Print RSS Feeds Insider Magic Texts


By Josh Cohen & Dan Savage | Around the All-Stars Archive: Friday | Saturday | Sunday
GREATEST SHOW ON EARTH
By Josh Cohen

 It was a spectacle like no other. Nearly 109,000 fans piled into Cowboys Stadium to watch one of the most elaborate and decorative sporting events of all time.

Not only did those in attendance get the opportunity to see the best of the NBA compete on the same floor, but they also got the chance to be apart of an historic show. From various pregame festivities to rousing musical performances from Usher, Shakira and Alicia Keys, the 2010 NBA All-Star Game featured just about everything a person can ask for.

With every spectacular slam and dazzling dish came oohs and ahhs from the elated crowd. It was very apparent that hoops fanatics cherish their favorite sports heroes and honor their extraordinary talents.

One can only expect that NBA Commissioner David Stern will look to arrange for future All-Star Games to be held at football-size stadiums. It's a brilliant method to attract more attention and sponsors while providing fans with an increased chance to see the show live.

It would be fascinating as well if the NBA at some point scheduled an All-Star Weekend overseas. Preseason games are already played in Europe and China, and there is no doubt that such an event would add a greater amount of international interest.
SUPERB WEEKEND FOR SUPERMAN
By Dan Savage

 Even though he didn't participate in the 2010 NBA Sprite Slam Dunk contest, Dwight Howard made sure his fourth appearance at All-Star Weekend was a memorable one.

In addition to participating in several endorsement-related events, serving as a TNT analyst for the Rookie Challenge and participating in the NBA Cares Day of Service, Howard delivered a dominating All-Star performance in front of the largest live basketball audience ever.

"It's something you can look back on 20 years from now and tell your grandkids about," said Howard, who notched 17 points and five rebounds in the East's win over the West.

Howard showed no greater sense of enjoyment than after he drained a 3-pointer with 7:10 left in the first quarter. It was a moment that will surely make the water-cooler chatter in Orlando on Monday morning.

"It's the All-Star Game, you have to have fun," said Howard. "Everybody on my Twitter wanted to see me shoot a three. So for all my followers out there, I got one down for you."

If you're looking for Superman's newfound 3-point shooting to make a Magic contest, you may not have to wait very long. Howard said due to the excitement surrounding his trey, he will likely attempt one in Orlando's next game.
ALL-STAR DRAFT
By Josh Cohen

 Fellow OrlandoMagic.com writer Dan Savage and I decided to hold a draft using this season's All-Stars. Here were our draft rules:

• Selections were made in a snake format
• Our teams are for this season (not a franchise)
• This was NOT a fantasy draft (real-time only)

Check out our draft decisions and determine who you think has the better team. The number in parenthesis indicates when the player was drafted.

Savage
C: Tim Duncan (10)
PF: Chris Bosh (6)
SF: LeBron James (2)
SG: Dwyane Wade (3)
PG: Steve Nash (11)
R: Pau Gasol (7)
R: Joe Johnson (14)

Cohen
C: Dwight Howard (1)
PF: Dirk Nowitzki (5)
SF: Kevin Durant (8)
SG: Kobe Bryant (4)
PG: Chris Paul (9)
R: Carmelo Anthony (12)
R: Amar'e Stoudemire (13)
EAST EDGES WEST IN THRILLER
By Josh Cohen

 You know an All-Star Game will feature spectacular theater and tremendous entertainment presentation. But it's never a guarantee that an All-Star Game will feature a competitive, stirring contest.

The 2010 NBA All-Star Game had the entire package, from start to finish, literally. After the Western Conference All-Stars erased a nine-point deficit with just over three minutes left in the game, the East managed to hit their free throws in the closing moments to pull out a thrilling 141-139 triumph on Sunday.

All-Star Game MVP Dwyane Wade erupted for 28 points and 11 assists and buried a pair at the line with 12.7 seconds remaining. Following game-tying foul shots from hometown hero Dirk Nowitzki, Chris Bosh nailed two of his own with five ticks left. Carmelo Anthony's potential game-winning 3-pointer at the buzzer fell short.

"This means a lot," Wade said about earning MVP honors. "This is something I'll be telling my kids for years."

LeBron James contributed 25 points for the East, while Bosh added 23 points and Dwight Howard had 17.

Anthony led the West with 27 points and 10 rebounds and Nowitzki had 22 points.
AN ORGANIZATIONAL HONOR
By Dan Savage

 There's no question that Stan Van Gundy is one of the best coaches in the entire league. He led the Magic to an NBA Finals appearance last year and now has his squad in position for another deep postseason run as they currently occupy the second seed in the East.

But while he's entirely deserving of his All-Star berth, it must be noted that he wouldn't be in this position with out a lot of help. After all, even the best captain needs a solid vessel and quality crew to navigate through difficult seas.

And that's exactly what Van Gundy has in Orlando. Not only does he have a top-notch General Manager in Otis Smith, who brings in the right pieces, but he also works for an organization committed to winning at all costs.

"Certainly the reason I'm sitting here right now is because of the people that Otis has selected and our ownership has made the commitment to bring in to give us a roster talented enough that we can be where we are and have the second best record in the East," Van Gundy explained. "It's a team and organizational honor; it's not (just) my honor."

After piloting the East squad to a victory over the West on Sunday, Van Gundy will now get back to work in Orlando and attempt to earn an even more important organizational accolade, an NBA title.