Following the conclusion of the 2024 NBA All-Star Weekend in Indianapolis, the league is set to resume its regular schedule. The weekend showcased a series of events, starting with the Celebrity Game where Dallas Cowboys linebacker Micah Parsons was named MVP after leading Team Shannon to a 100-91 victory over Team Stephen A.
In the Skills Challenge, Team Pacers emerged victorious with players like Tyrese Haliburton, Myles Turner, and Bennedict Mathurin showcasing their skills. The 3-point competition saw Damian Lillard of the Milwaukee Bucks successfully defend his title with a clutch money ball shot.
The highlight of the weekend was the All-Star Game where the East All-Stars set a new record for the most points scored in an All-Star Game with a 211-186 win over the West. This high-scoring game sparked discussions about the level of competitiveness among the players.
In the Celebrity All-Star Game, online streamer Kai Cenat generated buzz by promoting his progress leading up to the game. Despite the hype, Cenat finished with four points and issued an apology to his fans post-game.
The 3-point contest between Sabrina Ionescu and Stephen Curry brought excitement to Lucas Oil Stadium. Curry emerged as the winner with 29 points, while Ionescu impressed with 26 points, emphasizing that shooting skills transcend gender.
The Slam Dunk Contest judges faced criticism for their scoring, with Jaylen Brown's dunk over Cenat and Jacob Toppin's impressive dunk receiving lower scores than expected. Players around the league expressed their thoughts on social media regarding the judging.
Luka Doncic's shot selection during the All-Star Game raised eyebrows, particularly a long-range attempt before halftime that drew attention. Despite criticism, Doncic defended his decision with a post during halftime.
As the All-Star Game concluded with a high-scoring outcome, former players expressed dissatisfaction with the competitiveness of the event. Suggestions for revamping the All-Star Game were proposed, indicating a desire for a more engaging basketball holiday in the future.
