Knicks coach Tom Thibodeau defends NBA play-in tournament

The NBA's play-in tournament has faced some criticism over the past few days, with Mavericks star Luka Doncic and owner Mark Cuban both voicing their displeasure with the new system. But Knicks head coach Tom Thibodeau defended the play-in tournament, saying that it was a good way to have more teams playing meaningful games.

"I think there are a lot of benefits to it," he said of the play-in after the Knicks' win over the Pelicans on Wednesday.

Thibodeau acknowledged the concerns from Cuban but said that it was too soon to say whether the play-in was a success or failure, as we can't really know until we get to see it in action after the regular season finishes.

"And so I think we have to let it play out first and then assess it again," Thibodeau said. "But I think a lot of a lot of teams being involved in important games, I think that that's good for the league."

The play-in tournament was first introduced last season in the Orlando bubble but was approved by the NBA Board of Bovernors, which includes Cuban, for the upcoming season. The mini-tournament is meant to give the ninth and tenth-seeded teams a chance to make the postseason as well.