Boston Celtics star Jaylen Brown was one of many to express their disappointment in the quality of play in the NBA All-Star Game.
The NBA All-Star Game has come and gone, and once again, the quality of play is a topic of discussion. Specifically, it was the lack of defense from the players on the court that became criticized. At the end of Sunday night, it was Team Giannis that was victorious, as they defeated Team LeBron 184-175.
After the game, the quality of play was brought up to those who participated in the event. Boston Celtics star Jaylen Brown said that the game was “not basketball,” and was like a “glorified layup line.” Brown said that they need to find a way to make the All-Star Game “a bit more competitive,” but said if the fans like it “that’s all that matters.”
Brown’s comments come courtesy of NBA Twitter personality Rob Perez.
Jaylen Brown calls NBA All-Star Game a ‘glorified layup line’
Brown wasn’t the only one to express disappointment in the game. Denver Nuggets head coach Michael Malone, who coached Team LeBron, said that the All-Star Game was “the worst basketball game” he’s ever seen. When asked how he would fix it, he said he’s not sure if it can.
Malone’s comments come courtesy of Altitude TV’s Vic Lombardi.
“I give Joel Embiid, Kyrie Irving those guys were like competing. Joel was imploring some of the guys to play harder, to try to get some defense in,” said Malone. “But, no one got hurt, they put on a show for the fans, but that is a tough game to sit through, I’m not going to lie.”
In the game, Brown scored a Team LeBron-high 35 points while shooting 16-for-27 from the field and 3-for-12 from the three-point line.
Brown’s teammate, Jayson Tatum, won the NBA All-Star Game MVP award after scoring 55 points (22-for-31 from the field, 10-for-18 from the 3-point line), which is now the highest point total recorded by a player in the event’s history.
It will be interesting to see what the NBA will do regarding the format of the All-Star Game, considering they have not only heard complaints from fans, but also from players and coaches who were participating in the event.