In a dazzling performance, Giannis Antetokounmpo led the Milwaukee Bucks to a convincing 146-122 victory over the New York Knicks, securing a spot in the NBA’s inaugural In-Season Tournament semifinals alongside teammate Damian Lillard.
As a unique incentive, every player on the Bucks has earned $100,000 for reaching the semifinals, showcasing the league’s commitment to encouraging player engagement in the new tournament format.
Giannis, upon learning about the financial reward, humorously remarked, “Are we getting money now? We got some money? The rich get richer.”
The NBA has structured the prize money for players based on their team’s performance in the In-Season Tournament:
- Players on teams losing in the quarterfinals receive $50,000 each.
- Players on teams losing in the semifinals earn $100,000 each.
- Those on the tournament runner-up team get $200,000 each.
- Players on the championship-winning team take home a substantial $500,000 each.
This significant financial motivation adds an extra layer of excitement and competition to the In-Season Tournament, with players striving to not only showcase their skills on the court but also to secure a substantial bonus for themselves and their teammates.
