Draymond Green and Charles Barkley, part of the NBA on TNT crew for the 2024 NBA All-Star Game, had their eyes on the action. Green predicted his Golden State Warriors teammate Steph Curry for MVP, while Barkley eagerly awaited standout performances.
They were immediately captivated by Tyrese Haliburton and Damian Lillard’s explosive first-half displays. Scoring was abundant, with both East and West All-Stars showing little interest in defense, aiming to rack up points.
The first half closed with the East-leading 104-89, courtesy of Lillard and Haliburton’s blazing starts. Their combined 193 points marked a historic half, the highest tally in NBA history.
Karl-Anthony Towns ignited in the second half, dropping 30 points in the third quarter alone. Despite his game-high 50 points, the West fell 211-186 to the East.
Green, bored alongside Barkley, couldn’t resist teasing Towns: “This is like the old Minnesota days, KAT [Towns] got 40, they down 20.” The Minnesota Timberwolves, leading the Western Conference at the All-Star break with a 39-16 record, owe their success to Towns and Anthony Edwards. However, Green remembers the Timberwolves’ struggles before Edwards emerges as a co-star.
Green’s jabs at the Timberwolves aren’t new, as he’s mocked them in the past. Even when Towns expressed confidence in the team’s playoff prospects, Green couldn’t resist poking fun.
