Before we get back to the regular season, let’s take a moment for the 2023 NBA All-Star Weekend. Where do we even begin, with so many worthy highlights to share?
Aiight, bet. Let’s start with Team Giannis.
Last night, Giannis Antetokounmpo came into the All-Star Game 0-2, against Team Lebron. During the NBA All-Star Draft you can tell Giannis was def looking to build the perfect team to take the King down. To start, he called on 7x All-Star Damian Lillard as his first Reserve. After making six more picks, it was time to call on the Starters. Boston Celtics’ Jayson Tatum was called on first by Giannis, rounding out his team.
For Lebron, BIGS were on his mind. For his first pick, he went with Sixers big man, Joel Embiid. His second choice was a no-brainer, given the history between him and Kyrie Irving. Then Luka and Nikola rounded out his team. Check out the overview of each team’s draft picks below.
Team LeBron
Reserve picks (in order)
Anthony Edwards, Jaylen Brown, Paul George, Tyrese Haliburton, Julius Randle, De’Aaron Fox, Jaren Jackson Jr.
Starter picks (in order)
Joel Embiid, Kyrie Irving, Luka Doncic, Nikola Jokic
Team Giannis
Reserve picks (in order)
Damian Lillard, Jrue Holiday, Shai Gilgeous-Alexander, DeMar DeRozan, Pascal Siakam, Bam Adebayo, Domantas Sabonis
Starter picks (in order)
Jayson Tatum, Ja Morant, Donovan Mitchell, Lauri Markkanen
Once the teams were locked in, and tip-off commenced, it was nothing but dominance on the court- especially from Jayson Tatum. Despite underperforming during Saturday’s Three-Point Contest, Tatum reminded us why he was even invited to join the contest – shooters shoot.
Tatum’s teammate, Jaylen Brown, also held it down and represented for the Celtics. Brown would finish with 35 points for the opposing team, Team Lebron. Celtics Coach, Joe Mazzulla, and his staff, who were there to coach Team Giannis, had to have been beaming with pride, seeing their two stars shine.
While the Jays put on a show, Damian Lillard also reminded us why he’s an All-Star. Lillard finished with 26 point, including a pull-up trey from half-court, and the game-winning shot. “They was telling me to shoot,” said Lillard.
Giannis sat out for the remainder of the game early on due to a previous injury, and Lebron sat out the second half due to injuring his hand in the first quarter. Despite the captains being out, the game played out and the ballers balled.
