40-point semifinals and 25-point final: NBA All-Star Game format for 2025

After years of reduced television viewing and interest in this particular institution, the NBA is going to make major changes to All-Star Game.

In particular, the game of “stars” will no longer be a match, but mini tournament. Four teams of eight players will compete against each other in knockout matches. For example, team 1 will play against team 3, while team 2 will play against team 4 and the winners of the two games will compete in the final.

In fact, as noted, the three teams will consist of 8 All-Stars eachin total there will be 24, as in previous years when two teams of 12 players competed. The fourth team will be his winner Rising Starsheld among the league’s new players.

As Sams Harania points out, the two semi-finals will be completed when one of the teams exceed 40 pointsso there will be no twelve minutes, but a target score. In fact, the final will be even shorter, since the target score will be 25 points. This fast and more “relaxed” format might also give players the push to play… normally.

It is worth noting that all these changes are made in the context of the league’s effort to make the players and the public interested again in the All-Star Game. Last year’s event was strongly criticized, since a new record of points was set in the game with final score 211-186. The athletes… heard about their indifference, with the decision-makers making efforts to give a form to the game that will make them show more enthusiasm.

How the four-team tournament-style 2025 NBA All-Star Game is expected to work, sources tell ESPN:

– Two semifinal games up to 40 points, winners advance
– Finals game up to 25 points

Quick-burst competition, pickup ball-esque. https://t.co/VOyPvioj78

— Shams Charania (@ShamsCharania) November 21, 2024