The All-Star weekend was concluded with a game-winning bucket from Damian Lillard of Team Giannis to beat Team LeBron, putting a full stop to LeBron James‘ five-game winning streak at the All-Star games. However, a few seem dissatisfied with how the game was played. Team Giannis, who took over the second half, did not concede a chance to their opponents as they defeated them 184-175.?
Among the All-Stars, Nikola Jokic, Jaylen Brown, and Michael Malone were not too happy with the format of the game. New All-Stars and players looking forward to an exciting and heated match-up ended up quickly trailing off the hype train.
Denver Stars and Celtics guard sound off after the All-Star game?
ADVERTISEMENT
Article continues below this ad
One of the two players selected from the Boston Celtics, Jaylen Brown, put up a team-high 35 points. Brown made his second All-Star appearance to play for ‘Team LeBron.’ However, the Celtics star did not seem happy about how the game was played this year. Nikola Jokic, who made his fifth All-Star appearance, also had a few words on the game.
The veteran coach of the Denver Nuggets, Michael Malone, made his second appearance in the All-Stars for Team LeBron. The Head Coach did not hold back after he, too, expressed his disappointment during the press conference.?
Michael Malone wasn’t a fan of the minimal defense played during the All-Star game 😅 pic.twitter.com/Hy87hDrP19
— NBA on ESPN (@ESPNNBA) February 20, 2023
“That’s not basketball,” Jaylen Brown said. Called the game a glorified “layup line” and said he hoped there was a way to make the game more competitive. Obviously no real defense played tonight
— Dan Woike (@DanWoikeSports) February 20, 2023
Brown, who battled it against his teammate Jayson Tatum, mentioned, “This is not basketball.”?A tweet from a fan, which shows the players watching the Celtics duo play one vs. one, helps sum up the story. Michael Malone did not beat around the bush, as he mentioned, “That’s the worst basketball game ever played. I don’t think you can fix this…?that is a tough game to sit through, I’m not gonna lie”.?
View this post on Instagram
ADVERTISEMENT
Article continues below this ad
The two-time MVP Nikola Jokic, when asked about his reaction on going no.7 in the draft, gave a harsh reality check. The MVP candidate replied, “No, I would not draft myself either. I am not meant for this game”
Nikola Jokic is not a fan of the All-Star game?
In the previous edition of the All-Star game in 2022, Jokic was pretty clueless about his role in an All-Star game. Fans seem convinced that Jokic has zero interest in playing an All-Star game. The Serbian center is about the league business, as he will look to win his first championship this year.
ADVERTISEMENT
Article continues below this ad
What are your thoughts on the All-Star game this year? Let us know in the comments below.
Watch this story: “Weirdest pre-game rituals for NBA stars like LeBron James, Nikola Jokic, Stephen Curry and others“