LAS VEGAS ([FOX5](http://fox5vegas.com/)) — The NBA Cup has arrived in Las Vegas for the semifinals and championship games, with four teams competing for the trophy and prize money.
From the Eastern Conference, the Orlando Magic and New York Knicks advanced to the semifinals. The Western Conference is represented by the Oklahoma City Thunder and San Antonio Spurs.
“It’s a tremendous opportunity to play on this stage,” said Orlando Magic forward Paolo Banchero.
“This type of atmosphere and what this is capable of being for us could be a huge thing for us,” said New York Knicks guard Jalen Brunson.
Las Vegas shows readiness for NBA expansion
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The NBA’s presence in Las Vegas continues to highlight the city’s readiness for an expansion team.
“Great host city for a lot of different reasons. Summer League is fantastic. For Vegas to get an NBA team, I’m all for it. Vegas seems to thrive when it comes to sports teams,” said Knicks head coach Mike Brown.
Prize money provides incentive
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While opinions vary on whether the NBA Cup benefits or disrupts the regular season flow, the prize money serves as an incentive. Players on the winning team will each receive $530,900.
“It’s cool. It’s something different. It’s something that you can win. It’s something that benefits a lot of people other than yourself. Like I said, it’s just another opportunity to win something, and so I got to go out there and compete,” Brunson said.
The semifinal games begin Saturday afternoon at T-Mobile Arena. The Eastern Conference final between the New York Knicks and Orlando Magic begins at 2:30 p.m, followed by the Western Conference final between the San Antonio Spurs and Oklahoma City Thunder at 6:00 p.m.
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