Micah Regalado | Editor in Chief
February 19, 2020
The annual NBA All-Star weekend came to a conclusion on February 18 with the much anticipated All-Star game. Taking place in the busy city of Chicago, audiences witnessed Team Giannis face off against Team Lebron. The two teams, drafted by the two captains, consisted of the following players:
Team Lebron: Lebron James, Anthony Davis, Kawhi Leonard, Luka Doncic, James Harden, Ben Simmons, Nikola Jokic, Jayson Tatum, Chris Paul, Russell Westbrook, Domantas Sabonis, and Devin Booker.
Team Giannis: Giannis Antetompo, Joel Embiid, Pascal Siakam, Kemba Walker, Trae Young, Khris Middleton, Bam Adebayo, Rudy Gobert, Jimmy Butler, Kyle Lowry, Brandon Ingram, and Donovan Mitchell.
In order to increase the competitive level of the event, a new layout was implemented, suggested by Oklahoma City Thunder’s Chris Paul. For the first three quarters, the score would reset at the end of each quarter. The winning team at the end of each quarter earned $100,000 for the charity of their choice. Team Lebron played for Chicago Scholars Foundation; whereas, Team Giannis played for After School Matters.
However, the total score was still tallied throughout the game and played a role in the format of the fourth and final quarter. For the fourth, the clock was shut off and 24 points were added to the winning team’s total score, which determined the target score in which both teams would attempt to reach. After three quarters, the score was 133-124, with Team Giannis in the lead. Therefore, the two teams played “pick-up ball” until one team reached a score of 157, 24 more than 133.
Team Lebron secured the first quarter, yet Team Giannis immediately answered back in the second, proving that a good game was in store. Although defense slightly faltered in the first half as each team easily ran up the score, this changed as the game progressed. The tight third quarter resulted in an end-game scenario which normally would not occur under normal game conditions. Furthermore, the new format of the fourth put extra meaning behind each point, incentivizing the teams to pressure the ball and play solid defense. Outscoring Team Giannis 33-22, Team Lebron pulled away in the fourth, securing the win off of a free throw from Anthony Davis (significant as Chicago is his hometown).
“I really enjoyed the game as it was more competitive and gave off a playoff atmosphere,” San Clemente High School sophomore Asher Gardiner said. “However, I think they should change the rules to ensure that the game ends on a live basket.”
Responding to Davis’ free throw, Gardiner as well as other fans felt as if this was a rather anticlimactic ending to an overall energized game. Perhaps, free throws in these situations could take away from the other team’s points rather than add to theirs. This would then guarantee that a live shot is needed to end the game. It is unclear if changes such as this will be implemented, yet it is hard to believe that the evolving format will now stay stagnant.
“I was surprised by Chris Paul catching an alley oop dunk as I didn’t know he could do that,” SCHS junior Tyler Nemeth said. “I think the format that they created was perfect and wouldn’t change anything from the game.”
The new changes to the NBA All-Star game were met by an overall appraisal from the general public. The increased competition created a more entertaining game without restricting the players’ ability to show off their talents.
More than simply a game, this event served to further memorialize Kobe Bryant and all the contributions he brought to basketball. Every player on Team Giannis wore number 24 for Kobe, and everyone on Team Lebron wore number 2 to pay respects to Bryant’s daughter, Gianna. On top of this, the 24 point rule that came into play in the fourth was set in place in honor of Kobe Bryant. As for the All-Star MVP, it was renamed the NBA All-Star Game Kobe Bryant Most Valuable Player Award. Kawhi Leonard took home the trophy with his astonishing performance, scoring 30 points and shooting 8-14 from the three point line.
An exciting cap to an eventful weekend, the All-Star game served as a reminder for the full potential of the sport of basketball. Based on audience approval, following years will most likely follow suit on this format as it correctly balances competition with over-the-top performances.
Nice to see a more competitive bout between the best players in the world.