This year, the 2023 NBA All-Star game was hosted in Salt Lake City, Utah. NBA stars and celebrities flocked to the city and weren’t disappointed, as the weekend was full of entertainment. It was another weekend to remember, from the celebrity game to the three-point shooting, dunk contest, and All-Star game on Sunday.
Celebrity Game
DK Metcalf — a star for the Seattle Seahawks, was the star for the celebrity game. He was named the MVP.
Dunk Contest: a bright spot for NBA All-Star weekend
Philadelphia’s Mac McClung was the surprise winner of the Dunk Contest. McClung is currently signed a short contract with the 76ers after being called up from the G league. McClug has been a Youtube sensation showing off his dunks, and while he has played in the league a couple of games, he continues to work hard fighting for a roster spot.
McClung beat out the following players:
Kenyon Martin Jr., Houston Rockets
Trey Murphy III, New Orleans Pelicans
Jericho Sims, New York Knicks
Starry 3-point Contest
This year, Dame Lillard put on a show for the fans in Salt Lake. The win was fitting, considering Lillard went to Webber State in college — right in his former backyard. This was the third time Lillard has appeared in the All-Star 3-point Contest in his career. He won over the following players:
Tyrese Haliburton, Indiana Pacers
Tyler Herro, Miami Heat
Buddy Hield, Indiana Pacers
Kevin Huerter, Sacramento Kings
Damian Lillard, Portland Trail Blazers
Lauri Markkanen, Utah Jazz
Julius Randle, New York Knicks
Jayson Tatum, Boston Celtics
NBA All-Star Game
This year’s format was different as the captains — LeBron James and Giannis Antetokounmpo — selected their reserves first, much like playing at the playground any given day.
While there is an overall running score, each quarter, there was a winner in the game who donated money to different charities. The second and third quarters were close after tying at the end of the first period, but eventually, Team Giannis started to dominate — especially in the final period.
While Team LeBron put on a fight and shooting clinic, it wasn’t enough to overcome Team Giannis. More specifically, Boston’s Jayson Tatum was a PROBLEM! He sent an All-Star record for most points scored in the game with 55 points. Since the passing of the late-great Kobe Bryant, the All-Star game has been named after him, which also happens to be Tatum’s favorite player. So winning the MVP trophy of the All-Star game had that much more meaning to the Celtics guard.
“It means the world to me,” Tatum said after winning the trophy. “I mean, he meant so much to me.”
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