Knicks' Jalen Brunson Says East NBA All-Stars Decided at Halftime to Score 200 Points

The Eastern Conference was on pace to hit 200 points by halftime of the 2024 NBA All-Star Game, and its players made a concerted effort to maintain that pace in the second half.

New York Knicks guard Jalen Brunson told reporters after the game that scoring 200 "was a goal of ours," one they collectively decided on during the intermission period.

Fans have become accustomed to seeing little to no defense during the All-Star Game, but things may have reached a critical mass Sunday night.

The two teams combined to attempt 289 shots, including 168 threes. Minnesota Timberwolves star Karl-Anthony Towns went off for 50 points, while four of the East's five starters had at least 20 points. This was an exhibition in every sense of the word.

The irony is that commissioner Adam Silver reverted to the traditional format for the All-Star Game in the belief it would lead to a more competitive contest. Instead, the East set a scoring mark for the annual showcase, and that wasn't the only record to fall.

Indiana Pacers star Tyrese Haliburton stated the obvious when he said the All-Star Game "wasn't high intensity at all."

Absent another change to the event's structure, it might only be a matter of time before the East or West drops 250 points.