The NBA All-Star Game Is Reverting to Its Old Format and Fan Reviews Are Mixed

The game will feature a battle of East vs. West with a traditional ending.

The NBA announced that this year’s All-Star Game will feature an Eastern Conference vs. Western Conference format, a return to the original format after years of trying alternative options.

In 2018, the NBA first moved away from East vs. West, opting instead for an All-Star draft featuring captains. The top two vote-getters drafted the rest of their teams in a televised draft instead of separating teams by region.

Additionally, the game will no longer feature the untimed fourth quarter with a target score, also called the “Elam Ending,” which was first introduced in 2020.

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The NBA today announced changes to the format for the 2024 NBA All-Star Game, which will be played on Sunday, Feb. 18 at Gainbridge Fieldhouse in Indianapolis, home of the Indiana Pacers. pic.twitter.com/nhb3A51fC2

— NBA Communications (@NBAPR) October 25, 2023

The league’s decision to revert back to conference vs. conference resulted in a variety of reactions, including many who believe it is the right move.

NBA returning to a traditional format for All-Star is cool. I’d like to see them switch it up every few years. US vs. World would be awesome sometime. Then bring back the draft at some point. Always do something to keep it fresh. https://t.co/iKnoOV1Zyz

— Kevin O'Connor (@KevinOConnorNBA) October 25, 2023

back to classic East vs West

i like it … NBA collecting some Ws lately https://t.co/wGCy57eCrW

— . (@Herrojuku) October 25, 2023

I’m so glad this is back to normal. Excited to see how the event continues to grow (and if OKC will ever get to host it). https://t.co/iYMkcEfd2n

— Kade Kimble (@kadekimble) October 25, 2023

Good. I never prescribed to the idea that All-Star Weekend needed to be "fixed" and even if it did, none of the changes went toward that end. https://t.co/Kkx0evRq1f

— Casey Holdahl (@CHold) October 25, 2023

I’m happy the NBA is going back to a West Vs. East All Star Game this season.

Makes the games better, and makes players have more pride in winning.

Good decision by Silver.

— SMJ (@SixthManJake) October 25, 2023

However, some people believe the “Elam Ending” should’ve stayed even if the team structure changed.

The focus is on the NBA getting rid of the All-Star Draft, but man, dumping the Elam Ending is dumb. It's a better format and I'm in favor of playing ALL games with it, not just exhibitions.

— Sam Quinn (@SamQuinnCBS) October 25, 2023

Getting rid of the Elam ending for the All-Star game doesn’t seem like a good move. Really enjoyed that format.

— Shane Young (@YoungNBA) October 25, 2023

Cool on East-West, but big thumbs down on no more Elam Ending/Target Score Time in the NBA ASG https://t.co/51SVl79kyz

— Avry's Sports Show (@Avry) October 25, 2023

I wished they had kept the Elam ending, I loved that but I do miss the East/West matchups https://t.co/hyFolX4SZz

— C-Him Punk (@Hurt_Angle) October 25, 2023

Eliminating target score from the All Star game is a huge mistake.

— Dave DuFour 🐲 (@DaveDuFourNBA) October 25, 2023

hard to sum up how cool the draft/target score made the 2020 all-star game. stinks they're scrapping it because one all-star game in salt lake city was boring. https://t.co/i84cyPvEb9

— Bill DiFilippo (@billdifilippo) October 25, 2023

This year’s All-Star Game will take place in Indianapolis on Sunday, Feb. 18, with the Pacers serving as hosts. Indiana last hosted an All-Star Game in 1985.