An interesting weekend that was for the NBA-All Stat festivities.
Changed formats highlighted the weekend. Some were fans of it, some were not!
There were also some unfortunate withdrawals day of game, with LeBron and Anthony Edwards missing the revamped tournament.
There was some history that took place on All-Star Sunday night though, with Mac McClung the 1st ever to go back to back to back in the Slam Dunk Comp. The Man is a professional dunker, and surely only gets tougher with age. He’s aging like a fine wine!!
Mac will no doubt go for 4 straight next year, and why wouldn’t he, as all eyes are on him with the last event of the night.
All-Star Sunday started with plenty of controversy though, with Team Spurs trying to bend the rules in the Skills Competition. CP3 and Wemby not attempting a shot, which according to Chris Paul was not explained to them correctly going into the event. In the end, one of the best teams in the league reigned supreme, with Donovan Mitchell and Evan Mobley leading Team Cavs comfortably by the home team Warriors (Draymond and Moody).
The highlight of the evening will always be the 3 point shoot out, and it was definately worth the watch.
Buddy Hield has been lights out for Golden State this year, and almost broke the record in round 1, heading into the final round full of confidence. Hield would have been even more confident with back to back Champ Damian Lillard bowing out in Round 1 after a rare 18 points saw him gone.
Tyler Herro set the tone in the final round with a solid 24 points which looked home and hosed, until a late flurry from Hield almost stole the title to lose by 1 in the end. Buddy needed the entire final rack, unfortunately missing his 2nd last money ball to the disappointment of his home fans!
The All-Star Game itself featured a 4 team tournament led by Team Shaq’s OG line up. LeBron not taking part in the game put a dent into Shaq’s title crown, but the OGs would not allow the young star studded line up coached by Candace Parker spoil the party, as Team Shaq won by 7 in their opening game.
The first to 40 format made things very interesting, with defensive intensity definately picking up late in the piece.
Team Chuck went on to defeat Team Kenny to meet Team Shaq in the final, with Chuck’s big unit line up far too good. A line up including both Jokic and Wemby in any field will always be must watch basketball!
Team Shaq’s OGs wanted to let it be known they weren’t losing to anyone on the night, with the All-Star MVP having a big night at the office in his home building in the final, going 4/8 from deep on their way to a dominant 41-25 win.
Something had to be done to change things up, further changes may need to happen. No one would be against Team USA v Team World, whether that happens remains to be seen!