When an NBA rookie attempts eight three pointers and he drains all eight, it is safe to say that his night is going to end well. Cleveland Cavaliers point guard Kyrie Irving scored 34 points on the night, on his way to winning most valuable player honors.
Irving said after the game that he has never been so efficient from behind the arc in his career, but he had a great time doing so during All-Star weekend.
“You know, it’s kind of unfortunate that it comes in the All-Star game. These stats don’t carry over into the season,” said a smiling Irving.
Irving wasn’t the only young gunner in last night’s game. The NBA Rising Star Challenge presented by BBVA showcased some of the league’s brightest players. The game is usually the rookies versus the sophomores, but to add some spice to the game’s format this year, the NBA mixed the rookies and the sophomores on the same team. For even more flare, former NBA All-Stars Charles Barkley and Shaquille O’Neal served as general managers picking the players for their respective teams.
It was Team Chuck versus Team Shaq. The two TNT analysts watched their team’s battle from the sidelines, but it was Team Chuck who emerged victorious. Barkley’s squad beat Shaq’s team 146-133. No defense whatsoever was played, but that is what makes it fun for the fans.
Many were there to see New York Knicks point guard Jeremy Lin, but after his dismal play against the Heat the previous night, the shooting star guard had only two points in nine minutes. The fans still chanted for Lin to play.
But it wasn’t his night as his Knicks teammate, Landry Fields, put on the New York display. Fields caught a few alley-oops, soared above the rim a few times on his way to 16 points.
Los Angeles Clippers forward, and current slam dunk champion, Blake Griffin did not disappoint. He had plenty of high-flying, dunk moments, but none better than when he threw the ball off the glass to catch it for an earth shattering throw down.
Griffin may not be the best jump shooter or post player, but he knows how to handle himself around the rim.
Overall, the game was fun to watch. Fans received a chance to watch tomorrow’s NBA stars tonight and players got to show off their above the rim talent.
FIRST EXPERIENCE OF THE NIGHT: As I’m walking toward the Amway from the shuttle that just dropped me off on Church Street, I noticed a helicopter slowly making its way toward the Geico parking garage adjacent to the Amway. An Amway employee next to me states outloud, “Ohh, the helicopters have already started.” He proceeds to tell me that some celebrities are arriving via helicopter.
As we continue to walk toward the garage, the employee stops to chat with another staffer. The staff member casually mentions just how angry NBA Commissioner David Stern is with the way he’s being treated by security. The commish was stopped four separate times by local security and police to check his vehicle for bombs.
SECOND EXPERIENCE OF THE NIGHT: As I’m standing next to the elevator waiting for it to arrive, a mass of people make their way toward me as they are waiting for the elevator as well. While I always keep business separate from personal experience when covering sporting events, I had to do a double take when I caught myself standing next to former NBA Defensive Player of the Year, Dikembe Mutombo, and George “The Iceman” Gervin.
I remember Mutombo as being one of the league’s best defensive players of his era when I was growing up. The Iceman is known for his famous “fanger roll,” and seeing a living legend like him in person was an experience. I simply looked, nodded, and continued onto the elevator to the press box.
An overall great night to see two former NBA legends.
