The new format that the NBA introduced before the 2020 All-Star Game has produced some competitive matchups, including an exciting finish to last year's contest.
Team LeBron defeated Team Durant, 163-160, after LeBron James hit a fadeaway jumper to keep his perfect record as an All-Star captain intact. James didn't drill a buzzer-beater, though — he reached the target score.
Are you confused by that terminology? We'll explain everything.
Here's a breakdown of the NBA All-Star Game format so you can easily follow along during the live broadcast.
Watch the 2023 All-Star Game on Sling TV: Sign up today!
NBA All-Star Game format, explained
What are the rules for the 2023 All-Star Game?
Team LeBron and Team Giannis will compete to win each of the first three quarters of the game. Those quarters will be the standard 12 minutes but start with a 0-0 score.
At the beginning of the fourth quarter, the game clock will be turned off, and a final target score will be set based on the leading team's cumulative score through the first three quarters. That target score will be the leading team's total score plus 24 points.
The NBA decided to incorporate 24 points into the target score to honor Kobe Bryant, who died in a helicopter crash on Jan. 26, 2020. The 18-time All-Star wore the No. 24 from the 2006-07 season through 2015-16.
Once the target score is finalized, Team LeBron and Team Giannis will play the untimed fourth quarter, and the first team to reach the target score will win the game.
How does the NBA All-Star format work?
If the cumulative score through three quarters is 100-95 in favor of Team LeBron, the target score would be 124. Team LeBron would only need to score 24 points in order to win, while Team Giannis would need to score 29 points.
The results of the previous three quarters are simply based on the individual scores of those quarters.
Why is winning each quarter important?
The winner of each quarter will contribute funds to a local charity.
A total of $750,000 will be awarded to two organizations. Team LeBron will be playing for Big Brothers Big Sisters of Utah, and Team Giannis will be playing for Raise the Future.
The beneficiaries for the 2023 #NBAAllStar Game have been selected!#TeamLeBron will play for Big Brothers Big Sisters of Utah (@bbbsutah)#TeamGiannis will play for Raise the Future (@raisefuture)
— NBA (@NBA) February 3, 2023
In total, the game will raise more than $750,000 for the Utah community. pic.twitter.com/Qyay24YVnJ
2023 All-Stars: Updated list of starters, reserves
All-Star captains LeBron James and Giannis Antetokounmpo will draft their teams from the eligible pool of players (starters in first round, reserves in second round).
They are not required to draft based on conference affiliation or position.
Starting pool
| Player | Team |
|---|---|
| Luka Doncic | Mavericks |
| Joel Embiid | 76ers |
| Kyrie Irving | Mavericks |
| Nikola Jokic | Nuggets |
| Lauri Markkanen | Jazz |
| Donovan Mitchell | Cavaliers |
| Ja Morant | Grizzlies |
| Jayson Tatum | Celtics |
Reserve pool
| Player | Team |
|---|---|
| Bam Adebayo | Heat |
| Jaylen Brown | Celtics |
| DeMar DeRozan | Bulls |
| Anthony Edwards* | Timberwolves |
| De'Aaron Fox* | Kings |
| Paul George | Clippers |
| Shai Gilgeous-Alexander | Thunder |
| Tyrese Haliburton | Pacers |
| Jrue Holiday | Bucks |
| Jaren Jackson Jr. | Grizzlies |
| Damian Lillard | Trail Blazers |
| Julius Randle | Knicks |
| Domantas Sabonis | Kings |
| Pascal Siakam* | Raptors |
* Injury replacements for Stephen Curry, Kevin Durant and Zion Williamson
2023 NBA All-Star schedule
Fans in the U.S. can watch this year's All-Star events on Sling TV, which is now offering HALF OFF your first month! Stream Sling Orange for $20 in your first month to catch all regular season games on TNT, ESPN & ABC. For games on NBA TV, subscribe to Sling Orange & Sports Extra for $27.50 in your first month. Local regional blackout restrictions apply.
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Friday, Feb. 17
- Celebrity Game (7 p.m. ET)
- Rising Stars Challenge (9 p.m. ET)
Saturday, Feb. 18
- HBCU Classic (4 p.m. ET)
- Skills Challenge, 3-Point Contest and Slam Dunk Contest (8 p.m. ET)
Sunday, Feb. 19
- 2023 NBA All-Star Game (8 p.m. ET)
