Fans were EXTREMELY annoyed with the delay in starting NBA All-Star Game 2023: "Start the damn game already", "Pregame started in 1985"

By Arhaan Raje

Modified Feb 20, 2023 04:26 GMT

Fans were infuriated after the 2023 NBA All-Star game tip-off got delayed. The official timing for the game start was 8:00 PM ET. The draft took place as scheduled at 7:30 PM ET on TNT. However, the NBA had rapper Post Malone's performance and a bevy of celebrity interviews lineup up, which delayed the start of the game.

NBA fans from the East Coast, in particular, expressed their annoyance online. One fan wrote on Twitter:

Fans' frustrations continue with the 2023 NBA All-Star Game and weekend

The 2023 NBA All-Star Game hasn't impressed the fans so far. They were already frustrated with how things went down on Friday and Saturday. Except for the Slam Dunk contest, the 3-point contest and Skills Challenge received a lot of flak.

Fans wanted better competition for both events. The 3-point contest was stacked with talent. However, it didn't feature any players among the top 10 in 3-point shooting this season. Damian Lillard and Buddy Hield were the only consistent performers at the event.

Meanwhile, the Skills Challenge disappointed fans more. No marquee players featured in the event. Giannis Antetokounmpo pulled out at the last minute and was replaced by teammate Jrue Holiday. As per NBA fans, the players in action didn't perform up to the mark.

Meanwhile, the 2023 All-Star Game started with a lot of excitement. Team captains LeBron James and Giannis Antetokounmpo kicked things off with a live draft right before the game, giving it a more playground feel. However, the delay in start only added to fans' frustrations with this year's All-Star weekend.

About the author

Arhaan Raje is an Assistant Content Manager and Senior Writer with Sportskeeda's NBA/WNBA team with four years of experience.

Arhaan focuses on features, trends, listicles, and the latest rumors and reports circling the league's top teams and players. He emphasizes detailed research to create impactful content for readers. A fan of Xs and Os, Arhaan provides technical deep dives in his reporting.

Arhaan completed his bachelor's degree in BBA in Media and Entertainment Management from Mumbai, India.

Arhaan admires the killer mentality of Kobe Bryant and Michael Jordan. He respects LeBron James for being a role model on and off the court. The bold and decisive Gregg Popovich stands out as Arhaan's favorite basketball coach. LeBron's epic chase-down block in the 2016 NBA Finals has a special place in Arhaan's basketball memories.

He has interviewed former NBA Defensive Player of the Year Gary Payton and Ronnie 2K, the face of NBA2k and Marketing Director.

Sports isn't the only passion he has pursued professionally. Arhaan is also into performing arts in the music industry as a percussionist.

Know More