Reigniting the passion of All Star Weekend

2/16/26

I have not been as tuned in to the NBA this season. A couple estatic scenes from this weekend have made me regret that. The new blood was reigniting the league.

For the past two, or you could go as far as five, seasons the NBA All Star Weekend has seemed more of a trick show then the exhibition of the greatest talents the sport has to offer. It was clear through the media coverage that the players began to take these sentiments to heart. We saw that passion reignite across our screens these past few days.

Stars across ages; OG's like Kevin Durant to new budding phenoms like Victor Wembanyama, expressed an urgency for passion. Retired greats of the game, Tracy McGrady and Vince Carter spoke on their cousins podcast of the forelorn days of gritty and electric all star games. It felt bigger than winning the finals. It was bigger than the game. It was about sending a singular message: "I'm here to show that even amongst the greats, there is none like me."

I first felt that surge on Saturday night during the three point competition. Rookie Kon Knuppel put every veteran on notice as he blazed to a 27 point score to open the show. His smooth and seamlessly repeated shot was poetry itself. Each arch precise. Many titans dared to tango and fell short of this daring youngster. However, two tried and true stars arose to the challenge: Devin Booker and Damian Lillard.

Though Knuppel's inexperience and weariness diluted his showing in the second round, the fervor of his play had already run its course and purpose. Lillard stepped into the second round scalding. Splash after splash. 5 in a row to start and nice grouping of moneyballs to finish with a seemingly insurmountable 29 point score. The silky smooth sniper Booker was poised to do the impossible. He approached the money ball rack at the final corner with 21 points. However, fate decided.... it was Dame Time! Booker finished a singular moneyball shy of an overtime thriller being born.

This win etched Dame Dolla amongst the greatest in 3pt Contest history as he tied Larry Bird and Craig Hodges with the most wins (coincidentally it was his third). 10 months returned from an achilles tear no less, known to be father time's mistress in crime against older guards. CAN I GET A "FOR 3!!!"

The all star game was riddled with defensive prowess as the league championed a new round robin format. The three teams: the world, the OG's (stripes) and the youngins (stars). For the first time in my life, I saw three steals and four deflections happen within minutes of me tuning in to the game.

A particular legend reignited his prowess on both ends. It felt like a glimpse of a perfect marriage between his 2014 defensive stoutness with his 2019 offensive precision. In his hometown no less. Clippers star Kawhi Leaonard was SHOWING OUT! Same leg between crosses into slick step backs, smooth three point stroke and of course his patented short corner mid fade. Leaonard was a savant methodically dissecting the world team scoring 31 points, stifling defensive spurts against Wembanyama and a decisive dagger to put the OG's into the championship. This veteran performance carried into his post match interview placing the spotlight onto his fellow experienced teammates for lending his hot hand the spotlight.

I think the fans who voted him 7th most attractive in nba history and his girl were both in danger of losing the fight for love of Anthony Edwards... the basket could not get enough of him. The All star MVP seemed cemented into the hands of Kawhi, yet this fresh young atlanta star has never been shy to stealing the crown from the top. He did just that and became the only other Minnesota star to win the award aside from the polarizingly passionate Kevin Garnett. His acrobatic finishes, poised three point punches and eagerness to jump any passing lane was a marvel to watch. The league better tip their hat to this young king of the (north)west.

Finally, I woould like to bestow the greatest honors of this piece to Victor Wembanyama. The french phenom has returned from a blood clot in his right arm that truly startled his mental. However, his performance in this all star game should be taken as a testement to determination and the impact of unwavering faith in one's abilities. Ask any star on the court who brought the heat. Who brought the passion. Who brought the energy on both ends relentlessly. He said coming in that this was going to be a competition and in the words of All Star MVP Edwards "he set the tone." It was Webanyama. Blocks, threes, mid elbow dribble pullups. Ronnie 2k wild for bringing his dream MyPlayer into physical form. Yet, I can only thank Webanyama for his efforts and dedication. Thank you for bringing the passion back to this all star game.

To all the youngins of the league. Set your hearts ablaze, for in your passion you will find the key to owning the league.