Viral Moments NBA Fans Missed From Record-Setting NBA All-Star Game
There wasn’t a whole lot of defense during the 2024 NBA All-Star Game, but those tuning in for some unparalleled offensive performances were treated to a record-setting display.
The Eastern Conference took home a big victory over the West, 211–186, racking up the highest scoring total ever in an All-Star Game, shattering the previous high of 196, which was set just last year by a team.
With so much scoring, there was plenty of highlight-worthy plays from some of the league’s most renowned superstars. Whether it was All-Star MVP Damian Lillard pulling up from half court, LeBron James throwing down his signature tomahawk jam, or Tyrese Haliburton setting the tone early in front of the home fans in Indianapolis, there was no shortage of viral moments from Sunday’s tilt.
Although he didn’t win MVP, Minnesota Timberwolves star Karl-Anthony Towns was on fire during the game, and the fourth quarter in particular, finishing with 50 points, including 18 of the West’s last 20 points.
KAT TURNAROUND THREE FOR 50.#NBAAllStar Game on TNT pic.twitter.com/71MGHezCoc
— NBA (@NBA) February 19, 2024
Who better to put the Eastern Conference past the 200-point threshold than Haliburton? The Indiana Pacers point guard scored 32 in his second All-Star appearance, including five straight threes during the first quarter.
200 PTS FOR THE EAST ???? pic.twitter.com/mJMaOQH9kx
— NBA TV (@NBATV) February 19, 2024
Lillard was showcasing his limitless range throughout his MVP performance, and he pulled up from half court on multiple occasions, making it look easy as he drained the shot from 41 feet out.
DAME PULLS UP FROM HALF COURT ???? pic.twitter.com/XnMjyr6Fx8
— NBA TV (@NBATV) February 19, 2024
Atlanta Hawks point guard Trae Young showed off his handles against Kevin Durant, dribbling the ball through the legs of the Phoenix Suns star before finishing at the rim.
Trae hops in his bag against KD! ???????? pic.twitter.com/WxgvQlVQ4Y
— NBA TV (@NBATV) February 19, 2024
Most of the All-Star highlights came on the offensive end, but Stephen Curry made sure at least some defense was played, ruthlessly denying Paolo Banchero of a dunk with an impressive block at the rim.
Steph's block on Paolo leads to the two-hand HAMMER from Ant! ???? pic.twitter.com/1jENZEkGFS
— NBA TV (@NBATV) February 19, 2024
Finally, with James making his NBA record 20th All-Star appearance, fans would have been remiss not to witness his signature tomahawk jam. Despite not logging many minutes on Sunday, James threw down a few dunks with authority in Indianapolis.
It doesn't get more "signature move" than these. https://t.co/6tv78lXQtY pic.twitter.com/p7wDvvhiok
— #NBAAllStar (@NBAAllStar) February 19, 2024