Knicks' Jalen Brunson Not Among NBA All-Star Game Starters

New York Knicks point guard Jalen Brunson has a little more work to do if he's going to reach his first NBA All-Star Game.

New York Knicks point guard Jalen Brunson was not among the Eastern Conference starters for the 2024 NBA All-Star Game in Indianapolis. 

The reveal was made during the pregame show of TNT's national Thursday coverage: the Eastern backcourt spots were instead earned by Tyrese Haliburton of the hosting Indiana Pacers and Damian Lillard of the Milwaukee Bucks. The Eastern frontcourt will be led by Giannis Antetokounmpo (Milwaukee), Joel Embiid (Philadelphia), and Jayson Tatum (Boston). 

According to TNT presenter Ernie Johnson, Brunson came in second in the media vote, three spots of eventually spot winner Lillard. But Lillard prevailed in both fan and player portions, affording him the spot over Brunson, Tyrese Maxey (Philadelphia), and Trae Young (Atlanta). 

Brunson was widely viewed as one of the most egregious snubs from last season's exhibition in Salt Lake City and Knicks supporters will no doubt take issue with losing the final backcourt spot to Lillard, besting him in points (26.6 to to 25.3), field goal percentage (.475 to .426), and three-point success rate (.423 to .347). 

Brunson has a prime opportunity to improve his case on Thursday night, as the Knicks host the Denver Nuggets at Madison Square Garden (7:30 p.m. ET, MSG).