Mike Malone, the Denver Nuggets' head coach, disagrees with the quality of play in the 2023 NBA All-Star Game. Malone, 51, spoke about the game on Sunday night (February 19), in which Team Giannis defeated Team LeBron 184-175 at Salt Lake City's Vivint Arena.
Many participating players have historically refused to play defense because fear of being hurt during the event, according to him.
'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,' said the coach.
Stephen A. Smith supported Malone's criticism, claiming that the game exhibited "a clear lack of effort."
"I applaud Coach Malone for highlighting the blatant lack of effort." Hell no, I didn't enjoy it. It just reeks of arrogance and taking fans for granted.
Smith, 55, said: "There was no effort whatsoever." "We should not be able to look at a basketball game and know that anyone can be on the court with you because of the effort you are putting on display."
While there may be criticism for the All-Star's lack of competitive play, there was a scare during the game's first half.
LeBron James tried to stop Pascal Siakam in a genuine defensive throw, but he was unable to sustain his injuries when he hit his hand on the rim, putting the Los Angeles Lakers star out of the game for the second half.
