The revised All-Star format drew some criticism around NBA circles, but the Knicks’ two participants mostly liked the experience — while offering the potential for a minor tweak in future years.
Jalen Brunson’s suggestion was to make the games in the four-team setup end when one team reaches a higher point total than the current 40.
“I think it’s interesting. It’s different,” Brunson said late Sunday night in San Francisco. “The games are kind of short. I like the format. It’s something new, something unique. Maybe, just [raise the] score to 50, maybe.
“I like how we’re trying new things. But we’ll see going forward. You never really know what to expect, but it was all right.”
Brunson, a member of Kenny Smith’s Young Stars team, scored three points in a team-high 8:17 in a first-round loss to Charles Barkley’s Global Stars, who then lost in the championship game against Shaquille O’Neal’s OGs squad.
Knicks center Karl-Anthony Towns played 17:22 and scored 14 points over two games for the Global Stars.
“It was great. I thought the competition was up and I think we did a great job of giving the fans a show. I hope the fans appreciate it,” Towns said. “I think probably the highlight was getting JB (Brunson) in the first game. I think that’s probably the highlight I have.”
The 28-year-old Brunson joked that Smith told the Young Stars players in the locker room that his goal in drafting that roster was to pick the youngest available All-Stars.
“Yeah, he came in and said these are the young stars of the league. [He] didn’t want to draft anyone over 25, and then everyone looked at me. Yeah, I’m 28, so I was like, ha!” Brunson said. “But it’s cool to be in a room with those guys with so much potential and a lot of basketball ahead of them.
“I’m always excited when I get to do stuff like this.”
In leading the Knicks to a 36-18 record at the break — tied for fourth best in the NBA — Brunson and Towns became the first New York teammates to be voted in as All-Star starters since Walt Frazier and Earl Monroe did it in 1975.
Brunson also participated in the 3-point contest over the weekend for the second straight year.
“THANK YOU to the Knicks fan base and everyone who has supported me since day 1!” Brunson posted Sunday night on social media. “Wouldn’t have been here without your votes! Love being able to represent you guys and I don’t take it for granted! Much love !!”
Towns, a New Jersey native, is averaging 24.7 points and 13.4 rebounds in 49 appearances entering Thursday’s home game against the Bulls since the Knicks acquired him from the Timberwolves in September.
“Just welcoming me home, and for the fans, such a big trade to happen for them to welcome me with open arms back home,” Towns said. “And my teammates and coaching staff just really maximized my talent. It’s a testament to them. It’s a humbling experience to come back home and be shown so much love.”
With a goal to advance deeper into the playoffs this spring following back-to-back eliminations in the second round, the Knicks are hoping to get back former starting center Mitchell Robinson for the first time since he underwent ankle surgery last May.
Starting forward OG Anunoby also is close to returning after missing the final five games before the break with a sprained foot.
Towns was named over the weekend as one of the vice presidents of the National Basketball Players Association (NBPA) Executive Committee.
“It means a lot to be in the position that I’ve been watching for 10 years now. Just grow and mature. The PA has done a fantastic job of progressing the game forward. I’m very happy and humbled that I’ve been picked by my peers to represent all of us, and I’m excited for the opportunity,” Towns said.
