The majority of NBA watchers believed that Jalen Brunson was left out of the All-Star Game the previous year. The anger that his non-selection had been a mistake was heightened by his postseason play. The guard for the New York Knicks promised to improve even further and, ideally, attend the event in 2024.

As the results of the All-Star voting for the starting lineup were in, Brunson was once more left off the list. Tyrese Haliburton of the Indiana Pacers and superstar Damian Lillard of the Milwaukee Bucks will man the Eastern Conference backcourt. The other East starters are Giannis Antetokounmpo, Jason Tatum, and Joel Embiid.

Followers on X, the former Twitter, responded right away:

Lillard instead of Brunson? What’s happening

The All-Star Game starters are chosen by a vote of players (25%) and select members of the media (25%) in addition to fans (50%). According to the findings, Haliburton was the top guard in the Eastern Conference according to votes from players, the media, and fans.

In the votes cast by players, fans, and media, Damian Lillard came in fourth, third, and fifth, respectively. In the same categories, Jalen Brunson placed third, fifth, and second, respectively. In the end, Lillard defeated Brunson to win the East’s second starting guard spot. He was pushed to that position above Brunson by the fan votes for “Dame Time.”

As a member of the reserve pool, Jalen Brunson is still anticipated to play in his first All-Star Game. Given his current playing style, it’s very likely that he will attend the star-studded event in Indiana the following month.

Was Jalen Brunson deserving of a starting guard position over Damian Lillard?

Regarding who should start for the Eastern Conference All-Star team—Damian Lillard or Jalen Brunson—the fans have spoken. Brunson received 1.4 million votes, while “Dame Time” received 2.2 million. The coaches’ votes will be the means by which the Knicks guard will be selected to the team.

But both the players and the media concur that Brunson ought to have started the game. He is without a doubt the finest player on the New York Knicks. In terms of points (26.6 ppg), assists (6.5 apg), and steals (1.0 spg), Brunson is averaging career-highs. As the primary offensive weapon for his squad, the lefty is also hitting 47.5% of his shots, including 42.3% from long range.

In Milwaukee, however, Lillard takes a backseat to Giannis Antetokounmpo. The former star of the Portland Trail Blazers is averaging 25.3 points, 6.8 assists, 4.3 rebounds, and 1.1 steals per game. 42.6% of the shots made by the seven-time All-Star are made, with 34.7% coming from beyond the arc.

Considering how they have performed this year, Jalen Brunson is perhaps more worthy than Damian Lillard to be the starting point guard. But the fans have spoken, and they preferred Lillard to start among the starting five instead of Brunson.