All-Star Weekend

Jeremy Rincon

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PHOTOS | 2023 NBA All-Star Game

In his NBA All-Star Game debut Lauri Markkanen goes for 13 points and 7 rebounds to help Team Giannis to a 184-175 win over Team LeBron in Salt Lake City. Presented by LGCY Power.

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2023 NBA All-Star Game Highlights: Lauri Markkanen – 13 points, 7 rebounds

Ryan Kostecka

With less than a week before the best basketball players in the world and fans worldwide descend upon Salt Lake City and the state of Utah, the countdown is officially on for NBA All-Star Weekend 2023.&nbsp;

Apart from the typical events associated with All-Star weekend, the Jazz have made it their mission to ensure the four-day showcase is enjoyable for people of all ages.&nbsp;

As a lifelong Jazz fan, Ryan Smith vividly remembers when Utah hosted the NBA All-Star game 30 years ago, and how limited the attractions were for those who couldn't attend the game.&nbsp;

Although he didn't attend the marquee events, Smith recalls the vibe that took over downtown Salt Lake City. With people visiting from all over the world hoping to get a glimpse of the best basketball players, the energy was so palpable that it forever left an impression on him.&nbsp;

Now 30 years later, the NBA All-Star game is again coming back to Salt Lake City — and this time, Smith will have a much more active role. As owners of the Jazz, Smith and his wife, Ashley, have been working nonstop around the clock for the past year to ensure everyone can enjoy All-Star weekend.&nbsp;

"If you think about how many are really for sale, and not given to the league, teams, corporate sponsors, there's not as many tickets as you would think," Smith said. "There's Jam Session. ... We have free events. If people want to go, there's something for everyone. … And that's been really, really important to us, having been in that spot."

NBA CrossoverFriday, Feb. 17-Sunday, Feb. 1912 p.m. – 8 p.m.The weekend-long event will showcase the intersection of basketball and culture through the art, fashion, music, technology, and entertainment surrounding today's game. NBA Crossover will engage fans in its largest footprint to date with immersive experiences, brand activations, live performances, NBA and WNBA appearances, limited edition merchandise and collectibles, art and memorabilia, apparel customization, and more.

It's been 30 years since NBA All-Star Jam Session was first introduced during NBA All-Star in Salt Lake City in 1993. In honor of that special occasion, this year will feature a revamped showing of All-Star's original fan event, including a designated "Jam Session" area with family-focused activities, including NBA-themed games and participatory programming.

GRIT Rail Jam, presented by the Utah Sports Commission, Utah Jazz, and Cactus JackFriday, Feb. 17 | 2 p.m. - 5 p.m.Saturday, Feb. 18 | 3 p.m. - 6 p.m.Free to attend for everyone of all ages, the Grit Rail Jam competition is a sensational opportunity for fans wanting to enjoy the energy coming from All-Star weekend festivities. Heavily involved in creating and setting the competition, Travis Scott worked with professional snowboarder and businessman Jeremy Jones to procure a deep roster of athletes for this two-day snowboarding competition.&nbsp;

The two-day event will feature some of the best professional and amateur snowboarders in the country as they look to master the handrails, walls, and ledges at Olympic Park at The Gateway in downtown Salt Lake City. The Amateur Snowboard Competition will take place on Friday, Feb. 17, where the top male and female snowboarders who win will be allowed to join the pro competition the following day. The Professional Snowboard Competition is set to go on Saturday, Feb. 18, with Scott expected to attend.

Cactus Jack Pop-Up ShopThursday. Feb. 16 - Saturday, Feb. 18 | 10 a.m. - 8 p.m.Sunday, Feb. 19 | 11 a.m. - 4 p.m.As part of The Shop Salt Lake City – an innovative pop-up retail activation that will be hosted at The Gateway – Scott's Cactus Jack collection partnered with Mitchell and Ness to have exclusive product drops throughout the week's events. Located at 16 N. Rio Grand, each day will feature new merchandise being dropped.

Cactus Jack Concert SeriesFriday, Feb. 17 | Saturday, Feb. 18Starting at 8 p.m.Kicking off at The Depot in the Gateway Center, Scott has put together an incredible list of artists to perform an intimate concert series for the nights of February 17 and 18. Don Toliver and Sheck Wes will start the party on Friday night, while Chase B is the Concert Series DJ. Limited to just 1,200 guests per evening, the Cactus Jack Concert Series is officially sold out.

The Shop Salt Lake City | 16 N Rio Grande / 15 S Rio GrandeThursday. Feb. 16 - Saturday, Feb. 18 | 10 a.m. - 8 p.m.Sunday, Feb. 19 | 11 a.m. - 4 p.m.Perhaps no surprise given its emergence as an integral part of the NBA scene, fashion will take center stage at the newest Jazz-sponsored event announced today. Free to experience, The Shop Salt Lake City is a pop-up retail experience for local and national retailers, with new merchandise being dropped daily.

Ruffles NBA All-Star Celebrity GameFriday, Feb. 17 | 5 p.m.Jon M. Huntsman CenterAfter being on the same side for the past two years, Ryan Smith and Dwyane Wade will find themselves on opposite ends of the court come Friday. Feb. 17. As part of the annual Ruffles NBA All-Star Celebrity Game at All-Star Weekend, Smith, owner of the Utah Jazz, and Wade, minority owner of the Jazz, have been selected as the captains for the game.&nbsp;

Team Dwyane's coaches are as powerful as it gets in basketball, with two-time NBA MVP and 2023 NBA All-Star Game Captain Giannis Antetokounmpo and Olympic Medalist Lindsey Vonn heading the group. Giannis' brothers, Thanasis and Alex, are also part of the coaching staff. Helping Smith on the sidelines will be Naismith Memorial Basketball Hall of Famer, two-time WNBA Champion Lisa Leslie, World Series Champion Alex Bregman, and Grammy-nominated rapper Fat Joe.&nbsp;

2023 Jordan Rising Stars GameFriday, Feb. 17 | 7 p.m.Vivint ArenaCapping off opening night of NBA All-Star weekend, fans will watch the future stars of tomorrow go head-to-head in a unique and thrilling format — one that will feature Jazz rookie Walker Kessler, former Jazzman Deron Williams, and Utah assistant coach Jason Terry.&nbsp;

The player pool consists of 11/10 NBA rookies, 11/10 second-year NBA players, and seven NBA G League players. The 21 NBA players, selected by NBA assistant coaches, will be drafted onto three seven-player teams. The seven NBA G League players, chosen by the league office, will comprise the fourth team.&nbsp;

All three games in Jordan Rising Stars will be played to a Final Target Score, meaning that a game will end with a made basket or a made free throw instead of the clock running out. The semifinal games will be played to a Final Target Score of 40. The final game will be played to a Final Target Score of 25. Team A will face Team B in the first semifinal (Game 1), and Team C will play Team D in the second semifinal (Game 2). The winner of Game 1 will meet the winner of Game 2 in the final (Game 3).

NBA All-Star Practice Presented by AT&TSaturday, Feb. 18 | 11 a.m.Jon M. Huntsman CenterAll-Star practice gives fans a behind-the-scenes experience to see how players and coaches prepare for Sunday's main event. Payers and coaches will participate in the annual Media Day with reporters worldwide. Following the conclusion of the media day, the respective teams will move to the court for live practice.

NBA x HBCU Classic Presented by AT&TSaturday, Feb. 18 | 2 p.m.Jon M. Huntsman CenterIn what should be an excellent showdown from the Southwestern Athletic Conference, the Southern Jaguars (13-12) will take on the Grambling Tigers (16-8). Each team will play one more time on Monday, Feb. 13 but are currently tied for second place in the conference standings at 9-3 — Alcorn State leads at 10-2.&nbsp;

State Farm All-Star Saturday NightSaturday, Feb. 18 | 6 p.m.Vivint ArenaThe second night of activities will conclude with the fan-favorite event, All-Star Saturday Night. Set to start at 6 p.m. at Vivint Arena, the event is a chance for the best players in the world to show off their respective skills.

The Skills Challenge showcases some of the game's most elite ball handlers and passers with a half-court shot to determine the winner. The 3-Point Shootout features the most elite sharpshooters in the world looking to prove who's the best in the game. Finally, it all wraps up with the fan-favorite and iconic Slam Dunk Contest.&nbsp;

NBA G League Next Up GameSunday, Feb. 19 | 11 a.m.Jon M Huntsman CenterThe NBA G League will have its top players on display in the NBA G League Next Up Game on. The game will feature the sport's next generation of talent with NBA G League players, NBA & G League two-way players, and draft-eligible prospects expected to participate. This matchup will feature future NBA stars, including players from G League Ignite, and the Salt Lake Stars, among others. For the first time ever, fans could vote for their favorite players to complete this competitive lineup.

72nd NBA All-Star GameSunday, Feb. 19 | 6 p.m.Vivint ArenaThe weekend's main event is finally here, as the world's best players will showcase their skills in the annual All-Star game. LeBron James (Lakers) and Giannis Antetokounmpo (Bucks) will serve as captains and select their respective teams 30 minutes before tipoff in a pickup-style draft.&nbsp;

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"Something For Everyone" | Everything To Know About NBA All-Star Weekend 2023

After what’s been an emotionally and physically difficult week, good news is on the horizon for Lauri Markkanen.&nbsp;

Juts over a week after he was named to the NBA All-Star game as a Western Conference reserve for the first time, Markkanen found out that he will have a different role as the star of the host city at the February showcase.

Announced by the NBA on Friday afternoon, Markkanen has been named a Western Conference starter — replacing injured New Orleans forward Zion Williamson.

“Extremely happy. ... Excited. That’s kind of — on a personal level — what you’ve been working for,” he said. "You remember everything you’ve gone through in your journey, and everything happens for a reason. ... I was so happy when it happened, but then slowly started thinking of the stuff I had to go through to get here.”

The honor is incredibly well deserved as Markkanen is having a breakout season as Utah’s No. 1 option, emerging as one of the top players in the league thanks to his unique skillset as an athletic 7-footer. He's averaging career-highs in points (24.7), shot attempts (16.1), field goal percentage (51.8%), three-point percentage (42.3%), assists (1.7), minutes (34.2), and effective field goal percentage (61.8%). He's also averaging 8.6 rebounds per game, the second-most in his career.

“When other teams play the Utah Jazz they know they have to game plan for Lauri Markkanen,” head coach Will Hardy said. “I don’t think that there’s a whole lot that I need to say that his play hasn’t said already.”

His ability to score at all three levels on high efficiency continues to separate Markkanen from others — including a career-high 49 points against Houston on Jan. 5.

He has scored at least 30 points in a game 11 times this year, more than he had over the past three seasons combined. He has posted 21 doubles-doubles this year, again more than he had combined in the last three seasons.

"Lauri's done such a good job of continuing to work on different ways he can impact the game offensively," Hardy said. "Obviously he's shown the ability to shoot the ball. … But the physicality he's been able to play with, to drive the ball and as a screener, has given him the opportunity to score in a variety of ways."

While Markkanen may be emerging as a bonafide star in the league, his first All-Star selection is something that some didn't see happening before he arrived in Salt Lake City.&nbsp;

When he entered the NBA in 2017, the hype was through the roof for the 7-footer from Finland. He was viewed so highly that the Chicago Bulls — one of the league's most storied franchises — traded away perennial All-Star Jimmy Butler for Markkanen, the No. 7 pick in the draft.&nbsp;

Markkanen primarily lived up to that hype, culminating in a sophomore season where he emerged as a legit sharpshooting big man. Although the jury was still out on whether he could be a serious No. 1 or 2 option for a team, he had proven that he was, at worse, a prominent role player.

“I think it would speak to Lauri, I think it would speak to his maturity, his work ethic, and the way that he’s navigated the early part of his NBA career,” Hardy said. “It would speak a lot to his teammates here and how much trust they put in him. He’s the first person to say his success is not because he dribbles the ball up the court and makes a move and shoots. he plays within the context of our group. ... He wants to win and they want to win, and they know that he’s the guy.”

Markkanen was the breakout star at EuroBasket, averaging 27.9 points on 54.2% shooting and eight rebounds over seven games. His 43 points in the Round of 16 set the all-time record for a Finnish player at the EuroBasket, leading Finland to its first quarterfinal appearance in 55 years.

What made his performance even more impressive — and more satisfying, personally — is that Markkanen was traded to Utah one day before Finland's opener against Israel. With his future NBA career in a state of unknown, Markkanen had the mental fortitude to block out the distractions and star for his country — showing the sort of play that started all that hype five years prior.&nbsp;

"He's been just as impressive as an athlete, having not been around him before, as he is a basketball player," Hardy said. "I don't know what the ceiling is on Lauri. … I don't think any of us do, but I'm pretty sure we haven't seen it yet."

While Hardy may be right and nobody knows what the ceiling is on Lauri, being named a starter in your first all-star game is further prof that hard work and dedication truly do pay off.

"I’ve said this publicly before, but absolutely it has always been my personal goal," he said. “Obviously I’ve got team goals and I’m always gonna push those first, but like at an individual level that’s always been my goal. Not just to be one of the guys in the league, I want to make it to the top.”

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"Extremely Happy" | Markkanen Named Western Conference Starter For NBA All-Star Game

After being on the same side for the past two years, Ryan Smith and Dwyane Wade will find themselves on opposite ends of the court come Friday. Feb. 17.

As part of the annual Ruffles NBA All-Star Celebrity Game at All-Star Weekend, Smith, owner of the Utah Jazz, and Wade, minority owner of the Jazz, have been selected as the captains for the game.&nbsp;

From the coaching staffs to the players, the game is as star-studded as it gets.&nbsp;

Team Dwyane’s coaches are as powerful as it gets when it comes to basketball with two-time NBA MVP and 2023 NBA All-Star Game Captain Giannis Antetokounmpo and Olympic Medalist Lindsey Vonn heading the group. Giannis’ brothers, Thanasis and Alex, are also part of the coaching staff.&nbsp;

Helping Smith on the sidelines will be Naismith Memorial Basketball Hall of Famer and Two-time WNBA Champion Lisa Leslie, World Series Champion Alex Bregman, and Grammy nominated rapper Fat Joe.&nbsp;

For Smith, the game will also have a personal touch.&nbsp;

There will be multiple in-game activations, including the fan-favorite Ruffles 4-Point Ridge Line, that will help to raise up to $100,000 to benefit&nbsp;5 For The Fight Cancer Research Internship&nbsp;in partnership with Howard University.&nbsp;

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Ryan Smith And Dwyane Wade To Captain The Ruffles NBA All-Star Celebrity Game

FRIDAY, FEB. 17Ruffles NBA All-Star Celebrity Game: The NBA Celebrity Game has emerged as one of the most buzzed about events taking place at All-Star weekend.&nbsp;

Tipoff is set for 5 p.m. MT at the Jon M. Huntsman Center. Click HERE for more information about tickets.&nbsp;

NBA Rising Stars: Capping off opening night of NBA All-Star weekend, fans will be able to watch the future stars of tomorrow go head-to-head in a unique and thrilling format.&nbsp;

Established last season in Cleveland, four coaches will draft four seven-player teams from a pool of 12 rookies, 12 sophomores, and 4 NBA G League Ignite players. Two semifinal games will feature teams playing to a target score of 50 points, with the winners advancing to the title game in a race to 25 points.

Tipoff is set for 7 p.m. MT at Vivint Arena. Click HERE for ticket information.

SATURDAY, FEB. 18NBA All-Star Practice presented by AT&T: All-Star Practice presented by AT&T gives fans a behind-the-scenes experience to see how players and coaches prepare for Sunday’s main event.&nbsp;

Set to begin at 11 a.m. MT at the Jon M. Huntsman Center, players and coaches will participate in the annual Media Day with reporters from around the world. Following the conclusion of the media day, the respective teams will move to the court for live practice.

NBA HBCU Classic presented by AT&T: The HBCU Classic will take over the Jon M. Huntsman Center with a showdown between Grambling State and Southern University. 

Tipoff is set for 2 p.m. MST. Click HERE for more information about tickets.&nbsp;

NBA All-Star Saturday Night: The second night of activities will conclude with the fan-favorite event, All-Star Saturday Night. Set to start at 6 p.m. at Vivint Arena, the event is a chance for the best players in the world to show off their respective skills.

The Skills Challenge showcases some of the most elite ball handlers and passers in the game with a half-court shot to determine the winner. The 3-Point Shootout features the most elite sharpshooters in the world looking to prove who's the best in the game. Finally, it all wraps up with the fan-favorite and iconic Slam Dunk Contest.&nbsp;

SUNDAY, FEB. 19NBA G-League Next Up Game: Before watching today's stars, fans will be treated to the annual G-League Next Up Game. More information will be added as it becomes available.

NBA All-Star Game: The weekend's main event is finally here, as the world's best players will showcase their skills in the annual All-Star game. Tipoff is set for 6 p.m. MT at Vivint Arena.&nbsp;

NBA CROSSOVER: From Friday-Sunday, the NBA Crossover is a can’t miss fan experience exclusive to the NBA All-Star weekend.&nbsp;

The weekend-long event will showcase the intersection of basketball and culture through the art, fashion, music, technology and entertainment that surround today’s game. NBA Crossover will engage fans in its largest footprint to-date with immersive experiences, brand activations, live performances, NBA and WNBA appearances, limited edition merchandise and collectibles, art and memorabilia, apparel customization and more.

It’s been 30 years since NBA All-Star Jam Session was first introduced during NBA All-Star in Salt Lake City in 1993. In honor of that special occasion, this year will feature a revamped showing of All-Star’s original fan event that will&nbsp; include a designated “Jam Session” area with family-focused activities, including NBA-themed games and participatory programming.

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NBA All-Star Weekend | Event Schedule

With NBA All-Star 2023 taking place amidst the snow-capped mountains that surround Salt Lake City, it’s only fitting that the marquee weekend takes place in venues that are as impressive as the event itself.&nbsp;

From Vivint Arena and the Jon M. Huntsman Center to the Salt Palace Convention Center, each spot is representative of Salt Lake City’s vibrant culture and will provide all attendees an inspiring viewing experience.

VIVINT ARENAHome of the Utah Jazz, Vivint Arena is located in idyllic downtown Salt Lake City with stunning, 360-degree views. Vivint Arena provides the ultimate fan experience featuring recent upgrades to larger video boards with higher resolution, upper-bowl luxury seating areas called “premium lofts,” and four restaurants located in each corner of its concourse.

The arena opened as the Delta Center in 1991, and received its most recent identity as Vivint Arena in 2015.&nbsp; But it’s most-known as Salt Palace Arena,where it hosted the figure skating and short-track speed skating events at the 2002 Winter Olympics.&nbsp;

Beyond legendary NBA games, Vivint Arena has hosted a variety of other world-class events. Most recently, the arena had its first UFC pay-per-view event on August 20, when Leon Edwards scored one of the greatest knockouts in promotion history by knocking out champion Kamaru Usman late in the fifth round.&nbsp;

Click HERE for more information about parking and venue policies.&nbsp;

JON M. HUNSTMAN CENTERLocated on the eastern end of downtown Salt Lake City, the Jon M. Huntsman Center, locally known as the Huntsman Center, is home to the University of Utah athletic teams — including the Gymnastics, Men's Basketball, and Women's basketball teams.

Within the University of Utah campus, the Huntsman Center seats 15,000 — making it the largest arena in the Pac-12 conference (Utah’s NCAA conference affiliate). It’s also become a popular location for the NCAA Tournament, hosting the third-most tournament games of any venue.&nbsp;

It was the site of the 1979 NCAA title game, one of the most iconic games in history, the birthplace of the greatest rivalry in NBA history: Magic Johnson and Larry Bird. Johnson and Michigan State took down Bird and Indiana State 75-64, a game in which Johnson was named the tournament’s Most Outstanding Player.

SALT PALACE CONVENTION CENTERThe Salt Palace Convention Center is located in the heart of downtown Salt Lake City.

Following multiple expansions, the center now has just under one million square feet, the ideal location with endless exhibit space, multiple meeting spaces, and a 45,000-square-foot grand ballroom.&nbsp;

It recently underwent a special renovation project, completing a brand-new Hyatt Regency. The 25-story, 700+-room hotel features stunning views of the Wasatch Mountains and houses two restaurants and a cocktail lounge, making it an ideal place for locals and visitors to rub shoulders and enjoy world-renowned cuisine.&nbsp;

Located a few blocks west of the City Creek Center, the Salt Palace Convention Center has emerged as one of downtown’s iconic structures.&nbsp;

Events*Friday, Feb. 17-Sunday, Feb. 19 | NBA CROSSOVERThe weekend-long event will showcase the intersection of basketball and culture through the art, fashion, music, technology and entertainment that surround today’s game. NBA Crossover will engage fans in its largest footprint to-date with immersive experiences, brand activations, live performances, NBA and WNBA appearances, limited edition merchandise and collectibles, art and memorabilia, apparel customization and more.

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NBA All-Star Weekend | Venues

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All‑Star Weekend