The 2024 NBA All Star Game set the record for the most points scored in the game’s 73-year history, with the Western Conference beating the Eastern Conference 211-186. The ASG MVP, Damian Lillard, put up 39 points, 3 boards, 6 assists and a steal on a 53% FG% for the East. Timberwolves PF Karl Anthony-Towns led the West, tallying 50 points, 8 rebounds, and 3 assists on a 65% FG%. While the plethora of scoring may seem enjoyable on the forefront, many NBA fans vented their frustrations around social media in reaction to the lack of defence.
What is the Problem?
The low stakes and lack of effort defensively from the players makes the All Star Game lack excitement from certain fans’ perspectives. There’s a reason why last year’s NBA ASG was the least watched edition of the All Star Game since (at least) 2003. Luckily for the NBA, Sabrina Ionescu and Stephen Curry’s duel drew in 5.4 million viewers according to TNT, the highest total of the night. This style could be something utilized in the future to make the NBA All Star Game a more exhilarating event.
According to SportsMediaWatch, 1993’s NBA All Star Game in Salt Lake City drew in a whopping 22.914 million viewers. The thrilling contest went into overtime, with the West coming out on top over the East by a score of 135-132. Stars like Michael Jordan, Shaquille O’Neal, and Hakeem Olajuwon all participated. Defensively, there were a total of 40 blocks and steals between both squads. The defensive intensity was clearly present. With the defensive intensity lacking throughout the 2010s and 2020s, the overall viewership is justifiably declining. The contest hasn’t reached 10 million viewers since 2003.
The NBA Has a Huge Responsibility
The NBA All Star Game will not improve until the players begin to care again. It’s up to Adam Silver and the NBA to make the game great like it was in 1993. The All Star Game is supposed to be an event that gathers the top talents in the NBA and provides basketball that demonstrates each player’s talents. If the defensive intensity can increase in the coming years, perhaps the All Star Game can return to being one of the most exciting events in sports.