The NBA All-Star Weekend simply wrapped up, and boy, was it a rollercoaster! From jaw-dropping dunks to questionable format adjustments, this yr’s festivities left us with lots to speak about. Let’s break down the highs, lows, and every thing in between from this star-studded occasion.
NBA All-Star Weekend: New Format, However Was It Higher?
The NBA determined to shake issues up this yr with a brand new format this All-Star Weekend. As a substitute of the normal East vs. West matchup, we noticed 4 groups competing: Shaq’s OGs, Candace’s Rising Stars, Chuck’s World Stars, and Kenny’s Younger Stars. Whereas the intention was to inject some contemporary pleasure, the consequence was… properly, let’s simply say it left one thing to be desired.
As DJ put it:
“If the put the fries within the bag bro meme was really actual life, that’s what that is.”
The consensus? It’s time to return to fundamentals. East vs. West will not be good, but it surely’s what the followers wish to see. We tune in to observe the most effective of the most effective showcase their abilities, to not decipher a convoluted format.
NBA All-Star Dunk Contest: The G-League Hero We Didn’t Know We Wanted
Whereas the primary occasion might have upset, the Slam Dunk Contest introduced the warmth – thanks largely to Mac McClung. This G-League sensation proved that generally essentially the most thrilling performances come from sudden locations.
McClung’s ultimate dunk, which concerned leaping over a automotive, had echoes of Blake Griffin’s iconic Kia dunk. However as Kelcey identified, McClung took it to a different degree:
“Sure, his foot clipped the windshield. I don’t care. That man nonetheless bought 99.9% of the best way throughout the automotive. And I’ve by no means seen Vince Carter do this.”
It’s a testomony to how far athleticism within the NBA has come. What was as soon as thought-about groundbreaking is now a warm-up routine for at present’s gamers.
NBA All-Star Three-Level Shootout: Tyler Herro’s Time to Shine
In a area stacked with sharpshooters, it was Miami Warmth’s Tyler Herro who walked away with the three-point crown. Beating out favorites like Damian Lillard and Buddy Hield, Herro’s victory was a reminder that generally the darkish horse comes out on prime.
DJ famous:
“Tyler Herro continues to have a little bit of a underrated breakout season. The information of Miami this complete yr has been the Jimmy Butler tomfoolery however Tyler Herro has secretly had an all star caliber yr.”
This win may very well be the catalyst that propels Herro into the higher echelon of NBA stars. Keep watch over this younger gun because the common season resumes.
NBA All-Star Expertise Problem: Cavs Duo Dominates
The Expertise Problem noticed Donovan Mitchell and Evan Mobley of the Cleveland Cavaliers take dwelling the trophy. Their victory showcased the flexibility that makes trendy NBA gamers so thrilling to observe.
Kelcey had excessive reward for Mobley specifically:
“Evan Mobley, for those who guys haven’t been watching Evan Mobley, it’s time to be taught that dude is a stud. And. And that is coming from a man who was not excessive on his rankings popping out of the draft out of usc. Yeah, I used to be not. And I’ll let you know that I’m mistaken. So, so mistaken.”
Keep watch over the Cavs – with younger expertise like this, they may very well be a pressure to be reckoned with within the coming years.
What’s Subsequent for NBA All-Star Weekend?
As we glance to the longer term, it’s clear that the NBA must discover a steadiness between innovation and custom. Whereas change will be good, generally what the followers really need is to see the most effective gamers on the planet competing on the highest degree.
Listed below are a couple of recommendations for subsequent yr:
- Carry again East vs. West for the primary occasion
- Maintain the Dunk Contest open to all gamers, however usher in established stars
- Contemplate including a one-on-one event to showcase particular person abilities
- Concentrate on getting extra star energy concerned within the festivities
The NBA All-Star Weekend is a celebration of basketball at its highest degree. By specializing in what makes the game nice – unbelievable athleticism, fierce competitors, and unparalleled ability – the NBA can be certain that this occasion stays a must-watch for years to come back.
What We Realized About NBA All-Star Weekend
This yr’s NBA All-Star Weekend was a combined bag, but it surely taught us beneficial classes about what followers actually wish to see. The starvation for real competitors and jaw-dropping shows of ability is as robust as ever. As we transfer ahead, let’s hope the NBA takes these classes to coronary heart and delivers an much more spectacular occasion subsequent yr.
Need to dive deeper into our evaluation of the NBA All-Star Weekend? You’ll want to try the complete episode of the Excessive Low Sports activities Podcast. And don’t overlook to comply with us on social media for extra scorching takes and in-depth sports activities protection:
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Tell us within the feedback: What was your favourite second from this yr’s All-Star Weekend? And what adjustments would you prefer to see for subsequent yr’s occasion?