After a memorable Saturday night in Toronto full of close competitions, incredible shooting performances, and jaw-dropping dunks, the focus now shifts to the main event of the weekend: the NBA All-Star Game.
The annual showdown featuring the best of the best in the NBA will conclude what has already been an exciting weekend. Sacramento is being represented for the second-straight season by Kings big man DeMarcus Cousins, who was selected as a reserve for the Western Conference squad.
Here’s a look at each Conference’s roster heading into the game:
With last year being his first selection to the team, Boogie certainly soaked in the experience that comes along with being an All-Star.
Boogie also logged 14 points and seven rebounds in his 18 minutes of action and contributed to a 163-158 victory for the West.
Last season, Big Cuz was selected as an injury replacement for Kobe Bryant of the Los Angeles Lakers. This year, however, DMC was chosen outright to represent the Western Conference by the head coaches of the NBA.
This year’s contest holds a special weight to it, as it will be the final All-Star appearance for Kobe, who announced he would be retiring after this season. Though the long-time rival of the Kings has been selected to every All-Star game since the 1997-98 season, Bryant has not been able to participate in the actual game since 2013 due to various injuries.
Taking home last year’s MVP award was Oklahoma City Thunder guard Russell Westbrook, who posted an impressive 41 points, including 27 in just 11 minutes during the first half.
Here are some additional notes about the upcoming showdown:
- The West has been victorious in four out of the previous five All-Star Games and is 9-6 in the past 15.
- All of the past three MVPs have been point guards (Russell Westbrook, Kyrie Irving, and Chris Paul).
- Both rosters feature a slew of experienced All-Star game participants. The Eastern Conference roster contains just two first-timers (Andre Drummond and Isaiah Thomas) while the Western Conference contains just one (Draymond Green).
The big game will take place on TNT at 5 p.m. PST!