Denver Nuggets coach Michael Malone calls 2023 NBA All-Star Game 'worst basketball game ever played'

The 2023 NBA All-Star Game was filled with rim-rattling dunks and halfcourt shots. Boston Celtics star Jayson Tatum scored 55 points to break the All-Star game scoring record.

Fans enjoyed the flash plays and showed their approval as Team Giannis defeated Team LeBron 184-175 at the Vivint Arena in Salt Lake City.

But defense was clearly optional Sunday night, and it's something that irked Denver Nuggets coach Michael Malone as he ripped the lack of competitive play in his postgame comments.

"It’s an honor to be here, it’s an honor to be a part of a great weekend, great players, but that is the worst basketball game ever played," Malone said.

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Malone coached Team LeBron in the game. He mentioned that while some players showed effort, notably Philadelphia 76ers center Joel Embiid and Dallas Mavericks guard Kyrie Irving, he was turned off by the level of interest from both sides.

"They put on a show for the fans, but that is a tough game to sit through, I’m not going to lie," Malone said.

Malone was not alone in his assertions. ESPN commentator Stephen A. Smith echoed similar comments on "First Take" on Monday morning. He mentioned that players have shown more effort in summer pickup games.

"I applaud Coach Malone for highlighting the flagrant lack of effort," Smith said. "… In basketball, they play in the summer leagues, they play in the offseason considerably harder than they played yesterday."

The NBA has worked to improve the All-Star Game. In recent years, the league introduced the Elam Ending, which is popular in The Basketball Tournament, to create a competitive event.

However, Smith pointed out the issue remains with the overall level of play.

"There was no effort whatsoever," Smith said. "What we should be able to see, other than dunks, we should not be able to look at a basketball game and know that anybody can be on the court with you based on the effort you are putting on display.

"It just reeks of arrogance and taking fans for granted."

The 2024 All-Star Game will take place in Indianapolis.