Fans unhappy with Jayson Tatum's "meaningless" 55 points in 2023 NBA All-Star Game: "Couldn't do this in the Finals", "Bro thinks Kobe will be proud"

By Juan Paolo David

Modified Feb 21, 2023 08:15 GMT

Jayson Tatum of the Boston Celtics produced a record-breaking performance for Team Giannis at the 2023 NBA All-Star Game. Tatum scored 55 points to break Anthony Davis' record for most points in an All-Star Game.

However, fans were a little unhappy with the defensive effort of both teams. While the All-Star Game has never been about defense, some were hoping that the game would be competitive in the fourth quarter.

Last year's All-Star Game showed that an exhibition game could still be competitive. But this year was a different story and it could force the league to make more changes to the All-Star Game format.

Fans on social media were quick to criticize the All-Star Game, as well as take some shots at Jayson Tatum. Some liked the competitiveness between Tatum and teammate Jaylen Brown in the third quarter, but all of that faded away in a lackluster final period.

Jayson Tatum leads Team Giannis to win

Jayson Tatum stepped up for Team Giannis at the 2023 NBA All-Star Game. With Antetokounmpo getting subbed off after 20 seconds, Tatum ensured that LeBron James wouldn't go 6-0 in this format of the All-Star Game.

Tatum finished the game with 55 points, 10 rebounds and six assists to lead Team Giannis to a 184-175 victory. Donovan Mitchell also balled out on his return to Utah with 40 points, four rebounds, and 10 assists. Damian Lillard, who hit the game-winning shot, finished with 26 points, three rebounds, four assists, and three steals.

Meanwhile, "The King" only scored 13 points and was ruled out in the second half due to a hand injury. Jaylen Brown led Team LeBron with 35 points, 14 rebounds, and five assists. Joel Embiid and Kyrie Irving each scored 32 points, but it wasn't enough to get the win.

About the author

Juan Paolo is a journalist for Sportskeeda who covers the NBA and WNBA. He's been writing about basketball since 2015 and has been with Sportskeeda since 2021.

Juan's allegiance lies with the Golden State Warriors and his journey with the Warriors began with their memorable victory over the Lakers in 2000, and he experienced the successes of the 'We Believe' era and the rise of Steph Curry.

What Juan loves most about basketball is its ability to evoke a range of emotions, from adrenaline-fueled excitement to the highs of victory and the lows of defeat. To ensure complete accuracy in articles, he conducts thorough research before writing his articles.

The Warriors' victories in the 2022 and 2017 championships hold a special place in Juan's memories, as well as iconic moments like Baron Davis' dunk over Andrei Kirilenko and Goran Dragic's performance in the 2010 Western Conference semifinals.

Off the court, Juan enjoys watching football, TV and movies, caring for his numerous cats, and cooking whenever time permits.

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