The 2024 NBA All-Star Game was a ridiculously high-scoring affair, with the Eastern Conference dropping 104 points in the first half.
By the end of the third quarter, the scoreboard read 160–136, with the East holding a 24-point lead over the Western Conference, and nearly 300 points combined between the two teams. By game’s end, the Eastern Conference scored a record-setting 211 points, shattering the previous All-Star Game high of 196.
Despite the accumulation of the league’s most elite talent, fans weren’t pleased with the product on the court on Sunday night at Gainbridge Fieldhouse in Indianapolis.
As is often the case during NBA All-Star Games, there was a total lack of defensive effort, with players getting open shots at will and getting to the basket uncontested. Amid the onslaught of players pulling up from the logo and beyond, as well as the multitude of open dunks without a defender in sight, many basketball fans were left longing for a much more competitive showdown.
That was dreadful. Again. I am beginning to think this game is irredeemable. I am not sure why even minimal defense effort is beyond this generation of All-Stars. But it may be time to end this game if they can't give more of a damn than that.
— David Aldridge (@davidaldridgedc) February 19, 2024
It’s funny that we spend so much time on All Star Starters/Subs/Snubs and then the game always sucks ass.
— Bill Simmons (@BillSimmons) February 19, 2024
I don't know what the NBA can do to fix the All-Star Game. It's a lay-up and dunk line out there. You can't make guys care about a game they don't care about. Maybe it's like the Pro Bowl at this point and there's no fixing it. I always think "this" year will be different. Nope.
— Arash Markazi (@ArashMarkazi) February 19, 2024
All joking aside. The NBA has an issue with events. The season is too long, regular season games don't feel special. And on the one night where they can showcase the actual product to casual fans/general public, this is what gets delivered. It's not great, Bob.
— Dan Woike (@DanWoikeSports) February 19, 2024
there's only one way to fix the NBA All-Star Game: the winning conference should get to decide who has homefield advantage in the World Series
— Rodger Sherman (@rodger) February 19, 2024
The two most powerful sports leagues in America — the NFL & the NBA — continue to have unwatchable All-Star Games.
— Darren Rovell (@darrenrovell) February 19, 2024
What if one year the All-Star game was the 12 best defensive players vs. the 12 best offensive players and everyone decided to try hard.
— Michael Pina (@MichaelVPina) February 19, 2024
Not everyone was opposed to the barrage of three-pointers, however. Some fans were enjoying the silliness of the event and getting the chance to see their favorite players let loose and showcase their offensive capabilities.
The NBA All-Star Game is the greatest of the all-star games, and it's not close.
— Darin Gantt (@daringantt) February 19, 2024
And before you go to argue, you don't actually like defense, you just feel like you're supposed to say you do. Give in. Let the points wash over you.
