Stephen Curry, Paul Pierce, More React to New NBA All-Star Game Format

Megan ArmstrongSenior Analyst IFebruary 17, 2020

CHICAGO, ILLINOIS - FEBRUARY 16: LeBron James #2 of Team LeBron dribbles the ball while being guarded by Giannis Antetokounmpo #24 of Team Giannis in the fourth quarter during the 69th NBA All-Star Game at the United Center on February 16, 2020 in Chicago, Illinois. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. (Photo by Jonathan Daniel/Getty Images)

Jonathan Daniel/Getty Images

The 2020 NBA All-Star Game featured the Elam Ending for the first time Sunday in Chicago, which leaves the fourth quarter untimed and hinging on a target score.

That mark was 157, and the NBA explained that number came by taking Team Giannis' 133 points after three quarters and adding 24 to honor the late Kobe Bryant's retired Los Angeles Lakers jersey number.

The change went over well with active and former players who were watching from home:

NBA on ESPN @ESPNNBA
Steph was all of us watching the All-Star Game 😂 (via @ayeshacurry) https://t.co/xTAeUaxSsu

Paul Pierce @paulpierce34
All-Star Game 🔥🔥🔥🔥🔥

Tristan Thompson @RealTristan13
Amazing all star game so far !!!!

Spencer Dinwiddie @SDinwiddie_25
Well... the Elam ending worked!

Channing Frye @channingfrye
This is great

Kendrick Perkins @KendrickPerkins
Is this the NBA Finals I’m watching?

David West @D_West30
This is dope...Good block

Others also chimed in positively (NSFW language):

Kenny Smith @TheJetOnTNT
New format works! End of story ! #nbaallstar

Chance The Rapper @chancetherapper
This the best game of all time

Rachel Nichols @Rachel__Nichols
Charges, players nearing fouling out and a coach’s challenge - this may be the most amazing all-star game ever

Shea Serrano @SheaSerrano
yo this is fucking all-caps EXCELLENT i’m already excited for next year’s all-star game lol

Stephen A Smith @stephenasmith
This 4th QT of @NBA All-Star Game is an absolutely phenomenal look for the game of basketball. For these guys to be going at it like this — in an exhibition game —....you can’t ask for more than this. This is what fans crave and these players delivered.#ProudOfThemAll

The Basketball Tournament founder Jon Mugar told CBS Sports' James Herbert before the All-Star Game he feels "very optimistic" that the Elam Ending will ultimately be used "everywhere in basketball."

That's debatable, but the format seems to have solidified itself as the way forward for the All-Star Game.

Team LeBron overcame a 133-124 deficit entering the final frame to win 157-155.

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