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NBA Completely Changes All-Star Game Format
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The NBA All-Star Game takes place on February 16th in Chicago, and it’s gonna play out a lot differently than it has in years past.
The NBA announced major changes to the All-Star format on Thursday, turning every quarter into a mini-game for charity before an untimed final quarter with a target score that will decide which team wins. Scores will be reset — back to 0-0 — at the start of the second and third quarters, then restored to begin the fourth quarter.
That’s where the tribute to Bryant and the No. 24 jersey he wore for the last decade of his NBA career comes into play. The team that wins the All-Star Game will be the first to reach a target score, determined by the total points the team in the lead scored in the first three quarters combined — plus 24, the obvious nod to Bryant.
This is an interesting idea, something new and unique and different instead of the score being 127-125 at the end of third quarter after both sides (understandably) played no defense. Add the charity element and break it up into smaller games instead.
Here are some more specific details from the league:
That seems… slightly complicated, but I get it. Maybe instead of adding up the scores from the first three quarters, they could have just played an untimed fourth and the first team to 24 wins.
Either way, I’m intrigued.
Kevin has been writing about Philadelphia sports since 2009. He spent seven years in the CBS 3 sports department and started with the Union during the team's 2010 inaugural season. He went to the academic powerhouses of Boyertown High School and West Virginia University. email - k.kinkead@sportradar.com