The NBA is exploring the possibility of altering the format of the upcoming All-Star Game in San Francisco, Commissioner Adam Silver revealed on Saturday night.
Silver has been advocating for a more competitive All-Star event for some time. Last season, the Eastern Conference defeated the Western Conference 211–186, resulting in the highest combined score in the game’s 73-year history and the first instance of a team surpassing 200 points.
“We’re considering different formats,” Silver stated, without specifying potential changes. “There is no question that the players were also disappointed with last year’s All-Star Game. We all aim to enhance the level of competition and entertainment for our fans.”
Silver mentioned that the league is contemplating transforming the All-Star Game into a “non-traditional game format,” although he did not elaborate on what that might entail.
In recent years, the league has experimented with various modifications to the All-Star formula. These include replacing the traditional East vs. West matchup with a draft system led by team captains and implementing an untimed fourth quarter with a target score to ensure the game concludes on a made basket.
Last year, the game reverted to the conventional format of four full 12-minute quarters, pitting the East against the West. It turned out to be a high-scoring affair, with both teams attempting a combined total of 168 3-pointers and scoring nearly 400 points.
“It was clearly lacking in intensity,” remarked Indiana’s Tyrese Haliburton following the game in Indianapolis, where five players scored over 30 points, and Karl-Anthony Towns notched 50 points off the bench on 35 shots.
With the All-Star Game scheduled for Feb. 16 in San Francisco, Silver has enlisted the help of Golden State star Stephen Curry to devise strategies for enhancing competitiveness this season. Any changes would likely necessitate involvement from the National Basketball Players Association.
“It’s a home game for him,” Silver noted, referring to Curry, with whom he has had “direct conversations” on the subject. “I know he takes great pride in ensuring that players give their best performance.”
Curry previously mentioned that players had discussed ways to intensify the All-Star Game. The league has been striving for a more competitive contest in the hopes of boosting television ratings and generating increased interest from fans.
“I believe everyone was disappointed with what transpired last year,” Silver remarked. “It wasn’t just the league; the players and the players’ association shared that sentiment. We all did our best, especially in Indiana, a basketball hotbed, expecting a more competitive game.”
Silver emphasized that the All-Star Game is not expected to replicate the intensity of playoff matchups. He disclosed that league executives have formed a committee to engage with team representatives and the players’ association to seek a resolution.
“We want to introduce something that excites both the fans and the players, creating enthusiasm for participation,” Silver stated.
While the league is not yet ready to pursue expansion plans formally, Silver has indicated that expansion remains a significant project on the horizon. Las Vegas, Seattle, and Mexico City are frequently mentioned as potential expansion sites. Should expansion occur, Silver envisions adding two franchises to bring the league’s total to 32 teams.
“Nothing has been finalized, and we have yet to decide on expansion,” Silver noted. “If we were to expand, it would likely involve adding two cities to maintain an even number of teams and potentially necessitate adjustments to the conference setup.”
Fans can anticipate another showdown akin to Stephen Curry vs. Sabrina Ionescu at this year’s All-Star Game. Curry and Ionescu have expressed interest in replicating their matchup from last season, with discussions already underway about incorporating additional sharpshooters like Caitlin Clark.
“The Sabrina-Steph shootout generated significant interest last year,” Silver remarked. “We aim to build on that moving forward.”
By Tim Reynolds
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