NBA All-Star Weekend is here! Friday night’s action saw Team Wilbon defeat Team Stephen A. in the NBA All-Star Celebrity Game, while the U.S. team won the Rising Stars Challenge. Saturday finished with victories from Bam Adebayo, Buddy Hield and Derrick Jones Jr. in the skills challenge, 3-point contest and dunk contest, respectively.
Captain LeBron James will look to repeat last year’s success as he faces off against Giannis Antetokounmpo in Sunday’s finale.
Here’s what we’re watching as Team LeBron takes on Team Giannis in Sunday’s rematch.
MORE: Saturday night recap | Draft results & rosters | FAQs | Latest news
This year’s game features plenty of changes, from the score resetting after each quarter to the winner being decided using an Elam-style finish that will also honor Kobe Bryant.
Still, there is one important thing that will remain the same: 24 of the best players in the world will go head-to-head until one side comes out on top.
Here’s a quick look at some of the key things to watch as this year’s edition of the league’s annual midseason showcase unfolds inside Chicago’s United Center:
Matchup to watch: Giannis vs. everyone
Over his six-plus seasons in the NBA, Giannis Antetokounmpo has proved himself to be as competitive and driven as anyone in the sport.
There’s little doubt that, over the past couple weeks, he’s heard the comments about how his team doesn’t measure up to the one LeBron James has drafted. And there is equally little doubt that if there is anyone who would play hard enough in an All-Star Game to try to overcome those doubters, it would be the Greek Freak.
2020 All-Star Game Comparison
| Team LeBron |
Team Giannis |
|
|---|---|---|
| ASG appearances | 62 | 30 |
| ASG MVP awards | 7 | 0 |
| Career ASG points | 925 | 217 |
| First-time All-Stars | 4 | 6 |
The question here is whether that will be enough to overcome what is a pretty clear talent gap between the two sides. If it works out that way, however, then we all know who the MVP of the game will be.
Teammate vs. teammate!
There are only two matchups of teammates going up against one another in Sunday’s game: Boston Celtics guard Kemba Walker vs. forward Jayson Tatum, and Philadelphia 76ers guard Ben Simmons vs. center Joel Embiid.
For Simmons and Embiid, this is nothing new — the two of them faced off against each other last season, after Antetokounmpo and James engineered a draft-night trade to send Simmons from Team Giannis to Team LeBron. But this is a first-time thing for both Walker and Tatum — Walker because he’s never had a teammate in the All-Star Game before and Tatum because he’s never been there at all.
Walker said Thursday that he hasn’t given Tatum any advice on how to handle it.
“It’s an experience you just have to go through,” Walker said. “Whatever he’s feeling, he’s supposed to feel that way. It’s his first time, he doesn’t know what to expect, he’s an All-Star, man. That’s it. I’m super proud of him, he deserves it. It’s going to be fun.”
Dark horse MVP pick: Trae Young
Yes, it is Young’s first time as an All-Star. But he also has the perfect game for this format: the ability (and willingness) to launch from 30 or 40 feet with abandon, as well as throwing all sorts of crazy passes to players either spotting up for 3s or flying to the basket for rim-rocking dunks (the fact that no defense is required doesn’t hurt, either).
And if you really want to go deeper down the rosters, Phoenix Suns guard Devin Booker — the last player into the game — is another intriguing choice.
Another first-time participant, Booker might not get enough time on the court to make a run at the award. If he does, there are few guys who can score as quickly as he can — which is the perfect recipe for getting yourself in contention to win this game’s MVP award.
— Tim Bontemps
MORE: Grading every player on Saturday night
Here are numbers you need to know for the All-Star Game, courtesy of ESPN Stats and Information:
The King of All-Star
LeBron James’ All-Star career
| All-Time Rank | ||
|---|---|---|
| Points | 362 | 1st |
| 3-point FG | 36 | 1st |
| Assists | 88 | 4th |
| Games played | 15 | T-2nd |
LeBron James is the all-time leader in points and 3-pointers made in All-Star history, and by appearing in the 2020 game he’ll break a tie with Tim Duncan and Kobe Bryant for the second-most All-Star Games played (not just selections) in NBA history, behind only Kareem Abdul-Jabbar (18).
James is also set to make his 16th start, which will break a tie with Bryant for most all-time.
With double-digit assists, James would move past Isiah Thomas for the third-most assists in All-Star game history. Chris Paul will likely need at least another All-Star Game after Sunday’s to record the 22 assists he needs to pass Magic Johnson for the most in this game’s history, but we wouldn’t be surprised if the Point God somehow pulled it off.
A true global game
Players from seven different countries were selected to the All-Star Game this season, tied for the most in NBA history, according to the Elias Sports Bureau: United States, Greece (Giannis Antetokounmpo), Cameroon (Joel Embiid and Pascal Siakam), Australia (Ben Simmons), Serbia (Nikola Jokic), Slovenia (Luka Doncic) and France (Rudy Gobert). Four All-Star starters were born outside the U.S. this year (Antetokounmpo, Doncic, Embiid, Siakam), the most in a single year all-time.
Plenty of new faces in Chicago
Jayson Tatum, Trae Young and Luka Doncic are all going to be 21 or younger at the All-Star Game. According to Elias, this is the second time at least three players 21 or younger were selected to the All-Star Game. The other season was 1997-98, when there were four: Tim Duncan, Kevin Garnett, Antoine Walker and Kobe Bryant. The 20-year-old Doncic is the youngest starter since LeBron in 2005.
And it will be quite the night for first-time All-Stars, as Tatum, Young, Doncic, Domantas Sabonis, Rudy Gobert, Brandon Ingram, Donovan Mitchell, Bam Adebayo and Pascal Siakam are all set to make their debuts in the league’s midseason showcase. According to Elias, it’s the most first-time All-Stars in one year since 2009-10, which also had nine.
Team LeBron James*
1. Anthony Davis*, Lakers
2. Kawhi Leonard*, Clippers
3. Luka Doncic*, Mavericks
4. James Harden*, Rockets
5. Devin Booker^, Suns
6. Ben Simmons, 76ers
7. Nikola Jokic, Nuggets
8. Jayson Tatum, Celtics
9. Chris Paul, Thunder
10. Russell Westbrook, Rockets
11. Domantas Sabonis, Pacers
^Replaces Trail Blazers’ Damian Lillard
Team Giannis Antetokounmpo*
1. Joel Embiid*, 76ers
2. Pascal Siakam*, Raptors
3. Kemba Walker*, Celtics
4. Trae Young*, Hawks
5. Khris Middleton, Bucks
6. Bam Adebayo, Heat
7. Rudy Gobert, Jazz
8. Jimmy Butler, Heat
9. Kyle Lowry, Raptors
10. Brandon Ingram, Pelicans
11. Donovan Mitchell, Jazz
* Voted in as starters
Best Moments of All-Star Saturday Night
Saturday ushered in the second night of All-Star competition as players took the court to compete in the skills challenge, 3-point contest and dunk competition. Dwayne Wade and Candace Parker kicked off the night with a tribute to Kobe Bryant and his daughter Gianna.
Dwyane Wade and Candace Parker kick off All-Star Saturday Night by honoring Kobe Bryant, his daughter Gianna and David Stern.
The action that followed saw all three competitions come down to the wire, including a dunk-off between Derrick Jones Jr and Aaron Gordon. Jones was one of two Miami Heat players to win on Saturday, along with teammate Bam Adebayo, who won the skills competition. Kings center Buddy Hield won the other event of the night, narrowly edging Devin Booker in the 3-point showdown.
And though he was forced to withdraw from All-Star competition with an injury, Damian Lillard made an appearance on stage.
First player to ever perform on the #NBAAllStar stage & the BEST rapper in the @NBA….Dame D.O.L.L.A.! pic.twitter.com/4ZfTWVcK4a
– Portland Trail Blazers (@trailblazers) February 16, 2020
Skills Challenge
The first-round matchups featured no wins by guards: Adebayo over Spencer Dinwiddie, Pascal Siakam over Patrick Beverley, Khris Middleton over Shai Gilgeous-Alexander, and Domantas Sabonis over Jayson Tatum.
In round two, Adebayo defeated Siakam and Sabonis edged Middleton, setting up a final between the first-time All-Star power forwards from the Eastern Conference.
Despite making only one 3-pointer this season, Adebayo defeated Sabonis to become the first Heat player to win the Skills Challenge since Dwyane Wade in 2007.
Bam Adebayo takes down Domantas Sabonis in the championship round to claim the 2020 Taco Bells Skills Challenge.
3-Point Contest
The 3-point contest featured All-Stars Trae Young and Booker, as well as last year’s champion Joe Harris. Shooting guards Devonte’ Graham, Hield, Duncan Robinson and Zach LaVine also participated, along with power forward Davis Bertans.
Booker and Hield scored 27 points in the opening round, followed by Bertans’ score of 26; those three advanced to the championship round. LaVine led all shooters that did not advance with 23 points, with Young bringing up the rear with 15 points.
Booker eliminated Bertans in the championship round by scoring 26 points, four more than the Washington big man. But Hield made his last money ball to edge Booker and become the first Kings player to win the 3-point contest since Peja Stojakovic in 2003.
Buddy Hield needed to make the last shot on the final rack to beat Devin Booker and win the 3-point contest.
Slam Dunk
This year’s dunkers included a high-rising multi-sport athlete in Pat Connaughton, “Airplane Mode” Jones, 2016 runner-up Gordon and 2008 winner Dwight Howard. The five judges: Former Finals MVP Dwyane Wade, two-time WNBA MVP Candace Parker, “Black Panther” star Chadwick Boseman, “I Used to Love H.E.R.” rapper Common and Hall of Famer Scottie Pippen.
Aaron Gordon jumps over Chance the Rapper for a 360 dunk for a perfect 50 score.
Howard was eliminated despite his return to Superman on a lob from former teammate Jameer Nelson, while Connaughton didn’t advance despite jumping over MLB MVP Christian Yelich and NBA MVP Giannis Antetokounmpo. Jones hit a reverse tornado through the legs for a “50” dunk, while Gordon compiled two 50s in the first round, the second coming after flying over Chance the Rapper.
Jones and Gordon scored two 50s each in the second round, forcing a final dunk-off to decide the contest. They each tallied another 50, then with their second dunk-off attempts, Jones windmilled from just inside the free throw line to score a 48, while Gordon leaped over Boston’s 7-foot-5 center Tacko Fall. But Gordon only earned a 47, giving Jones a controversial win.
Derrick Jones Jr. catches the pass off the backboard, goes between-the-legs and over someone for the dunk.
Zion Williamson, Ja Morant and game MVP Miles Bridges lead Team USA’s charge and defeat Team World 151-131.
Pau Gasol and Sue Bird pay tribute to Kobe Bryant and David Stern prior to the Rising Stars Challenge.
Trae Young puts on a dribbling clinic, as he puts it between RJ Barrett’s legs and gets his floater to fall.
Ja Morant shows off his jaw-dropping athleticism with a powerful slam and a near-monstrous block against RJ Barrett.
Ja Morant and Zion Williamson leave Chicago in awe as they complete a between-the-legs alley-oop in transition.
Luka Doncic shares a great moment with Trae Young after Doncic drills a prayer from half court.
Miles Bridges takes a page out of Tracy McGrady’s book with a self-pass off the backboard for the nasty slam.
Best Moments of All-Star Celebrity Game: Team Wilbon 62, Team Stephen A. 47
Stephen A. Smith and Michael Wilbon are introduced as their teams prepare to square off in the Celebrity All-Star Game.
Stephen A. Smith and Michael Wilbon offer remarks to honor the late Kobe Bryant and David Stern prior to the Celebrity All-Star Game.
Relive the best moments from the Celebrity All-Star game, including Darius Miles’ block, Stephen A. Smith getting T’d up, and Spice Adams’ legendary moment.
3-point contest
Trae Young | Hawks
Zach LaVine | Bulls
Buddy Hield | Kings
Duncan Robinson | Heat
Joe Harris | Nets
Davis Bertans | Wizards
Devonte’ Graham | Hornets
Devin Booker* | Suns
* Replacing Trail Blazers’ Damian Lillard
Slam dunk contest
Dwight Howard | Lakers
Aaron Gordon | Magic
Derrick Jones Jr. | Heat
Pat Connaughton | Bucks
Skills challenge
Jayson Tatum | Celtics
Pascal Siakam | Raptors
Bam Adebayo | Heat
Domantas Sabonis | Pacers
Patrick Beverley | Clippers
Khris Middleton | Bucks
Spencer Dinwiddie | Nets
Shai Gilgeous-Alexander* | Thunder
* Replacing Pistons’ Derrick Rose
United States
Zion Williamson | Pelicans
Trae Young | Hawks
Ja Morant | Grizzlies
Jaren Jackson Jr. | Grizzlies
Kendrick Nunn | Heat
Eric Paschall | Warriors
Devonte’ Graham | Hornets
Miles Bridges | Hornets
PJ Washington | Hornets
Collin Sexton* | Cavaliers
* Replacing Heat’s Tyler Herro
World
Luka Doncic | Mavericks (Slovenia)
RJ Barrett | Knicks (Canada)
Shai Gilgeous-Alexander | Thunder (Canada)
Nickeil Alexander-Walker | Pelicans (Canada)
Brandon Clarke | Grizzlies (Canada)
Rui Hachimura | Wizards (Japan)
Moritz Wagner | Wizards (Germany)
Svi Mykhailiuk | Pistons (Ukraine)
Josh Okogie | Timberwolves (Nigeria)
Nicolo Melli* | Pelicans (Italy)
* Replacing Suns’ Deandre Ayton
All-Star Celebrity Game
Team Stephen A.
Chance The Rapper (captain) | Rapper
Anthony “Spice” Adams | TV host, former NFL tackle
Taylor Bennett | Rapper
LaRoyce Hawkins | Actor
Lil Rel Howery | Actor, comedian
Marc Lasry | Bucks co-owner
Darius Miles | Former NBA forward
Katelyn Ohashi | former UCLA gymnast
Quavo | Rapper, one third of Migos
Ronnie 2K | Digital marketing director, 2K
A’ja Wilson | Forward, Las Vegas Aces
Team Wilbon
Common (captain) | Rapper, actor
Jose Andres | Celebrity chef
Jon Batiste | Musician
Kane Brown | Country artist
Bad Bunny | Reggaeton artist
Hannibal Buress | Actor, comedian
Famous Los | Rapper
Chelsea Gray | Guard, Los Angeles Sparks
Jidenna | Rapper
Alex Moffat | “Saturday Night Live” cast member
Quentin Richardson | Former NBA guard
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All-Star Game FAQs
What is the new All-Star Game format?
This year’s All-Star Game will be all about honoring Kobe Bryant.
In a major change to the All-Star format, the NBA announced it will turn every quarter into a mini-game for charity before an untimed final quarter with a target score that will decide which team wins. Scores will be reset — back to 0-0 — at the start of the second and third quarters, then restored to begin the fourth quarter.
That’s where the tribute to Bryant and the No. 24 jersey he wore for the final decade of his NBA career comes into play. The team that wins the All-Star Game will be the first to reach a target score, determined by the total points the team in the lead scored in the first three quarters combined — plus 24, the obvious nod to Bryant.
How does the All-Star voting process work?
Beginning in 2016-17, current players and media joined the fans in the voting process. Fans account for 50% of the vote to determine the starters, while players and media account for 25% each. Once votes are tallied, players are ranked in each conference by position (guard and frontcourt) within each of the three voting groups.
Each player’s score is calculated by averaging his weighted rank from the fans, players and media. The two guards and three frontcourt players with the best score in each conference are named starters. Fan votes serve as the tiebreaker for players in a position group with the same score.
The seven reserves from each conference are selected by NBA head coaches. If there needs to be an injury replacement, that pick is determined by NBA commissioner Adam Silver.
How are captains and teams selected?
Instead of the traditional East vs. West format, the NBA moved to a new format in 2018, where two captains pick the teams from a pool of 24 players who are voted in by fans, media and players.
The captains are the All-Star starters who earn the most fan votes in their respective conferences. Alternating picks, the captains draft the eight remaining players from the starter pool in the first round and then all 14 players from the reserve pool in the second round, making selections without regard to a player’s conference affiliation or position.
2020 All-Star news and analysis
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