The 5 Most Memorable Moments of the 72nd Annual All-Star Weekend in Salt Lake City – Basketball Insiders
The 5 Most Memorable Moments of the 72nd Annual All-Star Weekend in Salt Lake City – Basketball Insiders
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Before we officially return to the NBA regular season, we still have plenty of stories to uncover surrounding the 72nd Annual All-Star Events being celebrated this weekend at Vivint Arena in Salt Lake City, Utah.
The infamous event that took center stage this weekend may not be an official competition, but there are always entertaining stories that true basketball fans should remember for a long time, if not forever.
Just to commemorate a few, some honorable mentions include winning the pre-game All-Star Draft, Adam Silver showing off next-gen technology involving the NBA, or even donating $100,000 to two US universities.
However, we made our own list of the top 5 standout moments from this NBA All-Star weekend in Utah:
5. The top 3 historical scorers together on the stage
At halftime of the All-Star Game, the NBA had prepared a ceremony to celebrate LeBron James, who became the league’s all-time leading scorer last February 7th.
Former Heat star Dwayne Wade introduced the 38-year-old Lakers as top scorer Kareem Abdul-Jabbar and third-top scorer Karl Malone, who were expected on the platform to receive the new top scorer.
Watch the moment all three superstars share the stage as James stood in the middle while Abdul-Jabbar and Malone stood on the left and right respectively.
4th birthday child Jokic was drafted last
Denver Nuggets star Nikola Jokic became the first player in NBA history to celebrate his birthday as an All-Star starter at this weekend’s 72nd Annual All-Star Game. The reigning two-time MVP, who turned 28 this Sunday, was only selected at the end of the draft as only he and Lauri Markkanen were waiting to be picked.
Before LeBron even opened his mouth to announce his final pick, the Joker got up with an awkward smile and patted the Lakers player on the back. Observe the situation and judge it for yourself:
Nikola Jokic drafted himself so he wouldn’t be the last pick in the All-Star Draft 🤣pic.twitter.com/6WKWkWkGli
— BasketNews (@BasketNews_com) February 20, 2023
“I wouldn’t call up either. I’m not meant for this game.” Nikola Jokic joked about falling to 7th place in the All-Star Draft last night.
Coach Michael Malone said it was all a misunderstanding. “[Nikola Jokic] feels bad for not realizing that Lauri Markkanen is still on stage… He thought he was the last choice,” explained Michael Malone.
3. Jayson Tatum and Jaylen Brown play against each other
Boston Celtics teammates Jayson Tatum and Jaylen Brown had to face off during this All-Star Game as the forward was selected by Team Giannis and the guard played with LeBron.
On numerous occasions, players have faced each other 1v1, with both Celtics stars losing amazing points back-to-back.
Here are some of the highlights of this incredible duel between teammates:
Tatum made history this Sunday by becoming the first player to ever complete a 55-point game in a single All-Star contest when his team ended up beating James’ side by nine points (184 to 175). .
2. Jose Alvarado’s last second 3-pointer
Pelicans guard Jose Alvarado earned the honor of being named this year’s Rising Star Most Valuable Player, especially for his final second loss to seal the win for Team Pau Gasol over Joakim Noah’s side.
His last show was particularly impressive because he anticipated the game-winning shot when he decided to take a bet with Donovan Mitchell, who was sitting next to the bench watching the game.
“What you want to bet if I take the last shot and make it?” Alvarado asked the Cavs star.
Check out the action just before Alvarado dropped the ball in the rim to end the contest 25-20:
“What you want to bet I’ll take that last shot and make it?”
Jose Alvarado to Donovan Mitchell before calling the game😤pic.twitter.com/DTsClfCYwt
— ClutchPoints (@ClutchPointsApp) February 18, 2023
Alvarado initially scored 14 points in his team’s semifinal match against Team Deron before dropping five points in the title game, including the championship winner. “I believe in myself 100%. I’m out of this world, don’t believe in myself,” said the young star after the match. “But I didn’t even think about it or dream about it.”
1. Mac McClung saved the slam dunk contest
The 24-year-old player was crowned best of the competition despite not actually being an NBA player yet, having not officially played for the Sixers. Once a kid who found fame on YouTube for his dunks as a teenager, he now carries the trophy for winning this year’s infamous NBA slam dunk.
The scenes at the All-Stars in Utah last night were nothing short of heroic, as the young athlete is now being hailed as the “savior” of the Slam competition. The tournament had declined in value in recent years as contestants failed in their attempts without creativity and stars began to withdraw from competition.
“I was the underdog from the start,” McClung said as he celebrated because now he owns a trophy that only legends like Kobe Bryant or Michael Jordan possess. “Proving others right instead of proving others wrong brings a little more satisfaction.”
Three of his four dunks were classified as perfect 50s by the judges. One of his highlights this Saturday was a 540 degree turn that we’ve only seen in gymnasts, acrobats or maybe snowboards before, but never in basketball!
Watch how Mac McClung wowed all 20,000 spectators at Vivint Arena in Salt Lake City:
