Kobe Bryant was known for his competitiveness. Even in the All-Star Game, with not much to win, Bryant would put in all his efforts and make sure that the spectators had a great time. Apart from being excellent on the offense, the Los Angeles Lakers legend was one of the very few superstars who actually played defense. His total of 38 steals (highest on the list) across 18 All-Star Games is proof for the same.

Kobe performed at the highest level, even when others considered it to be a break from the regular season. On numerous occasions across his career, the 6ft 6” shooting guard urged his fellow All-Stars to fulfil their responsibility to their fans and compete. Bryant reiterated himself during the 2009, 2011, and 2016 All-Star Games.

2009: “I think that’s what the fans really want to see. Want to see us get after it a little bit.”

2011: “I feel like we all have a sense of responsibility and we’re voted in for what we do during the season. Which is play hard.”

2016: “I want them to come out and compete. You wanna do something for me? Let’s go out there and compete and have a good competitive game. And then let’s win the game.”

 

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After witnessing an underwhelming performance in the 2024 All-Star Game, Shaq reshared this clip on his Instagram Stories. By doing so, O’Neal can only hope that the players can make the exhibition game much more competitive and entertaining from the next time onwards.

Shaq uses Kobe’s words to remind players of their responsibility as All-Stars pic.twitter.com/jhsJsc0Gp4

— What are NBA Celebs Upto? (@NBACelebsUpdate) February 21, 2024

Unlike Bryant, as seen in the clips above, the players didn’t even break a sweat this year. Apart from uncontested three-point shots, players even took unnecessary full-court heaves. Clearly, ticket prices of the contest being so high was not justified and no spectator got their money’s worth.

Joining Shaquille O’Neal are numerous livid fans

Shaquille O’Neal wasn’t the only personality from the basketball world to be gutted by the All-Star Game. Stephen A. Smith also expressed his concerns regarding the All-Star Weekend, calling the highly-anticipated event a “travesty”.

The ESPN analyst was so frustrated at the production that he urged Commissioner Adam Silver to eliminate the Skills Challenge, Slam Dunk Competition, and the All-Star Game going forward.

“What transpired last night was an absolute travesty. Nearly 400 points on defence, no effort whatsoever,” Smith said.

.@stephenasmith thinks the NBA should get rid of the Skills Competition, Slam Dunk Competition and the All-Star Game:

“What transpired last night was an absolute travesty.” pic.twitter.com/TXLUB8RvPm

— First Take (@FirstTake) February 19, 2024

JJ Redick also took to his podcast and revealed his disappointment in the event. After lauding Kevin Durant for his efforts, Redick called out all participants for their performance.

“This is not playing defence! This was 23 guys, I’d say 23 and a half guys just not trying. And we have seen it year after year after year. At no point, did anyone outside of Kevin Durant try on defense,” Redick said.

While all analysts and enthusiasts have been urging the league to make the All-Star Game much more entertaining, Anthony Edwards just explained why the contest could never be fixed. Edwards, who previously stated that he would only shoot from his left hand, expressed his honest opinions about the exhibition game. According to the Minnesota Timberwolves guard, the All-Star Game was merely for fun and he wouldn’t ever try being competitive.

 

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A post shared by theScore (@thescore)

Unless the players don’t take the first step and try making the contest more fun, there isn’t a lot that Adam Silver can do. All that the fans can do is hope that the league comes up with an idea to make the weekend more fun by bringing in some modifications.

The post “Go Out There and Compete”: Shaquille O’Neal Echoes Kobe Bryant’s Words While Reminding All-Stars Their ‘Responsibility’ Towards Fans appeared first on The SportsRush.

When Embiid decided to sit out of the highly-anticipated clash against the Denver Nuggets, fans immediately mocked him for “ducking” Nikola Jokic. After sitting out against the Portland Trail Blazers as well, despite being injured, Embiid proceeded to suit up against the Golden State Warriors.

During the contest against Stephen Curry and co., the 2023 MVP seemed to be in a significant amount of pain. To make matters worse, late in the fourth quarter of the contest, Jonathan Kuminga fell on Embiid’s injured knee. JoJo headed to the locker room and was ruled out for the remainder of the contest.

Joel Embiid is headed to the locker room after Jonathan Kuminga fell on him

Hope he’s ok pic.twitter.com/iZysg8pULR

— Bleacher Report (@BleacherReport) January 31, 2024

A few days after the incident took place, reports revealed that the center would be sidelined for at least four weeks. Due to the injury he sustained to the lateral meniscus in his left knee, Joel Embiid will not be participating in the 2024 All-Star Game. Instead, Bam Adebayo will be starting the exhibition game.

Bam Adebayo has been named the starting replacement for the injured Joel Embiid in the All-Star game, per @ESPN690Jax pic.twitter.com/zKPkSBSHDf

— NBACentral (@TheDunkCentral) February 17, 2024

Despite a historic campaign, Joel Embiid won’t be eligible to win the MVP award

Joel Embiid was having one of the best campaigns in the history of the game. Numerous analysts and enthusiasts were convinced that the 29-year-old would make his 6^th All-NBA selection and retain the MVP award.

Despite having the stats to back it up, due to this horrific injury, Embiid will not be eligible for either of the two. Before the season began, the league’s new Player Participation Policy suggested that a player needed to suit up for 65 games (at least 20 minutes per game) to be eligible for season-end accolades.

Embiid has already missed out on 18 games and is projected to miss at least 8 games more before his injury is re-evaluated. By failing to meet the league’s 65-game quota, JoJo won’t be rewarded for his historic performance.

Joel Embiid has been diagnosed with a displaced meniscus flap in his left knee, and he is considering surgery, per @ShamsCharania

“Embiid’s chances of repeating as MVP are likely over.”

(Via https://t.co/xfe7mJliCH) pic.twitter.com/EWyAO9pGt5

— NBACentral (@TheDunkCentral) February 3, 2024

The team is struggling without their star player. Since the beginning of February, the Pennsylvania side has only clinched three wins in eight games, falling down a spot in the standings. Even though he has no chance to win the MVP, Joel Embiid will be determined to make his comeback and lead his team to a deep run in the postseason.

The post Why Isn’t Joel Embiid Playing In The 2024 All Star Game? When Will He Return For The 76ers? appeared first on The SportsRush.

Before the 2023-24 season commenced, Adam Silver announced that the NBA would be turning back to the traditional West vs East format for the All-Star Game. According to Silver, using the traditional concept would be fitting considering that Indianapolis is a “traditional market”. Commissioner Silver said,

“We thought it was time since we’re coming back to such a traditional market as Indianapolis is, as Indiana is and all it means for basketball, that we were going to return to the classic format for our All-Star Game….it will be East vs. West with the return to the four quarters and the same format we’re all used to for a basketball game.”

NBA Commissioner Adam Silver announces the return of the classic East vs. West format for the 2024 NBA All-Star Game. pic.twitter.com/ingdASk5GJ

— NBA (@NBA) October 25, 2023

A week before announcing the news, Adam Silver had hinted the same during his appearance on ESPN’s First Take. In conversation with Stephen A. Smith, Silver explained how a return to “something traditional” in terms of the teams would be more entertaining.

Before the traditional West vs East format, the two captains would select their teams irrespective of the conference. First, the two captains would select starters from a pool of eight players. And then they would pick their reserves from a pool of 14 players.

It was first introduced for the 2018 All-Star Game. However, after six years of using it, the league has finally decided to bring back the West vs East method of playing the game.

Format and winners of the past six editions of the All-Star Game

After using the West vs East format for almost six decades, the league decided to revamp the exhibition game. While the team selection format changed, the game’s format remained the same, four quarters of 12 minutes each.

In 2020, following the tragic death of Kobe Bryant, the NBA announced a new format. Each of the first three quarters was considered as individual games with the scoreboard resetting after each period. For the final quarter, a target score would be determined by adding 24 points to the leading team’s cumulative score from the first three periods. This same format was used from 2020 until last season.

Results of the past six All-Star Games:

• 2018:

Team LeBron 148 vs Team Steph 145

MVP: LeBron James

• 2019:

Team LeBron 178 vs Team Giannis 164

MVP: Kevin Durant

• 2020:

Team LeBron 157 vs Team Giannis 155

MVP: Kawhi Leonard

• 2021:

Team LeBron 170 vs Team Durant 150

MVP: Giannis Antetokounmpo

• 2022:

Team LeBron 163 vs Team Durant 160

MVP: Stephen Curry

• 2023:

Team Giannis 184 vs Team LeBron 175

MVP: Jayson Tatum

The post 2024 NBA All Star Game: Why Did the NBA Change the ASG Format Back to East Vs West? appeared first on The SportsRush.

Since its inception in 1951, the All-Star game has long followed the format of pitting the best players of the Eastern and Western Conferences against each other. However, this format was abruptly dropped after six decades for a new format based on ‘captains’ choosing players for their teams. Here we will explore the history of how it all happened.

1951: All-Star Inception

The history of the All-Star game can be traced back to 1951, when the NBA’s then-publicity director, Haskell Cohen, helped create the annual weekend spectacle that fans all eagerly anticipate today. The NBA wanted to follow suit with MLB, which already hosted its own All-Star games and had gained wide popularity from the same.

After discussing this proposal with then-league commissioner Maurice Podoloff and Boston Celtics owner Walter Brown, the first All-Star game was held on March 2nd, 1951, in Boston Garden. The game drew around 10,094 fans in audience, with the Eastern Conference defeating the West 111-94.

Celtics legend Ed Macauley emerged as the first All-Star MVP with a game-high 20 points while limiting Minneapolis Lakers star George Mikan to only 4 field goals and 12 points. However, Macauley was only honored two years later during the 1953 All-Star Game, when the league decided to designate an MVP for each year’s game.

For over six decades, the subsequent All-Star games followed the same East-West format until the same was finally discarded for a new one in 2018.

2018: Discarding East vs West Format

The NBA discarded the East vs West format after almost six decades, in 2018. The league devised a revamped format, with two captains drafting for their teams from a pool of players voted as starters and reserves. The captains would be the All-Star starters from each conference receiving the highest fan votes in their conference and had to select players for their team without regard for conference affiliation. This system attempted to emulate an almost playground feel to the whole event, something that fans enjoyed very much.

The 2018 All-Star Game was the first to feature this format, with Stephen Curry and LeBron James fielding their All-Star teams as captains. Team LeBron eventually emerged as the winner of this game, defeating Team Stephen 148-145.

Since then, Team LeBron has remained a constant in the subsequent All-Star Games, while only Giannis Antetokounmpo and Kevin Durant have gotten the chance to form their respective teams as captains, among other players. This format continued until 2023 before the league reverted to the classic East vs West format later that year.

2024: Returning to the Roots

In October 2023, the NBA announced that the upcoming 2024 All-Star Game, which will be played on Feb 18, 2024, at Gainbridge Fieldhouse, Indianapolis, will feature the classic East vs West format. The league took this decision ahead of the 73rd All-Star Game to celebrate the deep roots of basketball in the state of Indiana. The voting process will remain the same, with 12 players selected from each conference.

NBA Commissioner Adam Silver announces the return of the classic East vs. West format for the 2024 NBA All-Star Game. pic.twitter.com/ingdASk5GJ

— NBA (@NBA) October 25, 2023

One of the major changes alongside this format is that the game will no longer have an untimed fourth quarter or conclude when one team reaches or surpasses the Final Target Score. The game will return to traditional 12-minute quarters, with both teams competing to win each quarter for a charitable organization of their choosing.

The All-Star starters from each conference receiving the highest votes will be named the captains of their respective conference teams. The game is expected to raise much anticipation and fervor as Indianapolis will host NBA All-Star for the first time since 1985.

The post NBA All-Star Game Timeline: Evolution Since Inception appeared first on The SportsRush.

Sure, the bout between Team LeBron and Team Giannis did witness several dunks and long-distance shots. We even witnessed Jayson Tatum record 55 points in the clash, setting up a new ASG record.

However, the ratings declined 29% and viewership 27% from the 2022 ASG.

Sunday’s NBA All-Star Game was the lowest rated and least-watched edition of the game, per @paulsen_smw

• Ratings declined 29% and viewership 27% from last year’s All-Star Game

• The record-low audience places the NBA All-Star Game well behind this year’s NFL Pro Bowl

•… https://t.co/7vjNs9pe8B pic.twitter.com/sZ2jJXdXur

— NBACentral (@TheNBACentral) February 22, 2023

Also Read: Stan Van Gundy ‘Ignorantly’ Disregards Stephen Curry and Klay Thompson’s Injuries

Stephen Curry explains how the NBA can improve the All-Star Game

Several analysts and basketball enthusiasts expressed their displeasure after watching the pick-up game.

After the game was heavily criticised, Steph gave his two cents as to how the league could fix it. First, the Warriors leader highlighted the fact that the stars participating in the game needed to “play harder”.

“I think first off, it’s on us. Players just have to play harder,” Curry said.

Further, The Baby-Faced Assassin spoke about all the obligations that the NBA required the players to do during the weekend, and how Adam Silver could ease those obligations.

“But secondly, I think the league can ease up on all the obligations players have during All-Star Weekend. People don’t understand the day-to-day responsibilities an All-Star has from [NBA-mandated] appearances, the photo shoots, the media responsibilities, etc.

Even the player introductions and the draft on Sunday, it was too long. Players get fatigued. It’s a lot going on. But it starts with us giving a damn, and also there are things I think the league can do to lighten the load for players.”

Mike Malone doesn’t believe that the ASG can be fixed

Apart from Curry, there are several people giving unique ideas to improve the clash. While some believe that the players should be awarded incentives for winning, a few also suggested that a Team USA vs Team World approach could also make the game more entertaining.

However, Denver Nuggets head coach Mike Malone believes that this format of the All-Star Game can be fixed.

“That is the worst basketball game ever played…I don’t know if you can fix it.”

“That is the worst basketball game ever played…I don’t know if you can fix it.” – Mike Malone on the NBA All-Star Game

(via @VicLombardi) pic.twitter.com/y0okJZYrQk

— Action Network (@ActionNetworkHQ) February 20, 2023

Also Read: Stephen Curry Explained his Composure During Legendary Sequence Against Clippers

The post “Starts with us giving a damn”: Stephen Curry Suggests Ways to Make All-Star Game More Entertaining appeared first on The SportsRush.

James, who is now on of the oldest in the league, was sitting with Damian Lillard during the All-Star game when they began talking about age and the players who are getting older. Lillard, who is 32, tried to convince James that he was still young. However, the Lakers superstar was not on the same note as the Portland Trail Blazers guard.

Also read: “For Myself, I Am Cheap!”: Giannis Antetokounmpo Reveals Heartwarming Reason Behind Why He Doesn’t Spend Too Much Money

Fans react to LeBron James calling Damian Lillard old

During their conversation, Dame recalled how LeBron James did not count him among the youngins. Upon Dame’s probing, James readily agreed he did not and reminded Lillard that he was in fact old.

Damian Lillard: “I heard when you were saying all these youngins, you didn’t name me.” LeBron James: “I sure didn’t. No I did not.” Dame: “I ain’t old.” LeBron: “You ain’t no youngin no more.”

NBA Fans were amused by this interaction. Some pointed out how Bron is starting to sound like an aged man. On the other hand, a few were also surprised Damian Lillard isn’t aware that he isn’t young anymore.

Lebron doing the old man shit where you repeat yourself 2x before ending the sentence https://t.co/ixtqBFOttF

— ᑕOᗩᑕᕼ (@directedbyfendi) February 22, 2023

dame thinking he still “a youngn”is hilarious. he’s an 11 year veteran and 32 years old, that’s old for the nba. kobe’s last title was when he was 31 for perspective. dame out here thinking he still mid 20’s makes sense why he wasting time in portland https://t.co/GHzvtwIDsM

— Weez Herbolt (@LAker_weez) February 22, 2023

Lillard about to go through a mid life crisis https://t.co/LVdP8pd91s

— Tank (@TankIsImmortal) February 22, 2023

Bron sound like an old ass grandpa https://t.co/csgzfiK1VV

— Depressed Raptors Fan (@javi3hundred) February 22, 2023

Ahhh Dame still think he young, leaving Portland the least of his concerns https://t.co/fnKATxjlCM

— david (@_Davvex) February 22, 2023

Lillard needs to push for a championship team

Lillard is clearly one of the best players of the past decade. However, much like Reggie Miller, he is yet to win a championship and may just be losing his chance because of his loyalty to Portland.

At 32, he is certainly heading towards a decline soon. As he adds on more years, Dame will not be the same athlete he is today. By being in Portland, Lillard is, of his own volition. He needs to play for a team that is a legitimate contender and could benefit Dame as a part of their campaign. Otherwise, by how things stand, Lillard may end his career ringless.

Also read: WATCH: Bryce and Bronny James Caught Mocking LeBron James During Event Celebrating the King’s Greatness

The post “Lebron James Doing the Old Man S**t”: NBA Fans React to King James Reminding Damian Lillard He is ‘Old’ During the All-Star Game appeared first on The SportsRush.

Of course, Jayson Tatum proved to be an incredible pick for the Greek Freak. Dropping 55 points on 22 made shots, the Celtics forward won the ASG MVP. Drafting the likes of Damian Lillard as his 1^st pick among the reserves also ended up being beneficial for the 2-time MVP.

First pick for Team Giannis… Damian Lillard pic.twitter.com/eM07rWQpsC

— Bleacher Report (@BleacherReport) February 20, 2023

The 2023 3-point contest winner recorded 26 points and 4 assists in 23:24 minutes.

Damian Lillard In The 2023 All Star Game:

— 26 PTS
— 3 REB
— 4 AST
— 3 STL
— 8 3PM
— 42.9 FG%
— 40.0 3P%

Dame Helps Give Team Giannis Win 184 – 175 Over Team LeBron!

What An All Star Weekend! Go Enjoy Your Break @Dame_Lillard & Good Night Utah!!#RipCity l #NBAAllStar pic.twitter.com/nZ0z49xrma

— Dame Muse (@Dame_Muse) February 20, 2023

Also Read: Jrue Holiday Dissects Giannis Antetokounmpo’s Mind Games That Helped Him Win vs LeBron James

Giannis Antetokounmpo predicted that Damian Lillard would hit the game-winner

Dame Dolla knocked down 8 three-pointers across the action-packed clash. Out of the 8 shots that the Blazers guard connected from beyond the arc, was the shot that won Team Giannis the exhibition game.

DAMIAN LILLARD FOR THE WIN pic.twitter.com/mIQmYJU5UB

— ClutchPoints (@ClutchPointsApp) February 20, 2023

As crazy as it may seem, the Eastern Conference captain had actually predicted the same to happen… even before the contest tipped off.

“I feel Damian Lillard on our team. I really believe Damian Lillard… he’s gonna close the game out. The year I won, he was the one that took the ball from half court and was like… and made it,” Antetokounmpo said.

“I really believe Damian Lillard… he’s gonna close the game out.”

GM Giannis knew pic.twitter.com/kIq84iu03Q

— Bleacher Report (@BleacherReport) February 21, 2023

NBA Twitter lauds the Greek Freak for picking Lillard

As soon as the clip went viral on social media, NBA Twitter praised Giannis for his GM skills.

That’s why he’s the best GM

— Noir (@Kennyynoir) February 20, 2023

Giannis called Dame Time before the game

— Luis M Soto (@LuisMSoto4) February 21, 2023

Giannis when he wrote the script for the NBA All-Star Game: pic.twitter.com/jtgeE9Gpvq

— boredjesse (@boredjesse) February 21, 2023

Giannis knows greatness when he sees it

— Raps gen (@RaptorsGen) February 20, 2023

Selecting Dolla was always going to be a safe pick for Giannis. Knocking down more than 4 3-pointer per game, the 32-year-old has been averaging 31.4 points, 4.3 rebounds, and 7.3 assists this campaign.

Also Read: Damian Lillard Gets Heckled By Buddy Hield Following 3-Point Contest Loss

The post “Damian Lillard is gonna close the game out”: Giannis Antetokounmpo Displays Incredible GM Skills Predicting Dame’s Game Winning Performance appeared first on The SportsRush.

Yes, you read that right. The Boston Celtics forward did not only end up being the highest scorer of the game but also ended up setting a new ASG record. Surpassing Anthony Davis’ 52-point mark, JT ended the bout with 55 points, while knocking down 10 3-pointers.

55 PTS (NBA All-Star Game Record)
10 REB
6 AST
10 3PM

Jayson Tatum balled out to lead #TeamGiannis to the win and claim 2023 #KiaAllStarMVP!#NBAAllStar | @Kia pic.twitter.com/k4EXJHtTgz

— NBA (@NBA) February 20, 2023

Owing to his historic performance and Team Giannis’ 184-175 win over Team LeBron, the 24-year-old bagged the 2023 Kobe Bryant All-Star Game MVP.

Jayson Tatum wins the Kobe Bryant All-Star Game MVP pic.twitter.com/7dB4RcPvBa

— Bleacher Report (@BleacherReport) February 20, 2023

Also Read: Jayson Tatum Praises Mavericks Backcourt Duo in 2023 All-Star Media Day

With MVP Performance in ASG, Jayson Tatum sets an incredible record

The former Duke Blue Devil, one of the younger superstars in our league, ended the night as the only player to achieve an unbelievable feat. The 4-time All-Star becomes the only player in NBA history to record 50-point games in a regular-season clash, postseason clash, play-in clash, and the All-Star Game.

Jayson Tatum is the first player in NBA history to have a 50-point game in a:

Regular-season game
Playoff game
All-Star game
Play-In game

(h/t @StatsWilliams) pic.twitter.com/29Qlxy99lp

— Legion Hoops (@LegionHoops) February 20, 2023

As soon as this stat went viral, NBA Twitter erupted with reactions congratulating the 6-foot-8 star.

Best player of all time

— … (@JaysGotNext) February 20, 2023

Ayo he’s that guy https://t.co/vy4st38lHN

— Sway Snow (@Checkedout_Bro) February 20, 2023

Adding Finals game to it come June/July https://t.co/w3uNdz9eOO

— Kev (@BKABeloved) February 20, 2023

JT is so different, love this guy https://t.co/ayod7BhMrA

— Reyes (@cjreyes2090) February 20, 2023

“It means the world”: Tatum on breaking the ASG single-game scoring record

Jayson Tatum, Giannis Antetokounmpo’s first pick among the starters, was extremely humbled after adding his first-ever ASG MVP award to his trophy cabinet. Talking about the record, the 2-time All-NBA player said:

“It means the world,” Tatum said. “You think of all the legends and great players that have played this game, and in all honesty, records are made to be broken. I’ll hold it for as long as I can, but I’m certain someone will come along in a couple years and try to break it.”

Officially, Jayson Tatum’s the All-Star Game MVP after scoring a record 55 points.

“It means the world,” Tatum told Ernie Johnson. #Celtics

— Adam Kaufman (@AdamMKaufman) February 20, 2023

Also Read: NBA Twitter Goes Ballistic Following Explosive Dunk At All-Star Game

The post Jayson Tatum Becomes Only Player to Record 50-Point Outings in 4 Types of Games While Winning 2023 ASG MVP appeared first on The SportsRush.

James even admitted to doing this while he was younger, saying he’d just jump in the air without having a plan in mind about how the possession would look and then would see what options were available while in the air. 

Given that ‘The King’ is 6’9 and 250lbs, having him come full speed at you from the other side of the court simply means the opposing defenders either must be on the wrong end of a poster or make a business decision. Usually, it’s the latter and understandably so.

Also read: “I Pick Ja Morant”: Giannis Antetokounmpo’s Hilarious Draft Pick Blunder Against LeBron James Left All-Stars Roaring With Laughter

LeBron James throws down a monster alley oop 

Yes, LeBron James is 38 years old. Zach Lowe hilariously said on a recent podcast that the way it has been hammered down for everybody that James is 38, it feels as though he’s changed his name to ‘38 year old LeBron James’. However, just because people have been mentioning it a lot, it shouldn’t take away from how incredible he’s been. 

During the first quarter of this year’s All-Star Game in Salt Lake City, Utah, LeBron, while in a full sprint down the court from coast to coast, threw himself an alley-oop from the left elbow, over a defender, caught it, and dunked the ball.

LEBRON JAMES.

pic.twitter.com/FrYr6GlQPz

— Hoop Central (@TheHoopCentral) February 20, 2023

This is by the most impressive dunk we’ve seen from LeBron quite some time, regardless of the fact that it was during an exhibition game. The amount of talent that’s required for someone to make such a play is ridiculous. NBA Twitter, as expected, had a field day with such a dunk.

LEBRON PUTTING ON A SHOW pic.twitter.com/CuSo8D6DMo

— King Oasis (@GG_Oasis23) February 20, 2023

HES 38!!!

— Allenownz (@Allenownz) February 20, 2023

bro looks so much more explosive…that Lakers post all-star break run is gonna be generational…

— ✰ (@deadboylyfee) February 20, 2023

Also read: LeBron James Claims ‘Age’ May Ruin His Plans to Play With Younger Son Bryce James

The post “Did LeBron James Just Self Alley-Oop!?” NBA Twitter Goes Ballistic Following Explosive Dunk At All-Star Game appeared first on The SportsRush.

Then, Giannis’s reactions and court-side shenanigans during the All-Star dunk went viral. Fans were in love with how much fun the Greek national was having and the impact of his energy on the tournament.

Giannis Antetokounmpo brought his NBA All-Star draft book on stage during the intros pic.twitter.com/OW7ApISDhx

— ClutchPoints (@ClutchPointsApp) February 20, 2023

Today is no different, Antetokounmpo arrived for the All-Star game in his best spirits. He took over the locker room and was seen jesting with Joel Embiid. He also ‘showed’ the difficulties of being a coach and a GM in his signature style.

Also read: “Wang Zu, or Whatever Your Name is!”: When Shaquille O’Neal Got Downright Racist Just to Get Into Yao Ming’s Head

Giannis Antetokounmpo trolls Joel Embiid as the Head Coach

Today’s All-Star Game will feature team Giannis vs Team LeBron. So, Giannis Antetokounmpo and LeBron James will pick their teams and lead them. Before the start of the game, Giannis was busy in the locker room planning and preparing for the draft and the game.

 

View this post on Instagram

 

A post shared by NBA (@nba)

When Joel Embiid arrived slightly late, the Bucks forward jokingly teased him about it. Giannis then called the 7ft Sixers star ‘different’ because he is African. Following this streak of jokes, Antetokounmpo detailed the troubles of being a head coach and a GM in his own hilarious way.

Giannis further claimed that being a GM and Head Coach was hard work because it would make him vulnerable to heckles. Finally, he stressed the need to work in order to keep his job and re-immersed himself in the planning. To maintain the gag, Giannis even carried the draft notebook to the All-Star game intros.

Also read: “He’s lying!”: Luka Doncic Hilariously Denies Kevin Durant’s Claims That He Could Become the “European GOAT”

The post “Joel Embiid Different, He African”: ‘All-Star Captain’ Giannis Antetokounmpo Trolls 7ft Sixers Star While Preparing for the Draft appeared first on The SportsRush.