“Because the KD burner was leaked.”

The NBA introduced a new All-Star Game format this year that received a lot of praise from fans and analysts alike. The league has formed three teams of selected All-Stars: US Stars, US Stripes, and Team World.

These three competed against each other in a round robin format with 12-minute one-quarter matches. The players brought a competitive feel to the matches, and viewers loved every second of it.

On Monday, NBA insider Brett Siegel reported that the new format of the All-Star Game averaged 8.8 million viewers, the most since 2011. The average viewership saw an 87% jump over last year.

Fans flocked to the comments sections of a post sharing the news to express their thoughts on the increased viewership.

“Because KD’s stove was leaked 😂,” one fan said.

“Most of them just wanted to see KD after the leaks,” another fan said.

“Biggest since 2011? This is what happens when you let stars play real basketball instead of a glorified scrimmage. The league needed this bad 👏,” another fan said.

Another fan said: “Insane jump 🔥+87% for last year, clearly all the stars are back pulling people in front of the screens with a bang.”

One fan explained how the concept of American players facing off against international players helped in the annual game.

“Putting American stars against the international elite finally gave the players a reason to care. Victor Wimpanyama reportedly set the defensive tone from the jump, and Anthony Edwards took home the MVP award with 32 points, proving that the younger generation is ready to play for survival,” said one fan.

Another fan said: “Who jumped 87%? That’s huge growth.”

Praise Showers Stephen A. Smith in the new NBA All-Star Game format

Stephen A. praised Smith in the new NBA All-Star Game format. On Monday’s episode of ESPN’s “First Take,” Smith expressed his thoughts on the new look after Kendrick Perkins and Brian Windhorst.

“What we’re saying Sunday night is a big endorsement for them,” Smith said. (Timestamp: 5:25)

Later, Smith praised Victor Wimpanyama for setting the tone early in the match. The Spurs star showed great intensity in scoring his first five points, which unleashed the United States’ star roster.

Anthony Edwards responded to Wemby with equal intensity and carried it in all three games. The Timberwolves star ended up winning the All-Star Championship Game and his first NBA All-Star Game MVP award on Sunday. Smith praised the league for using patriotism in a positive way by pitting American players against international players.