Long-time Boston Celtics beat reporter calls All-Star Game ‘ludicrous farce’ and ‘defenseless Dunkarama’
Long-time Boston Celtics beat reporter Bob Ryan of the Boston Globe ripped the concept of the NBA All-Star Game the morning after the 2023 edition by calling the game a ‘ludicrous farce’ and a ‘defenseless Dunkarama.’
I love basketball. So, by definition, I have zero interest in the NBA All-Star Game, which has deteriorated into a ludicrous farce. Believe it or not, once upon a time the greatest players in the world wanted to play serious basketball, not engage in a defenseless Dunkarama.
— Bob Ryan (@GlobeBobRyan) February 20, 2023
The 2023 NBA All-Star game saw Team Giannis Antetokounmpo defeat Team LeBron James on February 19 live from Salt Lake City Utah. Jayson Tatum led the way for Team Giannis with an All-Star Game record 55 points, 10 rebounds, and six assists. Jaylen Brown led Team LeBron with 35 points, 14 rebounds, five assists, and two steals.
Timing of Bob Ryan’s comments interesting considering star performances of the two Boston Celtics All-Stars
It certainly was a choice for Ryan to choose the morning after the Boston Celtics stole the show during the annual February exhibition to attack the premise of the All-Star Game altogether. Perhaps the reporter was asked his feelings about the game and went way too far with his response.
Either way, Ryan’s comments actually resonated with many:
I could barely stand 2 min of "action" & seeing Jaylen out there pissed me off big time!
— Dewey24🇺🇦🍀💙 (@dewey24) February 20, 2023
Agree. I turned it off at halftime and watched Magnum. I know they are great talents, but is it really a showcase for those talents when no one even pretends to play defense? It was like the Washington Generals vs the Globetrotters at times.
— Bob Herzog (@zogsport7) February 20, 2023
Couldn’t agree more that was a complete joke.
— James Dunn (@jamesmdunn5) February 20, 2023
Watched about 3 minutes turned it off
It was unwatchable. They were playing for tweets and Instagram reels. There used to be a time when playing hard and winning the All-Star Game meant something
— Garth 🟧🟦 (@Singinman1) February 20, 2023
Do you believe the All-Star Game should still take place every year? Or should the NBA explore an alternative? Comment below and let the Houdini know.