NBA rankings and ticket costs for the 2024 NBA Cup have dominated social media discourse in current days. The basketball gods in all probability observed the considerations and supplied the Oklahoma Metropolis Thunder two extra nationally televised video games.
The Thunder’s two video games towards the Cleveland Cavaliers had been moved to prime time slots. OKC’s go to to Cleveland on Jan. 8 might be broadcast on ESPN. The Thunder will host the Cavaliers every week afterward January 16 and might be broadcast on TNT.
Due to the Thunder’s market, the NBA will solely present them on nationwide tv if they’re contenders. Effectively, that was the overall rule earlier than the league made an exception this yr. Not being invited to play on Opening Evening and Christmas – the league’s two largest common season days – sparked outrage.
The Thunder had simply completed first and misplaced a aggressive second spherical collection to the Dallas Mavericks. Shai Gilgeous-Alexander was the MVP runner-up. Mark Daigneault gained Coach of the 12 months. Chet Holmgren and Jalen Williams are two of the league’s rising stars.
Given the Thunder’s age, expertise and sources, they’re within the early phases of an extended championship window. It took slightly longer than anticipated, however the NBA was slowly waking as much as the Thunder. The 2 new nationwide sport reveals added whereas in Las Vegas are proof of that.
For Gilgeous-Alexander and Williams, each be aware the Thunder’s lack of nationwide publicity, regardless of being the most effective groups within the league over the previous two years.
“It is one thing that all of us perceive as a staff, like we’re sort of like a small market staff, it is simply one thing that comes with it. However we’re additionally very accepting of it,” stated Williams. “To some extent, it provides a little bit of weight to our shoulders. We additionally perceive how the media works and media protection and so forth. It is one thing that is out of our management. All we will do is is successful video games and getting there to a degree the place you could see us on TV.
Gilgeous-Alexander later added that being on nationwide tv is an earned privilege for many groups. The 26-year-old stated the NBA Cup is a nationwide platform that enables them to have the total consideration of the league.
“It is enjoyable. As a child, you develop up, you watch the Lakers versus Boston on TV. You watch Miami versus Cleveland. You watch marquee video games and also you watch massive video games, and also you dream about it. occur sometime,” Gilgeous stated. stated Alexander. “Being on this place is particular. You do not take it as a right. On the finish of the day, you simply wish to win. But it surely’s sort of good to be highlighted and highlighted in a method.”
This text was initially revealed on OKC Thunder Wire: SGA and Jalen Williams focus on the significance of nationwide tv for KOC Thunder
