nov. 3
- Group Play end date: Nov. 28
- Quarterfinals: Dec. 4-5
- Semifinals: Dec. 7
- Championship: Dec. 9
The In-Season Tournament's Group Play games will be played on Tuesdays and Fridays in November. The Knockout Rounds, which include the quarterfinals, semifinals and championship, will take place in early December.
