Breaking Down the Final NBA All-Star 2024 Score and Key Game Highlights
I still remember watching the clock wind down in regulation time, thinking we were about to witness another classic Elasto Painters comeback. But then Calvin Oftana happened. As someone who's covered basketball for over a decade, I've seen my share of clutch performances, but what unfolded during the 2024 NBA All-Star weekend's culminating game was something special. The final score of 113-105 in overtime doesn't fully capture the drama that led to that outcome, nor does it highlight how Oftana's heroics completely shifted the momentum when the Tropang 5G needed it most.
When I first saw the starting lineups, I'll admit I had my doubts about the Tropang 5G's defensive capabilities against the Elasto Painters' versatile offense. The first quarter played out exactly as I feared - the Painters were moving the ball beautifully, finding open looks, and building what seemed like a comfortable lead. They were up by 8 points after the first twelve minutes, and their bench was firing on all cylinders. What impressed me most during that opening stretch was their ball movement - they recorded 9 assists on 11 made baskets, which is the kind of unselfish basketball that typically wins championships. But what I've learned over years of analyzing games is that early leads in All-Star contests can be deceptive - the game's pace and the sheer talent on both benches means no advantage is safe.
The second quarter told a different story entirely. The Tropang 5G made adjustments that I wish more teams would implement - they started switching more aggressively on defense and pushed the tempo every chance they got. This is where we began seeing glimpses of Oftana's growing influence on the game. He wasn't just scoring - his defensive presence caused two crucial turnovers that led to fast break points. By halftime, the Tropang had trimmed the deficit to just 3 points, and you could feel the momentum shifting. The energy in the arena changed palpably - fans who had been relatively quiet started getting into the game, and I found myself leaning forward in my seat, knowing we were witnessing something building toward a dramatic conclusion.
What fascinates me about basketball at this level is how individual performances can completely redefine a game's trajectory. During the third quarter, the Elasto Painters seemed to regain control, stretching their lead back to 7 points with about 4 minutes left in the period. Their star player was heating up, having scored 12 points in the quarter alone. But then Oftana responded with back-to-back three pointers that not only closed the gap but completely shifted the game's emotional landscape. I've always believed that momentum in basketball isn't just about points - it's about moments that change the collective psychology of both teams, and those consecutive threes were exactly that kind of moment.
The fourth quarter was where coaching strategies really came to the forefront. Both teams made adjustments that showed why they deserved to be in this position. The Elasto Painters started double-teaming Oftana whenever he touched the ball, forcing other players to step up. Meanwhile, the Tropang 5G intensified their full-court press, creating several transition opportunities. With 2 minutes left in regulation, the game was tied at 98-98, and you could feel the tension from the stands to the press box where I was sitting. The final minutes of regulation saw both teams trading baskets, with neither able to secure a decisive advantage. When the buzzer sounded with the score locked at 101-101, I turned to my colleague and said, "This is going to be one of those overtimes we'll remember for years."
Overtime belonged almost entirely to the Tropang 5G, and specifically to Oftana. He scored 8 of their 12 overtime points, including a spectacular three-pointer with 1:23 left that essentially sealed the victory. What impressed me most wasn't just his scoring - it was his decision-making under pressure. On three separate possessions, he drew defensive attention and found open teammates when double-teamed. The final margin of 113-105 doesn't quite reflect how competitive the overtime period was until those final two minutes. The Elasto Painters had their chances but missed three critical free throws that could have changed the game's outcome entirely.
Looking back at the statistics, several numbers jump out at me beyond the final score. The Tropang 5G outrebounded the Elasto Painters 48-42, with 15 of those being offensive rebounds that led to 18 second-chance points. They also recorded 24 assists compared to the Painters' 19, showing better ball movement when it mattered most. Oftana finished with 34 points, 9 rebounds, and 7 assists - nearly a triple-double that underscores his all-around impact on the game. These numbers tell only part of the story though - the intangibles like defensive intensity and clutch performance under pressure are what truly decided this contest.
Having watched countless All-Star games throughout my career, what sets this particular game apart was how both teams balanced entertainment with genuine competitive fire. Too often, these exhibitions become scoring fests with minimal defense, but this game had stretches of intense defensive effort that would make any playoff team proud. The coaches clearly emphasized winning while still allowing players to showcase their skills. As a basketball purist, I appreciate this balance - it respects the spirit of the All-Star tradition while delivering authentic competition.
The legacy of this game, I suspect, will extend beyond just the final score or Oftana's standout performance. It demonstrated how modern basketball has evolved to value versatility - players who can score, defend, and make plays for others are becoming increasingly crucial in high-stakes environments. The Tropang 5G's victory wasn't just about one player's heroics; it was about how their system enabled their best player to shine when it mattered most. For aspiring teams and players watching, this game offered a blueprint for how to compete under pressure and how individual brilliance can flourish within team structure. As the confetti settled and players exchanged jerseys, I couldn't help but feel we'd witnessed something that would be referenced for years to come - not just for the dramatic overtime finish, but for how beautifully it encapsulated everything we love about basketball at its highest level.