NBA ALL STAR 2023
2023 NBA All-Star Game scoring rules explained: How does the final target score format work?
What is final target score, when is it used and how does it work?
The 2023 NBA All-Star game is getting closer by the second. LeBron James of the LA Lakers will face off against Giannis Antetokounmpo of the Milwaukee Bucks at the Vivint Arena at 8:30 p.m. ET / 5:30 PT on Sunday February 19.
How will the game work?
The two sides will each represent charitable organisations, with Team LeBron raising money for Big Brothers Big Sisters of Utah and Team Giannis playing for Raise the Future. The winner of each quarter will be noted, and the winner of each will receive additional funds for their chosen organisation. After that, a Final Target Score will be implemented to determine the overall winner.
What is Final Target Score? How does it work?
The Final Target Score, sometimes called an Elam Ending, is a total target score that is 24 points higher than the leading team’s total score through three quarters. There will then be an untimed fourth quarter, and the first team to meet or exceed the Final Target Score will be crowned the winners. $100,000 will be awarded to the winner of each quarter and $200,000 will be given to the winner of the entire game.
For example, if the game is tied 100-99, the Final Target Score would be 124 for both teams, as it is 24 points higher than the highest total score. That means that the team with 100 points would need 24 to win and the team with 99 points would need 25 to win.
Do other leagues use Final Target Score?
In the NBA G-League, games that go to overtime move automatically to the Elam Ending. However, this is a different total, of just 7 (rather than the 24 we will see in the All Star Game).
Why is it 24 points in the NBA All-Star game?
The reason for the rule change by the NBA in changing the points total to 24 is in honour of the late 18 All-Star legend Kobe Bryant, as it was his second jersey number.