LeBron James and NBA players’ reactions to in-season tournament so far

Friday’s schedule gives us the second night of the in-season tournament group stage. However, for many NBA teams, this is their first exposure to the concept. Here are some initial thoughts from players and coaches on debuts this week or last week:

---

LeBron James, Lakers: It feels great because it’s an in-season championship win. We will accept that, we will definitely accept that. The prize is $500,000 (per player) – so we’re going to give it our all. We are working towards this.

Luka Doncic, Mavericks: Every game is important, especially in the season championships. … You have to win every game possible.

Keegan Murray, Kings

: The game is competitive right from the start. We’re into week two or three and we already have a playoff-like atmosphere.

Stephen Curry, Warriors: Very competitive. I think everyone is trying to get off to a good start in the year, add a little bit of energy to it with the atmosphere of an in-season tournament, the changes on the course and all of that.

Draymond Green, Warriors: We’re talking about this season’s championship, which is a playoff game. This is a fun game. The intensity level is right there. So, the NBA is doing great.

Tyrese Haliburton, Pacers: I thought it was fire. I love (palace) colors. It felt like I was in (NBA) 2K.

Jalen Suggs, Magic: It really feels like we are playing in the (football) Champions League.

Duncan Robinson, Heat: Big (starting 1-0). In the history of the in-season tournament, no one has ever won the tournament after losing the first game. So getting the first one was huge.

Jaylen Brown, Celtics: I wouldn’t choose the word excited, but ready. … If there’s a basketball game, our team will be ready. “

Hornets coach Steve Clifford: For our fan base and everyone, it’s not part of what we’re used to, but again if you watch European football it’s a big part of what they do. So our guys, a lot of the reason these guys are here is because they are the best competitors and this is another opportunity to compete. I do think that single elimination could become an exciting dynamic as people get used to it.

Coach Gregg Popovich, Spurs: I think the fans are more excited than we are. This gives them a lot to talk about. This seems like a harbinger of who will be there at the end of the year and who they can talk about. I think it will definitely create a more competitive environment among players.

Kings coach Mike Brown: I think that’s neat, you know? … I’m excited to be a part of the NBA and experience something new like this. We talked about it with our players, we talked about the point spread (as a tiebreaker) with them. We got a blowout game in Houston where they had the ball at the end of the game and violated the shot clock. Well, you can’t do that when it comes to in-season tournaments. Whether you’re going up or down.

** **

Steve Aschburner has been writing about the NBA since 1980.You can email him here , find his profile here and Follow him on Twitter.

The views expressed on this page do not necessarily reflect the views of the NBA, its clubs or Warner Bros. Discovery Channel.