NBA All-Star Game Struggles to Find Its Spark Despite New Format

The 74th NBA All-Star Game on Sunday introduced a fresh mini-tournament format in an attempt to revive the event, but reactions from players and fans suggest the league is still searching for the perfect formula. While there were brief moments of competitive basketball, the night felt more like a variety show than a high-stakes game.

A Confusing New Format?

The event, held in San Francisco, featured four teams—three made up of 24 All-Stars and one of rising stars—competing in games played to 40 points. Shaq’s OGs won the tournament, defeating Chuck’s Global Stars, but the overall reaction to the format was lukewarm at best.

• “A little weird,” said Clippers guard James Harden.
• “This ain’t basketball,” added Warriors forward Draymond Green, rating the format a 0 out of 10.
• Timberwolves star Anthony Edwards, sidelined with a groin injury, bluntly answered “No” when asked if he liked the new style.

More Entertainment, Less Basketball

Instead of fast-paced action, the night was filled with long breaks, musical performances, and even a tribute to TNT’s final All-Star broadcast. In fact, the TNT tribute during the final game lasted longer than the game itself.

Boston Celtics All-Star Jaylen Brown criticized the excessive stoppages:
“If you want guys to play hard, be physical, and be competitive, it’s not ideal to stop like that.”

Dallas Mavericks guard Kyrie Irving was seen running drills on his own during one of the lengthy breaks just to stay warmed up.

Star Players Sitting Out

The game also suffered from key players opting out:

• LeBron James arrived late and sat out due to ankle soreness.
• Giannis Antetokounmpo missed the game and suggested an alternative format, saying a USA vs. World matchup would be “more exciting.”

Despite the setbacks, Kevin Durant saw a silver lining:
“I think the competitive nature is starting to creep back in. Tonight was way better than before.”

Can the NBA Fix the All-Star Game?

Fans and analysts are calling for changes, with East vs. West or USA vs. the World emerging as the most popular suggestions. A focus on basketball—rather than extended breaks—could bring back the game’s edge.

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