NBA All-Star Game Returns to Classic East vs. West Format

The latest iteration of the NBA All-Star Game saw a nostalgic return to its roots with the classic Team East versus Team West format. This marked the first time since 2017 that the exhibition game directly pitted the top players from the Eastern and Western Conferences against each other.

Reflecting on the history of the All-Star Game, Kevin Durant expressed his desire for players to don their respective team jerseys once again.

“I like East and West always. I like playing conference versus conference, the traditional way that I grew up on. Hopefully, we go back to playing in our own jerseys too,” Durant remarked following the 2024 All-Star Game in Indianapolis. “Traditional way, the way that the picking teams, all that stuff, it doesn’t matter. It’s all about the product on the court and celebrating the best players in the league at that moment.”

Since 2003, special All-Star uniforms have become the norm, marking a departure from the era where players wore jerseys representing their NBA teams. The 2002 All-Star Game stands as the last instance of players sporting their team’s attire.

In his 14th All-Star Game appearance, Phoenix Suns forward Kevin Durant showcased his prowess with 18 points, five assists, five rebounds, and two steals for Team West. Despite his efforts, Team East emerged victorious. The game, held at Gainbridge Fieldhouse, saw the establishment of new records for the most points scored by a single team, the highest combined points, and the most three-pointers made.

“Hard to play defense when somebody is shooting 30-, 40-footers. Great display of shooting tonight. Record-setting points was pretty cool,” Durant commented on the remarkable performance.