NBA Rebounds From Tank-Plagued Regular Season With Play-In Drama
Portland’s victory, Charlotte’s strong showing, and Golden State’s up-and-down games were a great warmup for the playoffs.
Deni Avdija (8) of the Portland Trail Blazers handles the ball against Collin Gillespie (12) of the Phoenix Suns during the second half of an NBA play-in tournament game at Mortgage Matchup Center in Phoenix, Ariz., on April 14, 2026. Christian Petersen/Getty Images
The Play-In Tournament was exactly what the NBA had been missing this season, even before the All-Star break.
The epidemic-level of tanking, otherwise known as non-competitive behavior, had combined with load management—reducing court time for healthy stars prior to the playoffs—and so-called schedule losses to drag some NBA games this season down to unwatchable status at times.
John E. Gibson
Author
John E. Gibson has covered pro baseball in Japan for about 20 years and brings great knowledge and insight across the sports spectrum. His experience includes stints at The Orange County Register, The Inland Valley Daily Bulletin, The Redlands Daily Facts and The Yomiuri Shimbun’s English newspaper in Tokyo.
