Oklahoma City Thunder’s NBA Cup Journey Creates Scheduling Headaches
The Oklahoma City Thunder have once again made their mark in the NBA Cup tournament, advancing to the final four for the second consecutive season. This achievement highlights the team’s dominance in the early years of this in-season competition, with two trips to the semifinals in just three years. However, this success has not come without its complications, as scheduling challenges continue to arise.
Revisiting Last Year’s Challenges
Last season, the Thunder faced a grueling schedule after reaching the NBA Cup Championship, where they ultimately fell to the Milwaukee Bucks. Following their five-day stint in Las Vegas, the team had to board a flight to Florida for a back-to-back matchup against the Orlando Magic and Miami Heat. This whirlwind transition from the championship to regular season play underscored the difficulties of balancing tournament success with the demands of the NBA calendar.
Upcoming Back-to-Back Dilemmas
This year, the Thunder find themselves in a similar predicament. Their upcoming game against the L.A. Clippers was originally set for Wednesday, December 17, but following their semifinal victory over the San Antonio Spurs, the league adjusted the schedule, pushing the game back to December 18. Consequently, Oklahoma City will now face the Clippers before heading to Minnesota for another back-to-back matchup against the Timberwolves on December 19, which will be featured nationally on Amazon Prime.
A Recurrent Scheduling Issue
This recurring issue has plagued the NBA Cup since its inception. Teams that make deep runs in the tournament often find their December schedules more congested, particularly as those eliminated earlier enjoy lighter stretches. The league will need to address this persistent challenge, especially as it pertains to the broader conversation about the length of the NBA season.
The Toll of Extended Seasons
For the Thunder, the ramifications are significant. They are set to play an 83-game season for the second straight year, following a shortened offseason due to their title run. Adding a 14th back-to-back to their schedule only compounds the challenge. However, should Oklahoma City experience a setback in Las Vegas and see their 16-game winning streak come to an end, they could benefit from a rare four-day break before tackling the subsequent back-to-back. Such a hiatus is typically reserved for the NBA All-Star break, making it a unique opportunity in an otherwise demanding schedule.
As the Thunder navigate these scheduling complexities, their journey in the NBA Cup continues to reveal the intricacies of balancing tournament success with the rigors of a full NBA season.
