Cleveland, OH – The 2022 NBA All-Star Game was truly a celebration of the game of basketball with so many of the great players of the past in attendance to see the greats of today. The hometown kid and team captain of Team LeBron, LeBron James, would hit the game-winner to give his team the 163-160 win over Team Durant.
In James’ return to Cleveland, he scored 24 points, grabbed six rebounds and dished out eight rebounds. Although James was great, Stephen Curry left Cleveland as All-Star Game MVP. as he exploded for 50 points and made an ASG-record 16 three-pointers. After the game, Curry was presented with the new Kobe Bryant Trophy for the ASG MVP.
James and Curry putting on a show in Cleveland together seemed right after their many battles in the NBA Finals throughout the past decade. This time, playing as teammates, they both got to walk away winners.
They weren’t the only ones to put on a show though; Team Durant’s Joel Embiid scored 36 points and grabbed 10 rebounds, Devin Booker added 20 points off the bench and first-time All-Star Ja Morant finished with just six points, but was able to break out a few highlights along the way.
The teams split the first and second quarters with Team LeBron taking the first and Team Durant taking the second. Each quarter, the two teams were competing for donations to each captain’s respective charity; $100,000 was donated to the Kent State I Promise Scholarship Program for each quarter Team LeBron won, while the Cleveland Food Bank received $100,000 for each quarter Team Durant won.
After the third quarter ended in a tie, the final target score was set by adding 24 points to the leading team’s score. The relatively new rule, named the Elam Rule, creates electricity to the end of the ASG that is unmatched, guaranteeing a game-winning bucket. King James of course had to hit the game-winner in his hometown, the perfect ending to a great ASG.
NBA 75 Celebration
At halftime, the NBA honored the 75 best players in league history. Players in attendance were introduced to the crowd in attendance and watching at home.
The NBA went all out in making this feel very special and important as the leagues past and present were honored. Allowing fans to see interactions between the greatest to ever play in the Association. Fans got to see two of the best of all time in Michael Jordan and LeBron James embrace, a moment that will not be forgotten for quite some time.
The league did such a good job welcoming past players and blending them with the current players, making the league feel like a brotherhood. There’s no doubt, everyone watching now anticipates 25 years from now when the NBA gets to do another one of these celebrations at the 100-year mark.
Wrap Up
All-Star Weekend was topped off with a great ASG filled with countless unforgettable moments that will live on for a long time. Adam Silver and other higher-ups within the NBA have to be thrilled with how the entire All-Star Weekend played out.
It set the tone for the league restarting next Thursday, post-All-Star Break as teams make the push for the playoffs.
