NBA Elam Ending: What have we learned about the All-Star Game format, and how far could it spread?
The major gameplay innovation in the 2020 All-Star Game was its conclusion. If somebody’s biggest critique of the Elam Ending is that they don’t like seeing a game end with a free throw, I always say, “Well, wait a second.” Now, if you don’t like seeing games decided by free throws, then you should love it because it’s the norm under the timed format to see games decided by free throws. This reduces — it doesn’t eliminate, but it does just naturally reduce — the chance of a game ending on a free throw; it does put the focus back on live ball play. People who’ve been in the game a long time, I think they like seeing the focus being on the court rather than manipulating the clock. My last naysayer question: How do you respond to people who say, “Yeah, but I like a game-winning defensive stop too?” NE: You’re going to get game-saving stops with the LM ending.
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