(Indianapolis) The NBA wanted more competition, but instead it got more points – more than ever before. Once again, his All-Star Game was a display of offensive play.
The Eastern Association defeated that of the West 211-186 on Sunday, beating the mark of 196 points established by the West in 2016 in 73 editions.
“We had fun,” said East captain Giannis Antetokounmpo, representing the Milwaukee Bucks.
Several records were set. The 397 point total erased 374 in 2017, while the 42 three-pointers topped the 35 by Team LeBron in 2019. The 193 combined points after the first half were more than last year’s 191 . The East’s 104 points in the first half tied a record for a half in the history of this competition.
Damian Lillard scored 39 points for the East. Jaylen Brown totaled 36 and Indiana Pacers color wearer Tyrese Haliburton finished the game with 32 points in front of his fans.
“To be able to accomplish this kind of feat, it’s special,” Lillard said.
PHOTO KYLE TERADA, USA TODAY SPORTS VIA REUTERS CON
LeBron James (23)
In the loss, Karl-Anthony Towns amassed 50 points in just 28 minutes of play. Shai Gilgeous-Alexander added 31 points to the scoreboard.
“The precision of the East’s shots was incredible,” said Kevin Durant, who played with the West’s team. It’s hard to play defense when 30 or 40 foot throws are going over your head. »
Defensiveness was optional, sometimes accidental.
NBA Commissioner Adam Silver and other league executives wanted to see a more competitive All-Star Game after last year’s 184-175 scoreline was criticized — and television ratings fell sharply.
Even Hall of Famer Larry Bird, honored Sunday at the NBA Legends Brunch, said he hoped the league’s message of taking the All-Star Classic more seriously would resonate with players.
“I know what this league is and I’m very proud of it,” Bird said. I am proud of today’s players. I like the game they play. »
“I think it’s very important when you have the best players in the world together, you have to compete, you have to play seriously and you have to show the fans how good you really are. »
The next All-Star Game is scheduled to take place on February 16, 2025 at the Chase Center in San Francisco, where the Golden State Warriors play their home games.