“I didn’t expect tonight to be as competitive as it was,” said Team LeBron Coach Dwane Casey, who normally presides over the Raptors. But you also couldn’t miss the sheer number of players on the floor representing countries other than the United States. The N.B.A., mind you, has so far shown a willingness to implement a United States vs. Rest of the World template only for its Rising Stars game, which features first- and second-year players. It’s tantalizing, then, to wonder if the notion of a U.S.A./World format for the actual All-Star Game will someday get serious consideration. And that would obviously bring some life back to the All-Star Game if we’re still struggling to find some.”In large part due to how engaged James was on Sunday night and the example he set, sufficient life was restored to the All-Star Game to allow time for more contemplation and discussion.

Source: New York Times February 19, 2018 15:29 UTC