The fact that we can finally return to the real games is the finest takeaway from Sunday’s 2024 NBA All-Star Game. This year, the league went back to its traditional East vs. West format and abandoned its unconventional efforts to change the scoring configuration. A simple, old-fashioned basketball game that was that.

Perhaps more accurately described as an exhibition than a game. Effort, defence, and competition were severely lacking in this year’s All-Star Game, even when compared to its own standards. The Milwaukee Bucks’ superstar Giannis Antetokounmpo led the Eastern Conference to a 211-186 victory over the Los Angeles Lakers’ LeBron James and his Western Conference. The Eastern Conference led by Antetokounmpo scored 50 points in each of the four quarters.Steph Curry, a member of the Golden State Warriors, was chosen to his tenth All-Star Game, although this was his first appearance as a bench player. The 2022 All-Star Game MVP, Curry, had a little trouble finding the basket, scoring 16 points while shooting 4-for-13 from long range and 6-for-17 overall. Highlights abound in his impressive stat line, which includes five boards, eight assists, a blocked shot, and more.On Saturday night, Warriors star Stephen Curry stole the show, but on Sunday, Bucks standout Damian Lillard was the one who really shone. To the disappointment of the Indiana Pacers fans, Lillard, playing for the first time as an Eastern Conference representative, finished with 39 points on 14-for-26 shooting, six assists, and the MVP trophy.Now that everyone has had a few days off, the unofficial season’s second half can begin. Thursday night is the return of play for the Dubs as they welcome the Lakers to Madison Square Garden.