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

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

Megan ArmstrongFeb 16, 2020

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:

TOP NEWS

Bleacher Report1d

With Jayson Tatum sidelined, Celtics' fourth-quarter comeback falls short in Game 7 loss to 76ers

Bleacher Report20h

DENVER NUGGETS VS GOLDEN STATE WARRIORS, NBA

Bleacher Report20h

Others also chimed in positively (NSFW language):

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.