Donovan Mitchell On NBA All-Star Game Changes

Cleveland Cavaliers guard Donovan Mitchell says that changes to the NBA All-Star game aren't "going to happen overnight."

The Eastern Conference conceivably beat the Western Conference in the 2024 All-Star Game on Sunday night. However, that victory was still met with criticism from those who watched the game. 

Both teams combined to score 397 points and there were a total of 168 three-pointers attempted in the game. The lack of intensity and competitiveness definitely rubbed some fans the wrong way.

Cleveland Cavaliers guard Donovan Mitchell commented on the state of the All-Star Game and what needs to change to get it back to a competitive event. 

"Today was the first time in like three years where it's kind of like a regular routine," said Mitchell following the game. "You know where you are, you know where your locker room is. But, I think there's definitely more we can do as players to get it there. It's not just going to happen overnight. We gotta find a way, whatever that balance is. It's been done, so we just gotta find a way. But I like this better than the draft pick. It's just East, West, and play."

In the end, Mitchell scored nine points and shot 33% (3-9) from the floor with all of his shot attempts coming from behind the three-point arc. He only played 16 minutes in the game which was the second fewest on the East's roster. For reference, Damian Lillard played the most minutes at 28.

Feb 18, 2024; Indianapolis, Indiana, USA; Western Conference forward Anthony Davis (3) of the Los Angeles Lakers shoots the ball over Eastern Conference guard Donovan Mitchell (45) of the Cleveland Cavaliers during the first quarter in the 73rd NBA All Star game at Gainbridge Fieldhouse. Mandatory Credit: Trevor Ruszkowski-USA TODAY Sports / © Trevor Ruszkowski-USA TODAY Sports

The All-Star Game wasn't always like this. Even just a few years ago during the 2020 game fans got to see the NBA's best players give 100% effort in the final quarter of the game while they tried to hit the target score. 

Perhaps there can be some common ground in terms of bringing back elements of that game while still keeping the East vs. West concept Mitchell and other players seem to enjoy.