The NBA In-Season Tournament, also known as the NBA Cup, was introduced to add more excitement to the early part of the basketball calendar. But one of the most common questions fans ask is: Do NBA Cup games count toward the regular season standings?
Short Answer: Yes — Most NBA Cup Games Count for the Regular Season
All NBA In-Season Tournament group-stage and quarterfinal games are considered regular season games and count toward each team’s 82-game record. That means player stats, wins, and losses from those games are officially included in the standings.
What Doesn’t Count Toward the Regular Season?
Only the semifinals and championship game of the NBA Cup do not count toward the regular season. Those matchups are considered extra games for the teams that advance, meaning the two finalists end up playing 83 total games instead of the usual 82.
Breakdown of How It Works
- Group Stage:
- Each team plays four games — two at home and two on the road.
- All of these games count toward both the NBA Cup standings and the regular season record.
- Knockout Rounds (Quarterfinals):
- The top eight teams advance.
- Quarterfinal matchups still count as regular season games.
- Semifinals and Final (in Las Vegas):
- These are not regular season games.
- Stats and results are recorded separately, though they still impact tournament outcomes and MVP considerations.
Why the NBA Designed It This Way
The NBA wanted to ensure the In-Season Tournament mattered from day one. By making most of the tournament games count toward the regular season, players and coaches have a real incentive to compete hard — while fans get meaningful basketball earlier in the schedule.
It also prevents “extra fatigue” concerns since teams aren’t adding more than one additional game unless they reach the final.
Prize Money and Awards Still Add Motivation
Even though the semifinals and finals don’t count for the standings, the NBA Cup still offers major incentives:
- Each player on the winning team earns $500,000.
- The runner-up players receive $200,000.
- A special NBA Cup MVP award is also given.
Summary
| Stage | Counts Toward Regular Season? | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Group Stage | ✅ Yes | All 4 games count |
| Quarterfinals | ✅ Yes | Counts toward 82-game total |
| Semifinals | ❌ No | Extra game for advancing team |
| Championship | ❌ No | Final game in Las Vegas |
Final Takeaway
So, yes — NBA Cup games mostly count for the regular season. Only the final two matchups in Las Vegas are separate. The rest directly affect the standings, making the NBA In-Season Tournament both competitive and meaningful from start to finish.