Relive NBA All-Star Weekend, it might not be back for another 32 years

Milwaukee Bucks' Giannis Antetokounmpo #24, of Team Giannis, guards Los Angeles Lakers' LeBron James #2, of Team LeBron, in the fourth quarter of the 69th NBA All-Star Game at the United Center, Sunday night, Feb. 16, 2020. Ashlee Rezin Garcia/Sun-Times | Ashlee Rezin Garcia/Sun-Times

The 2020 NBA All-Star game returned to Chicago after 32 years to a warm reception despite the frigid temperatures.

Team Giannis went head-to-head against Team LeBron in a new format that had fans raving, saying it was the best All-Star game in years.

Each quarter was played as its own game with the winner of each receiving $100,000 for their charity. The fourth quarter had a target score that was the total of the leading team’s first three quarters, plus 24 points to honor the late legend Kobe Bryant.

The last quarter was electrified with the All-Stars playing defense similar to that of a championship series. Team LeBron came away with the win and $400,000 for the Chicago Scholars foundation. Team Giannis won the second quarter and $100,000 for Chicago’s After School Matters program.

“Especially in the fourth quarter, every possession counts.” Giannis Antetokounmpo, of the Milwaukee Bucks, said. “Guys were hitting one another. Every possession counts. We had a little bit of playoff intensity out there. I love it.”