NBA: The action of the 2024 All Star Weekend is over as the best talents around the association competed in their respected events.
The All-Star Game returned this year with a few changes, seeing it go back to the standard East vs. West battle with a traditional scoring system and four 12-minute quarters.
“It’s an indictment on the game and an indictment on the concept. It might’ve been something that’s worthwhile in another time but right now it’s hard to watch. Anyone with a modicum, a smidge of competitive instinct would be disgusted.”“It’s still worthwhile as honouring those who have performed to a level that they become NBA All-Stars, I have no problem with the recognition, but don’t play the game any more.
The historic points total is sure to reignite the debate on how to make the All-Star game competitive, with NBA commissioner Adam Silver even awkwardly congratulating the East for breaking the record for most points in a game. Thunder guard Shai Gilgeous-Alexander, meanwhile, had a team-high seven 3s as he finished with 31 points, five assists, four rebounds and a steal.
The East led 53-47 after a high-scoring opening quarter, with 3-point shooting the biggest difference between the two teams as the East went 13-for-27 from deep while the West were just 5-for-15. Meanwhile, there is no such disruption for the Western Conference as a star-studded starting line-up features three MVP candidates in Luka Doncic, Shai Gilgeous-Alexander and Nikola Jokic.James will be suiting up for an NBA-record 20th All-Star game, telling reporters the chance to share a locker room with some of the best players in the league is still something he does not take for granted.
“I did seek treatment the last few days, trying to get my ankle as strong and as back to where I feel confident that I can finish off this last third of the season,” James said.