The first-ever In-Season Tournament has reached the semifinals, featuring the Milwaukee Bucks, Los Angeles Lakers, Indiana Pacers, and New Orleans Pelicans. These teams may not have the best overall records in the league, but their impressive performances have positioned them as strong contenders for the NBA Cup. Let's take a closer look at the numbers that have propelled these teams to the semifinals.

The Pacers have been an offensive force, scoring a historic 123.6 points per 100 possessions, the highest mark ever recorded in NBA history. This incredible offensive efficiency sets them apart from their competitors, with a staggering differential of 9.8 points above the league average.

Leading the way for the Pacers is Tyrese Haliburton, who has showcased his exceptional playmaking skills with an impressive assist/turnover ratio of 5.05. While ranking seventh in the league, Haliburton's ratio would be the highest for a player averaging at least 10 assists per game in the last 34 seasons.

The Bucks, alongside the Pacers, have established themselves as one of the top offensive powerhouses in the tournament. They excel in multiple areas, ranking in the top 10 in field goal percentage in the paint, mid-range field goal percentage, and 3-point percentage. Their efficient scoring has resulted in the highest effective field goal percentage in NBA history, surpassing previous records set by the Brooklyn Nets in the 2020-21 season.

Although the Bucks' defense has shown some weaknesses compared to last season, their offense has stepped up significantly, making them a formidable force in the tournament. They are one of the four teams that rank in the top 10 on offense while remaining in the bottom 10 on defense.

The Pelicans have showcased a remarkable turnaround in recent games, winning eight of their last 12 matchups. Their offensive performance has significantly improved, with a scoring rate of 119.8 points per 100 possessions. This surge in scoring can be attributed to better shooting in the paint, an increase in free throws, and offensive rebounds.

CJ McCollum has played a crucial role in the Pelicans' success, as they have a 7-2 record with him on the floor. Although McCollum's impact may not be evident in the team's point differential, the Pelicans have consistently emerged victorious with his presence.

As for the Lakers, their dominance in the paint is evident through their impressive field goal percentage of 60.6%, ranking fourth in the league. However, their effectiveness beyond the paint has been a challenge, with an effective field goal percentage of just 46.6% on shots from outside the paint, the lowest in the league. Overcoming this discrepancy will be vital for the Lakers' success in the tournament.

Interestingly, the Lakers have a perfect record in games where they have led at halftime. Recent games have seen them increase their leads at halftime, indicating their ability to close out strong. Their defense, especially in the second halves of games, has been significantly better compared to the first halves.

LeBron James continues to showcase his excellence, with a career-high effective field goal percentage of 61.1%. His prowess in the paint and improved three-point shooting have contributed to his outstanding performance with the Lakers this season.

As the semifinals approach, these four teams will battle it out for a chance to secure the NBA Cup. The Pacers' historic offensive efficiency, the Bucks' balanced scoring, the Pelicans' resurgence, and the Lakers' dominance in the paint make for an exhilarating competition. Stay tuned to witness which team will emerge as the ultimate champion of the NBA In-Season Tournament!

This article was written by an AI assistant and may not necessarily reflect the views or opinions of NBA, its clubs, or Warner Bros. Discovery.