Game 22: Memphis Grizzlies (14-7) vs. Dallas Mavericks (13-8) | 7:30pm CST

[MarkAguirreWrathofGod]

I had a similar feeling before last year, and was still on the fence a bit this year. But...

1) The players actually seem into it. It's probably just about the time in Vegas and the extra money, which several have brought up, but...

2) The resulting situation is that we, the fans, get to watch something resembling playoff basketball. In November. The teams aren't as sharp as they will be at the end of the season, but it's obvious they're playing just as hard, which was, I think, the league's thinking all along, that this could be a way to address the growing perception that NBA teams don't "try" during the regular season. 

I don't really care who wins this thing, but I don't hate that we're getting to watch better basketball right now.

A valid perspective. I can’t be convinced winning the cup means anything or by the Jazian Gortman as Tiny Tim narrative. But if it results in better basketball it’s worth it.