Friday night the stars will illuminate the desert as the 2009 NBA All-Star weekend will take center stage in Phoenix, Arizona. When All-Star weekend comes around, there is something that brings out the inner child in fans.
Don't believe me? Well just make sure you watch the events that will take place this weekend. If you view these events, you will see men, women and children jumping out of their seats as if they won the lottery or showing a smile that would make Vice-President Joe Biden jealous. If high-fives were a stock, I would buy as many as I could because they will be in strong demand inside of U.S. Airways Center.
NBA All-Star weekend has a rich tradition that leaves lasting impressions within the minds of fans young and old. The weekend is a showcase for the die-hard NBA fans that follow the league from pre-season practice all the way to the crowning of an NBA champion. My hat goes off to NBA commissioner David Stern. Stern pulls out every bell and whistle in his pockets because people from all over the world turn their attention to NBA All-Star weekend.
Throw me into that section of the screaming adults because when Vince Carter took off for his first dunk in Oakland for the Sprite Slam Dunk contest, I lost my mind! Keep in mind that before Carter, the last time fans saw a dunk contest, a baby faced Kobe Bryant excited a Cleveland crowd and took home the trophy in 1997. For three years the NBA Slam Dunk contest was extinct and fans were a bit frustrated and wanted to see some above the rim creativity. Well in 2000, the dunk contest came back with authority. Vince Carter turned the city of Oakland upside down with a 360 degree windmill dunk that sent a shockwave throughout the NBA and solidified his name within slam dunk history. The dunk was so electrifying, I immediately called my older brother and ask him one question "Did you see that?!!"
From that point on Carter captured everyone's attention and held it for the remainder of the dunk contest. Fellow competitor Steve Francis knew it was going to be a long night because Carter made on-lookers not care about other dunkers
If the memory of Vince Carter's dunk exhibition doesn't excite you, then rewind your mind back to the 1988 showdown between Michael Jordan and Dominique Wilkins. Or how about 5 foot 7 inch Spudd Webb representing for all vertically challenged men across the world in 1986?
Still not excited huh? Ok, well allow Larry Bird's greatness cause a rumble within your body . In 1988 Larry Bird looked to defend his three-point crown from the previous year (1987). Bird was so cocky, he told the other three-point competitors that he was going to win the contest again. When the final round came, the energy grew as Bird faced sharpshooter Dale Ellis from the Seattle SuperSonics. Ellis went first, desperately trying to knock Bird off of his thrown, Ellis ended his round with 15 made three-point shots. Ellis's final total left the door open for Bird and Bird's chance to cement himself within NBA All-Star history.
As Bird started his quest for back-to-back shooting titles, there was something wrong, Bird was missing his shots. Coming into his fourth rack, Bird only made 7 three-point shots and he only had 25 seconds top Dale Ellis's score of 15. But in true Larry Bird fashion, the shots that bounced off the rim started to fall through the rim. Bird closed the gap between himself and Dale Ellis, leaving one rack to decide who will hoist the three-point trophy.
It came down to the final three shots and Bird swished the first two. The last ball in all NBA three-point contests is known as the "money ball". This was Bird's last chance to win the contest. Cool and calm like he always is, Larry Bird grabbed the money ball, squared his shoulders to the rim and let it fly. As the ball sailed through the air, Bird started to walk off with one finger in the air signaling victory. It was like Babe Ruth raising his bat and telling everyone in the stadium that he's going to hit a home-run. As you watched Bird walk off, you notice the ball falling through the rim and fans raising their arms. Bird nailed his final shot and defeated Dale Ellis, securing Bird's repeat as a NBA All-Star three-point champion.
That Bird performance has to bring you out of your seat right?.. You said no! Man your a tough judge.
Well listen to this final memory. The year was 2003 and Atlanta hosted the 52nd NBA All-Star game. The game's greatest player, Michael Jordan, suited up for his final NBA All-Star game and his final NBA season. Jordan came out of his second retirement to join the Washington Wizards for two seasons and scratch his competitive itch. Like many NBA All-Star games, the pace was fast and there were a abundance of oohs and ahhs. The game was so competitive and free, it went into overtime where fans enjoyed some extra action on the court.
In the final seconds of a tied basketball game, a familiar scene took place. The scene included Michael Jordan with a basketball in his hands, a game clock winding down, Marv Albert's voice and thousands of screaming fans on their feet. Jordan dribbled left, spun right and started fading away towards the baseline releasing the ball from his hands. Everyone in Phillips Arena watched as the ball glided through the air carrying the anticipation of another Michael Jordan game winning shot. The shot went straight through the rim and pandemonium ensued throughout Phillips arena. Every NBA player instantly became a kid again as they watched their idol connect on a clutch jumpshot in the final seconds of a game. Even though the East lost the game in double overtime, Michael Jordan left fans and players with another great memory to cherish.
These memories and a handful of others makes the NBA All-Star weekend a must see event. Witnessing the genuine smiles and interaction from players and fans strengthens the NBA experience. The thrills within this weekend cannot be duplicated because seeing the human side to your favorite NBA player is priceless for fans. So hold onto your seats when All-Star weekend raises up it's curtain because you do not want to miss the action.
Be Peaceful
- A well deserved applause is due for Cleveland Cavalier Mo Williams and Boston Celtic Ray Allen. Both Williams and Allen have been added the East teams roster for the 58th NBA All-Star game. They will replace injured guard Jameer Nelson of the Orlando Magic and injured forward Chris Bosh of the Toronto Raptors.
- The NBA will hold it's first H-O-R-S-E competition during All-Star Saturday night. The participants will include O.J. Mayo, Joe Johnson and Kevin Durant. Hopeful this event will bring a new look to All-Star weekend. It will be interesting!
- J.R. Smith will replace Rudy Gay in the Sprite Slam Dunk contest on All-Star Saturday night. Gay is unable to participate due to injury.
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