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The annual NBA all-star weekend is among the most exciting times for many sports fans worldwide. It includes various thrilling events that depict just how beautiful the game of basketball is. In a relaxed environment, the players get to put on a show and play in dream teams that would probably never materialise in competitive basketball (unless it’s the 2018/19 Golden State Warriors team, of course).
Every all-star weekend comes with exciting moments, but some just stand out. The all-star game is the centrepiece of the weekend and always presents mouth-watering moments every year. These are some of the finest moments in the NBA all-star game over the past decade.
Kobe Bryant’s Farewell:
The 2016 NBA All-Star Game was a farewell to one of the greatest players in the league’s history, Kobe Bryant. Bryant had announced his retirement from the NBA just before the season started and was selected as a starter for the Western Conference team. Bryant stole the show in a game filled with high-flying dunks and spectacular highlights expected in every all-star game.
Knowing Kobe, you could have made qualified NBA bets that he would perform, and of course, he did. He scored 10 points in the first quarter and finished with a game-high 37 points, earning the MVP award for the fourth time in his career. Bryant’s performance in his final All-Star Game was a fitting tribute to a player who had given his absolute best to the game of basketball and had inspired so many generations of ballers.
He also received many heart-warming tributes from fellow players, family members, and basketball lovers throughout the game. It indeed was a special moment.
The New Format:
In 2018, the NBA changed the format of the All-Star Game, creating a new structure that featured a draft between two captains. The top vote-getters in each conference would be selected as captains and draft their teams from a pool of players selected by the fans, coaches, and media.
The new format was a huge success, making the game more competitive and exciting. In the end, LeBron James’ team defeated Steph Curry’s team 148-145 in a thrilling finish.
Steph Curry’s Buzzer-Beater:
The 2019 All-Star Game was a back-and-forth affair, with both teams trading baskets throughout the game. With the game tied at 146 and just seconds remaining, the ball found its way into the hands of Steph Curry.
Curry took a dribble, stepped back, and launched a three-pointer that found the bottom of the net as the buzzer sounded, giving his team a 149-146 victory. The shot was a fitting end to a game filled with great performances and exciting moments.
Russell Westbrook’s MVP Performance
The 2015 All-Star Game was a masterclass by Russell Westbrook, who put on a show for the ages. Westbrook finished with 41 points, the most in All-Star Game history, and was named the game’s MVP.
He made 16 of 28 shots, including five three-pointers, and had five rebounds and three assists. Westbrook’s performance was a reminder of his incredible talent and athleticism, further cementing his status as one of the game’s most exciting players. We hope to see Westbrook again ASAP.
The Tribute to Kobe Bryant
The 2020 NBA All-Star Game was another tribute to Kobe Bryant, who tragically passed away just a few weeks before the game. The game featured a new format that honoured Bryant’s jersey numbers, with the first three quarters played as separate games and the fourth quarter played to a target score.
The target score was determined by adding 24 points to the leading team’s total in honour of Bryant’s number. The game was fiercely competitive, with both teams playing hard until the end. Team LeBron defeated Team Giannis 157-155, with Kawhi Leonard earning the game’s MVP award. The game was a fitting tribute to one of the greatest players in history.
The NBA All-Star Game has produced some incredible moments over the past decade. Not just the all-star game but every facet of the all-star weekend. The celebrity game, the Dunk contest, the 3-point contest are all events to look forward to.
