The NBA All-Star Weekend is a special time for both players and fans.
For the players, its a big deal because they can cement themselves as superstars-to- watch or legends-to-respect with their greatest talents being showcased. The fans are witnesses to a night of spectacular displays of skills that may not often surface during the regular season. Its a win-win event for both players and fans, even if the players dont come first in a competition.
As we countdown in anticipation of another star-studded series of competitions, we will look at great moments from past NBA All-Star weekends.
Devin Bookers Three-Point Contest (2018)
The Phoenix Suns 22-year-old phenom, Devin Booker, has had an explosive start to his career on many fronts. He currently holds the record for being the youngest player to score over 60 points in a game (he scored 70 against the Boston Celtics). However, hes also the record-holder for the three-point contest with the most points in a round (28/34) and most points in the finals (28/34).
Craig Hodges Three-Point Contest (1991)
Craig Hodges is not a hall-of-famer or a household name in terms of NBA legends. Nevertheless, he still holds two three-point contest records: He sits at the top spot for the most shots made in one round (21) and the most consecutive shots made (19). He remains unbeaten by the likes of Stephen Curry, Klay Thompson, Kyrie Irving, Larry Bird, Tim Legler, and Ray Allen. Thats certainly impressive for a guy who doesnt get too many mentions in basketball discussions.
Kyrie Irvings Three-Point Contest
Kyrie Irving of the Boston Celtics has had an action-packed career, accomplishing a lifetime worth of achievements - all by the age of 26. He was an NBA champion (2016), was an NBA Rookie of the Year of the Year (2012) with the Cleveland Cavaliers. Hes also strutted his talent at six NBA All-Star Weekends earning more accolades there as well. One of his accomplishments in this regard was becoming the youngest player to win the three-point contest at age 20.
Vince Carters Slam Dunk Contest (2000)
Vince Carter as a member of the Toronto Raptors (now a member of the Atlanta Hawks) reigned in the millennium with his gravity-defying, reality-bending dunks that cemented the then 23-year-old as one of the greats. Not only did he win the 2000 Slam Dunk Contest with perfect scores, but he also set a new precedent for what creativity in dunking meant. For years onward, players would try to replicate what he did so effortlessly to no success. Almost 20 years later, hes still viewed as one of the greatest dunkers of all time.
Aaron Gordons Slam Dunk Contest (2016)
Aaron Gordon of the Orlando Magic hangs up there with the giants of slam dunks - he has earned perfect scores for his performances and has appeared in the contest multiple times. But he also put up some of the most memorable dunks at the 2016 contest, including the over-a- mascot, between-the-leg transfer that left the crowd in awe. His performance was clearly a throw-back to the Vince Carter era in terms of style, and it elevated Gordon to the category of being an elite dunker.
Deron Williams Skills Challange (2008)
Deron Williams has enjoyed a productive career that may go unnoticed. He began his career with the Utah Jazz and has since gone on to be a three-time NBA All-Star. With that said, one of Williams crowning achievements is his performance at the 2008 NBA All-Star Skills Competition. He completed the contest in record time - 25.5 seconds - and still holds the crown.
Steve Nash, Dwayne Wade, Damian Lillard - Skills Competition Record Holders
Theres a three-way tie that has yet to be broken in the Skills Competition - the record for the most number of wins. With each boasting two wins under their belts, Steve Nash (2005, 2010), Dwyane Wade (2006, 2007), and Damian Lillard (2013, 2014) share the record. Steve Nash holds the fastest time out of the three, with a 25.8 second finish back in 2005.
It will be interesting to see who wins the next Skills Competition, especially if its someone like Kristaps Porzingis or Spencer Dinwiddie. Porzingis won the 2016-17 Skills Competition and Dinwiddie, the 2017-18 edition, so a win for either player would have them tied for the record as well.
Kobe Bryant & Bob Pettit - Most All-Star MVP Awards
Winning the MVP award at an NBA All-Star Game is one of the most prestigious and highest honors a player could receive. But to do so four times? Thats reserved for a rare breed. The only two players to accomplish such a marvel are Bob Pettit and Kobe Bryant, who have four NBA All-Star MVP Awards. Bob Pettit, a Hall of Famer who played professionally from 1954-1965, won the award in 1956, 1958, 1959, and 1962. More recently, Kobe Bryant won the award in 2002, 2007, 2009, and 2011.
Youngest / Oldest MVP Award-Recipients at the All-Star Game
Basketball can be seen as both a young mans game and a sport where experience can beat youth. Case in point, the MVP award has been given to many players at opposite ends of the age spectrum. The youngest player to receive the MVP award is Kyrie Irving at age 20, while the oldest recipient is Shaquille ONeal at age 36. Now heres a completely idealistic yet fun idea to think about: A late 30s LeBron James becomes the oldest NBA All-Star Game MVP, while his son wins the award in his early 20s.
Another NBA Weekend With More Records to Come?
The NBA All-Star Weekend is always exciting because it is a showcase of outstanding talent but also a chance for players to break records. Its a display of the athletic feats and superhuman skills that dont get seen at their fullest extent. With that said, theres an exciting lineup of players who are gearing up for the events, so make sure to give it a look. And of course, tickets for the NBA All-Star events are available and selling out fast, so dont wait!