After years of exhibition games that featured no defense and a ton of flashy plays, it was time for a change. Kyrie Irving is one of the players who is all-in on holding more competitive All-Star games. Boston MassLive's Jay King quoted Irving, commenting on the competitiveness of the game two days after being named a starter:

“I'd like it to be (more competitive). That's the hope… We're all kind of great competitors and also great friends and I think prior to the All-Star games that have happened over the last couple years, there's been some bad blood going into All-Star games and some matchups that people want to see. It's just the excitement of the weekend, and hopefully this new format gives that competitive drive because I know some people want to see some matchups and some teams, everyone's hope of who they want to see go against one another. So I'm pretty sure as we all get closer to the weekend, we'll put on a show, especially better than it was last year, in terms of being the high-scoring pace it was.”

The 25-year old is thankful for the opportunity of playing in the game for a fifth straight year, in his third appearance as a starter:

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“It's pretty awesome to be identified (as an All-Star) by the fans, NBA players. It's a great accomplishment for your career. But there's still things ahead you want to accomplish throughout your season, but when you get to kind of the midway point playing in that game amongst your peers, it's always a fun time, especially for the fans who support the NBA.”

Irving faced quite some competition for that starting guard spot, with players like John Wall, Kemba Walker, Kyle Lowry, Bradley Beal, Victor Oladipo, and Eric Bledsoe also deserving the nod. Unfortunately, not everyone who deserves a spot is selected to play for the game and this should make Irving and the Boston Celtics feel very proud of what the talented guard has accomplished this season.