NBA changing 2020 All-Star Game format, adding 24-point Kobe tribute
The NBA announced it's changing the format of the 2020 All-Star Game, resetting points back to zero after each of the first three quarters and factoring in Kobe Bryant's No. 24 into a target score for the final frame, according to The Associated Press' Tim Reynolds.
The fourth quarter will be untimed, with the winner being the first to reach the target score. This target score will be determined by the points accumulated by the leading team over the first three frames, plus 24, in Bryant's honor.
"For example: If the cumulative score of the first three quarters is 100-95, the Final Target Score would be set at 124 points," the league explained in a breakdown of the new format. "To win the NBA All-Star Game, the team with 100 points would need to score 24 points in the fourth quarter before the team with 95 points scores 29 points, and vice versa."
Essentially, the team with the lead after three quarters will only have to score 24 points in the fourth to win the All-Star Game. The trailing side must score 24 plus its deficit.
The winning team in each of the first three quarters will earn $100,000 for a charity in Chicago, the host city of All-Star Weekend. Whichever team wins the fourth quarter will receive an additional $200,000 for charity. If one team sweeps all four quarters, the opponents will still receive a minimum of $100,000. Should any of the first three quarters end in a tie, the reward will be added to the next.
Along with using Bryant's No. 24 to determine the target score, multiple tributes will be made throughout All-Star Weekend for the Los Angeles Lakers icon, his 13-year-old daughter Gianna, and the other seven passengers who were killed in a helicopter crash Sunday in California, the league told Reynolds.
Lakers star LeBron James and Milwaukee Bucks forward Giannis Antetokounmpo will serve as captains for the teams. The rest of the starters were announced Jan. 23. The reserves, selected by coaches, are set to be unveiled later Thursday.
The game will take place Feb. 16.