The NBA All-Star Game
By: Ryan Ramirez
During the weeks leading up to the All-Star game, many voiced their concerns and thought there should not be a game because of the COVID-19 pandemic. The NBA, however, put the proper safety precautions in place and was able to have a safe and fun All-Star game.
Lebron James and Kevin Durant were the top vote-getters and the captains for their respective teams. James put together a powerhouse of a team, drafting the back-to-back MVP Giannis Antetokounmpo and two of the best shooters in the NBA in Stephen Curry and Damian Lillard, just to name a few.
Antetokounmpo led the way for his team, scoring 35 points while not missing a single shot. He made 16 shots in 16 attempts, the most shots made without missing in NBA All-Star game history, earning him the game’s MVP award.
''I'm just having fun,'' said Antetokounmpo after the game, ''Sometimes when you are having fun and not thinking about the outcome, you just let your instincts take over.''
Stephen Curry and Damian Lillard also contributed to the team, both practically competing in a three-point contest throughout the game. The two stars showed off their range and took turns shooting and making shots from the half-court line. Lillard finished the game with 32 points and Curry with 28 points.
Team Durant went through the game without some of their stars, including Kevin Durant himself, who was sidelined with a hamstring injury. Ben Simmons and Joel Embiid were also out of the game because they had come in contact with someone who tested positive for COVID-19.
Despite not having their captain, Team Durant’s stars were able to shine with Bradley Beal scoring 26 points and Kyrie Irving scoring 24 points, followed by Jayson Tatum and James Harden, both with 21 points.
Although Team Durant put up a fight, it was Team Lebron that won all four quarters of the game which meant that the charity that they were playing for, the Thurgood Marshall College Fund, got over $1 million, while Team Durant donated $500,000 to the United Negro College Fund.
The 2021 NBA All-Star game was different than the 72 others before it. It had a mostly empty stadium with no fans, no celebrities and everything took place in one night, rather than spread out throughout the weekend. Many players and executives voiced their concern on whether or not the game should even be played. However, even with the doubt and different atmosphere, the All-Star game was still successful and will be interesting to look back upon in the future.