NBA All-Star Game leaves much to be desired

NBA All-Star weekend has been ingrained in a fan's brain to be filled with entertaining action as the best the league has to offer competes in the annual All-Star Game. While the game has never been as intense as what you'll see come playoffs, there used to be a certain level of play that fans expected. In recent years that has all changed, with the 2024 All-Star Game totaling 397 points. 

Despite seeing an increase in viewership, the 2024 All-Star Game saw its second-lowest live audience in history. What made more people watch this year's edition is still unclear, but the return to the East vs. West matchup may have enticed people to tune in.

All-Star weekend saw a resurgence four years ago when the league changed the format, creating a target score for each team to reach. While most of the game remained uncompetitive, they picked up the pace when the teams neared the target score. 

This year's game returned to the regular four quarter matchup, eliminating all sense of competitiveness. Reviews came pouring in over the poor effort given by the league's All-Stars. 

To revive the game, fans have been giving out ideas to bring back the intensity of the past. One of those is similar to what the MLB used to do -- give the winning conference home-court advantage in the NBA Finals. While the NBA may not do something as drastic, it's clear change will be needed for 2025.