Who won the NBA All-Star Game in 2023?

The 2023 NBA All-Star Game, held on February 19, 2023, at the Vivint Arena in Salt Lake City, provided basketball enthusiasts with an unforgettable display of talent and excitement. The game marked the 30th anniversary of the first All-Star Game held in Salt Lake City in 1993 and was the 72nd edition of the event.

The All-Star Game rosters were determined through a comprehensive voting process, following the established tradition in previous years. Fans were given the opportunity to cast their votes via the NBA website and their Google accounts. The selection of starters involved a collaborative decision-making approach, with fans, media representatives, and current NBA players contributing to the process. Fans held a 50% share of the vote, while NBA players and media each accounted for 25%.

The starting line-up comprised two guards and three frontcourt players from each conference, determined by the cumulative vote totals. Additionally, the two players with the highest overall votes in each conference were bestowed with the honour of being named team captains.

In a departure from tradition, the All-Star draft unfolded just before the commencement of the game, adding an intriguing element to the pre-game festivities. LeBron James and Giannis Antetokounmpo earned the distinction of being named captains, having garnered the most votes from the West and East, respectively. Giannis took the initiative by selecting the first reserve player and subsequently alternated picks until the entirety of each team's bench was filled. LeBron, holding the privilege of having the most overall votes in the balloting process, had the first pick for selecting the starting line-up. The initial eight players chosen in the draft constituted the starting players, while the subsequent 14 selections (seven from each conference) were left in the hands of NBA head coaches.

In a high-scoring and closely contested matchup, Team Giannis emerged triumphant with a final score of 184–175 against Team LeBron. The game showcased incredible performances, but it was Jayson Tatum who stole the spotlight, setting a new All-Star Game record with an astonishing 55 points. Tatum's remarkable display of skill and scoring prowess earned him the well-deserved title of All-Star Game MVP.

Tatum's 55-point outburst surpassed the previous record held by Anthony Davis, who scored 52 points in the 2017 All-Star Game. His stellar performance not only secured victory for Team Giannis but also etched his name in the annals of All-Star Game history.

The 2023 All-Star Game followed a unique format, with cash prizes awarded to the team leading after each of the first three quarters, which was donated to a designated charity. The untimed fourth quarter featured a "target score" based on the leading team's total after three quarters plus 24 points. Team Giannis surpassed the target score of 182, securing their historic victory with a final score of 184–175.