Inside The Celtics

Jayson Tatum, Jaylen Brown Combine for 56 Points as Eastern Conference Makes All-Star Game History

The Eastern Conference made history, defense was non-existent, and the 2024 NBA All-Star Game got capped by controversy regarding the MVP decision.

Bobby Krivitsky

Trevor Ruszkowski-USA TODAY Sports
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Jayson Tatum buried the first bucket, drilling a corner three. After he broke the ice at the 2024 NBA All-Star Game, there was a steady stream of scoring that non-existent defense wasn't going to contain.

The two teams combined for 193 points at halftime, with the Eastern Conference leading the West 104-89 at intermission.

And while LeBron James, Stephen Curry, and Co. made a run to pull within 12 in the third frame, the East quickly pushed their advantage back into the 20s.

They entered the fourth quarter with a 160-136 edge. They utilized the final 12 minutes to become the first NBA All-Star team to score at least 200 points, earning a 211-186 win.

Tatum, starting in the All-Star Game for the fourth straight year and participating in the event for the fifth time, finished with 20 points on 8/13 shooting, including faring 4/9 from beyond the arc. One of those makes from three-point range came after an underhanded dish from Jaylen Brown.

He also registered three assists, three rebounds, a steal, and a block. For those worried about his minutes, he only logged 22.

As for Brown, playing in the league's marquee exhibition contest for the third time, he ended the evening with 36 points, the second-most for the East, and eight rebounds, including five at the offensive end. He also distributed three assists and swiped a steal during his 22 minutes on the floor.

Damian Lillard, who led the East with 39 points, knocking down 14/26 shots, including 11/23 from behind the arc, pairing that with six assists, earned All-Star Game MVP honors.

That decision got met by a chorus of boos from the crowd at Gainbridge Fieldhouse, who wanted to see that go to Indiana Pacers star Tyrese Haliburton. The hosts's lone representative in the matchup finished with 32 points, seven rebounds, and six assists in the win. 

Further Reading

Jayson Tatum Addresses Discourse Around His MVP Candidacy

Jaylen Brown Doesn't Win Dunk Contest but Delivers Most Poignant Moment

Kristaps Porzingis Shares How First Season with Celtics Compares to His Expectations: 'Haven't Stopped Smiling'

Jayson Tatum's Approach vs. Nets Tale of Two Halves and Steadfast Commitment

Brad Stevens Discusses Celtics' Plan for Final Roster Spot

Brad Stevens Sheds Light on Celtics' Motivations for Xavier Tillman Trade

Marcus Smart Shares How Boston Shaped Him, His Message to Celtics Fans

Celtics Maturation Molded by Experience: 'It Builds, Like, an Armor'

Jaylen Brown Quieting Doubters, Validating What He Always Believed: 'Earn Everybody's Trust'

Joe Mazzulla Discusses Identity, Evolution of Celtics' Offense: 'Balance of Pace and Execution'

Jaylen Brown Shares His View of What Defines 'Celtics Basketball'

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Bobby Krivitsky
BOBBY KRIVITSKY

Bobby Krivitsky's experiences include covering the NBA as a credentialed reporter for Basketball Insiders. He's also a national sports talk host for SportsMap Radio, a network airing on 96 radio stations throughout the country. Additionally, he was a major-market host, update anchor, and producer for IMG Audio, and he worked for Bleacher Report as an NFL and NBA columnist.

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