The NBA All-Star game is already getting enough heat, and Jayson Tatum has joined the list too.

Jayson Tatum (Photo by Darren Yamashita/Imagn Images)
There has been a significant amount of raised eyebrows on the format changes lately. While the Boston Celtics forward had a standout performance in the first-ever NBA All-Star tournament, he had one concern to voice about the new format.

Despite his team, the OGs, winning the championship and Tatum’s impressive scoring, Tatum pointed out a major flaw in the structure of the event. The extended breaks during the championship game, particularly the nearly 20-minute tribute, interrupted the flow of play. According to him, the pause made it difficult for players to regain their rhythm once the game resumed.

“The format was cool. I think the toughest part was stopping the game for the presentation…We were sitting down for 20 minutes. It was kinda tough to get back on the game after that,” Tatum said.

As Tatum noted, the interruption threw off the competitive momentum that had been building, which was incredibly frustrating for players who were eager to maintain their intensity on the court. While the aim was to enhance the All-Star experience and make it more entertaining, it did the opposite for the players.

The prolonged pauses detracted from the action and left players feeling less engaged. Tatum was not the only superstar who got agitated over the shift. Many other superstars, like Shai-Gilgeous Alexander, voiced their frustration as well.

Jayson Tatum Acknowledged Stephen Curry’s Impact On The Game

While the NBA stars are left puzzled by the new format change and all sorts of stuff, Jayson Tatum got a bit of inspiration to share. After the conclusion of the NBA All-Star Game, the Boston star took a moment to reflect on his teammate Steph Curry’s remarkable impact on the game.

Tatum praised Curry while acknowledging the influence he has had not only on current players but also on fans who grew up watching him.

“Steph. His impact on the game, I think globally, has been special. Myself, a lot of guys, grew up watching Steph. What he’s been able to accomplish over his career, the way he’s went about it. Whatever you want to rank him, one of the best players of all time. He’s an unbelievable person as well,” Tatum said.

Despite Curry being named the MVP of the game, Tatum led Team Shaq with a strong performance, scoring 15 points and showcasing his abilities. Additionally, Curry’s performance in the All-Star Game was impressive, yet Tatum’s stellar outing doesn’t go unnoticed. The duo played an important role in Team Shaq’s victory.