If this year’s NBA All-Star Game looked unfamiliar, it wasn’t just the change in team formats; it featured some actual basketball. Down from last year’s unholy 374 combined points, tonight’s game resembled something closer to the one the Indiana Pacers and Brooklyn Nets partook in in the season opener.
There was defense, there were free throws, guys were angry at the officials. There were trips to the Replay Center and actual traveling violations. Sure there were still 123 three point attempts, but the overall play made it an exciting All-Star Game to watch, especially late as the game came down to the wire, Team LeBron edging Team Stephen 148-145.