Tag: NBA

Warriors Lose Fourth Season Game to the defending champion Nuggets 119-103

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Golden State Warriors forward Trayce Jackson-Davis and the Denver Nuggets guard Christian Braun (0) go for the basketball in the first half at Chase Center in San Francisco on Sun Feb 25, 2024 (AP News photo)

By Barbara Mason

The Golden State Warriors (29-27) lead after the first 12 minutes and tied up this game at the half against the Denver Nuggets (39-19) but they struggled in the second half of play. They lost the third and fourth quarters and subsequently the game to the defending champion Nuggets. The Warriors had trouble defending Nikola Jokic and Jamal Murray losing this game 119-103. This was their fourth loss to Denver this season ending their winning streak

Game recap: The first quarter was gangbusters for Golden State. The quarter was close until Klay Thompson took the court scoring 16 points in the opening 12 minutes, his season high for an opening quarter. The Warriors took a 36-30 lead going into the second quarter.

With Jokic starting the second quarter on the bench the Warriors were looking to take full advantage of his absence. Golden State was able to extend their lead to as much as 15 points in the quarter but rest time was over for Jokic and he took the court again and the Nuggets began to chip away at the Golden State lead.

With ten seconds left in the half Denver had tied up this game at 61. They went on a 14-0 run in a frantic, crazy rally to erase the Warriors lead. The Nuggets turned the tables on Golden State. winning the second quarter 31-25. Denver got to the line seven times which was another reason for the Nugget turnaround.

It was a great half for Thompson off the bench scoring 23 points, the only Warrior to hit double digits in the half. He hit five of ten from downtown in an offensive explosion. Golden State needed to contain both Jokic and Jamal Murray who each had 18 points in the first half and they needed a whole lot more offense from their starters in the second half.

They were putting on a defensive show, a great effort but they would have to continue with that effort in the second half against a formidable opponent.

Going into the third quarter, it was a whole new ball game for both teams.Warrior guard Stephen Curry continued to struggle from the field in the third quarter as the Warriors defense was also having some issues.

The Golden State defense continued to bleed as the Nuggets took a 75-65 lead mid-way through the third quarter. Jokic already had registered his 18th triple double of the season with an entire quarter and a half to go.

The Warriors starters continued to struggle and the Nuggets Aaron Gordon began to flex his muscle. With five minutes left in the quarter the Warriors showed a little life cutting the Denver lead to 78-74 forcing the Nuggets to take a time out.

At 3:23 Curry hit his first three of the game cutting the Denver lead to three 82-79. Seconds later the Warriors Lester Quinones hit a three tying up the game at 82. Denver took back the lead after three quarters leading 91-87. It was on to the final 12 minutes of play.

The fourth quarter was a close one but the Warriors continued to trail. They got as close as three points numerous times only to watch the Nuggets push back extending their lead. With 7:55 left in the game, Denver had taken a 97-92 lead.

The Warriors were also dealing with 16 turnovers as Denver took a 105-94 lead with under six minutes left in the game. With under four minutes on the clock the Nuggets took a 109-97 lead. AT 2:10, it was crunch time for Golden State looking for some stops. Those stops did not come and Golden State’s winning streak had come to an end losing.

This was a tough game for the Warriors. The hot first half that Thompson had in the first came to a dead stop in the second half. He did not score a single point in the second half. Curry was 1 of 10 from downtown with 20 points in the game in another disappointing performance. Jonathan Kuminga finished with 19 points and six rebounds. The team now heads out on the road for a stretch on a losing note.

Post game notes: Sunday evening the Warriors took on the defending champion Nuggets at Chase Center. With Nikola Jokic leading the Nuggets, the Warriors were tested and lost this match. Golden State lost their last game with Denver in the final seconds when Jokic hit a three pointer winning that game for Denver 130-127 Jan 4th. The Nuggets have won their previous three meetings with Golden State this season.

Tuesday night the Warriors will travel to Washington to take on the struggling 9-47 Wizards. While Golden State does not take any game for granted, they should have little trouble in this one. Tipoff for that game is scheduled for 4:00 PM PT.

It was ugly but Warriors hold on beat Hornets 97-84; Golden State coach Kerr signs for 2 more yrs at $35 million

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The Charlotte Hornets guard Vasilije Micic (left) passes the ball against Golden State Warriors guard Stephen Curry (30) in the first half at the Chase Center in San Francisco on Fri Feb 23, 2024 (AP News photo)

By Jerry Feitelberg

The Golden State Warriors (29-26) welcomed the Charlotte Hornets (14-42) to the Chase Center Friday night. The Hornets entered the game with a record of 14-41. Yet, the Hornets had won four straight. Charlotte’s star point guard, LaMelo Ball, was sidelined with an injury and would not play.

Everyone thought the Warriors would win in a cakewalk. The Hornets, coached by Steve Clifford, had other thoughts. The players knew they had to find a way to disrupt the Warriors’ game plan. Both teams played poorly in the first half.

The Warriors scored just 43 points in the first 24 minutes of play. The Warriors turned the ball over 14 times. The Warriors defense put the clamps on the Hornet offense. Charlotte tallied 29 points in the half. The Warriors got the offense going in the third quarter and held on to win, 97-84.

As mentioned above, the first two-quarters of the game were ugly. Neither team could get into a rhythm. The leading scorer for the Warriors was Gary Payton II. GP2 had eight points to lead the team. Stephen Curry had seven, and Klay Thompson, Andrew Wiggins, and Jonathan Kuminga each had six. Miles Bridges had ten for the Hornets in the first half. 

The Warriors offense came to life in the third quarter. They won the quarter30-23 and finished the period with the lead, 73-52. The Warriors led by 20, 80-60 after Thompson hit a three. The Warriors refused to let the Hornets get too close.

Curry hit a three to put the Warriors up 89-71. Head coach Steve Kerr took his regulars out of the game. The Hornets offense closed the gap to ten, 92-82. The time left in the game was a minute and 42 seconds. There was a remote possibility that the Hornets could make up the ten-point deficit.

That didn’t happen, as Moses Moody made a three with 1:05 left. Lester Quinones set off tempers when he made a basket with 12 seconds left. The Hornets’ Miles Bridges and Grant Williams were furious that Quinones took the shot.

The Warriors were going to win. The unwritten rule was to run out the clock. Quinones was hit with two technical fouls and was ejected from the game. Bridges and Williams each had a technical foul called on them. Williams was ejected. There was no scoring in the final few seconds of the game after the altercation.

Game Notes: It was an ugly win, but it is still a win. The Warriors improved to 29-26. Golden State has won ten of the last 12 games played. The Hornets fell to 14-42. 

The Warriors had five players in double figures. Curry led the club with 15 points. Curry made three threes in eight tries. Wiggins had 14, Thompson and Brandin Podziemski each had 13, and Payton II added 12. The Warriors shot 42% from the floor and made 13 threes.

The Hornets also had five players with double-figures. Bridges led Charlotte with 19 points and 11 boards. Nick Richards and Brandon Miller each had 11. Tre Mann and Grant Williams had ten.

Kerr signed a two year extension worth $35 million, the contract is listed as a record annual value for a head coach. Kerr is in his tenth year with Golden State as his current contract expires at the end of this season. Kerr is breathing some relief as he was focused on this season but now that the contract issues have been completed he can focus on coaching and not on his future with the team.

The Warriors finish the homestand against the Denver Nuggets on Sunday at 4 pm.

Sacramento Kings podcast with Jeremiah Salmonson: Kings get five point win over Spurs 127-122; Sabonis scores 19th triple double

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San Antonio Spurs center Victor Wembanyama (1) is guarded by the Sacramento Kings forward Keegan Murray (1) first half at Golden 1 Center in Sacramento on Thu Feb 22, 2024 (AP News photo)

On the Sacramento Kings podcast with Jeremiah:

#1 The Sacramento Kings Domantas Sabonis picked up his 19th triple double with 22 points, 11 assists, and 11 rebounds. He can do it all the Kings win over the San Antonio Spurs at Golden 1 on Thursday night.

#2 Sabonis almost sat this one out he was put in as a game time decision and was not feeling well but you would have never known it he wound up picking up his fourth triple double in five games.

#3 Sabonis has a double double in 38 consecutive games. Kings teammate De’Aaron Fox said that you don’t want to become numb of what Sabonis is doing that what he’s doing has been done just a few times in basketball.

#4 Fox said that at this point of the season you want wins and to get them any way you can and the Kings were able to execute down the stretch and it was a big win for Sacramento.

#5 The Kings are in Los Angeles to tip off against the Los Angeles Clippers at Crypto.com Arena Sun Feb 25th at 6:30pm PT. The Clippers are third in the Western Conference and have won six of their last ten games. They can be a handful.

Join Jeremiah for the Sacramento Kings podcast Fridays at http://www.sportsradioservice.com

Bears do it again, and come back to beat Beavers 81-73

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Oregon State Beavers guard Dexter Akanno (4) attempts to take a shot but is guarded by the Cal Bears forward Fardaws Aimaq (00) in the second half at Haas Pavilion in Berkeley on Thu Feb 22, 2024 (AP News photo)

Thursday, Feb. 22, 2024

Haas Pavilion, Berkeley, California

Oregon State Beavers 73 (11-16 Overall; 3-13 Pac-12)

California Golden Bears 81 (12-15 Overall; 8-8 Pac-12)

By Stephen Ruderman

The Bears have done it again, as they came back from down 11 points to beat the Oregon State Beaver, 81-73.

The Bears returned home following another epic win, this time in Seattle against the Washington Huskies. Tonight, they kicked off their final home stand of the season, as they welcomed the Oregon State Beavers to Haas Pavilion.

The Beavers won the opening tip, and turned the ball over, which allowed Keonte Kennedy to put the Bears on the board with a jumper. Jordan Pope hit a three to put Oregon State ahead, and Chol Marial followed that up with a jumper to make it 5-2.

Fardaws Aimaq drew a, and hit both from the line to make it 5-4. Tyler Bilodeau hit a jumper for Oregon State; and then Aimaq was fouled, and hit one of two.

The Beavers then took control throughout the remainder of the first half. Pope hit a jumper, and then hit a free throw after being fouled on the play to open Oregon State’s lead to 21-10 with 11:47 still remaining.

The Bears didn’t fall any further behind, and closed the gap to 29-23 following a jumper by Jaylomn Tyson and a three by Kennedy. However, the Beavers retained control and were very quickly back out to a 34-23 lead.

The Bears kept up the fight, as an Aimaq three made it 38-31 with 2:53 left, and a Tyson three to make it 40-34 with 1:25 left. Dexter Akanno hit a three with 53 seconds left to make it 43-34, and that score would hold going into the half.

Marial drew a foul for the Beavers, and hit both from the line to start the second half, which put Oregon State back up by 11 at 45-34. The Bears were once again down double digits in the second half, and that only meant one thing: It was time for another comeback.

There the Bears went, as they chipped away at the Beavers’ lead with an 8-2 run. Jalen Cone hit a three; Aimaq was fouled, and hit two from the line; and Kennedy sank a three. Suddenly, it was 47-42.

Jordan Pope hit a jumper; was fouled on the play; and hit his shot from the line to make it 50-42, but the Bears didn’t let up, especially Jalen Celestine. Celestine was fouled, and hit two from the line. Then he stole the ball from Akanno on back-to-back Beavers’ possessions, and threw down dunks both times. Now, it was just a two-point game at 50-48 with 15:02 still remaining.

However, as quickly as the Bears got right back into it and made it a two-point game, the Beavers jumped back out to a nine-point lead just as quickly with seven unanswered points. That drive featured a three from Michael Rataj, a layup by KC Ibekwe and a jumper by Pope.

Cone hit a three, and Rataj responded with a jumper to make it 59-51. The Bears were down by eight with 11:51 to go, but that would be no problem at all. Grant Newell hit a three; Aimaq laid one in; and Cone hit a three, as it took the Bears just a minute and 38 seconds to come back and tie it.

The teams remained neck and neck, but a jumper by Pope, and a three by Tyler Bilodeau put the Beavers back up by five at 71-66 with 5:37 to go, but again, no problem for the Bears. Celestine hit a three; and Cone was fouled, and sent to the line, where he hit both shots to tie the game.

Celestine then hit a three to put the Bears ahead, 74-71, with 3:26 to go, and Cal took control from there. Cone hit a three to make it 77-71, and the Beavers’ offense was stymied the rest of the way. The final couple of minutes were fairly quiet, and the Bears won it, 81-73.

Just another comeback win for the Bears, who are back up to .500 in conference play at 8-8, and improve to 12-15 overall. Now, the Oregon Ducks will come into Haas Pavilion Saturday for the final home game of the season. Tipoff will be at 4 p.m.

Kings Reign Supreme: Sabonis’ Heroics Propel Sacramento Past Spurs 127-122

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The Sacramento Kings Domantas Sabonis dunks on the San Antonio Spurs at Golden 1 Center in Sacramento on Thu Feb 22, 2024 (photo by Mauricio Segura Sports Radio Service)

Kings Reign Supreme: Sabonis’ Heroics Propel Sacramento Past Spurs 127-122

By Mauricio Segura

SACRAMENTO–In a showdown that resulted in a“ Light The Beam” winning chant, The Sacramento Kings defeated the San Antonio Spurs 127-122 with an electrifying final seconds surge. Despite grappling with illness and missing practice, Domantas Sabonis, defied the odds by clinching his 19th triple-double, cementing his stature as a dominant force on the court.

Sabonis’ tenacity, combined with De’Aaron Fox’s explosive 28-point performance, propelled the Kings to a hard-earned home victory.

This marked Sabonis’ fourth triple-double in five games, showcasing his unwavering determination and exceptional skills. Additionally, Sabonis extended his streak of double-doubles to an impressive 38 consecutive games, further highlighting his pivotal role in the Kings’ success.

Contributions from Kevin Huerter and Malik Monk, who each added 21 points, bolstered Sacramento’s momentum, leaving the Spurs struggling to keep pace.

Nevertheless, the Spurs had their standout performers too. Devin Vassell led San Antonio with a 32-point performance and six assists.

Despite Vassell’s remarkable display, Victor Wembanyama’s valiant effort, registering 19 points, 13 rebounds, five steals, and four blocks, fell short in the winding seconds of the game. Keldon Johnson also made a significant impact with 18 points, 12 of which came during a spirited fourth-quarter surge.

The game was characterized by momentum swings, with the Kings taking control in the second quarter, outscoring the Spurs 35-25 to establish a halftime lead. Though the Spurs briefly seized the lead in the third quarter, the Kings displayed dominance, embarking on a decisive 9-0 run to seal the win.

Despite shooting an impressive 56% from the field, the Kings recognized the importance of executing crucial plays during clutch moments, a sentiment echoed by Fox, who stressed the significance during his post-game talk, of securing victories as the season progresses.

The most exciting time of the NBA season is shortly approaching, where each game assumes greater significance, with teams vying for playoff contention. For the Kings, their triumph over the Spurs underscores their determination and sets the stage for an enthralling run toward the postseason.

Warriors get much needed win over Lakers 128-110; Curry scores 32 pts for Golden State

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Golden State Warriors guard Stephen Curry (30) is fired up after scoring a three point shot in the first half against the Los Angeles Lakers at Chase Center in San Francisco on Thu Feb 22, 2024 (AP News photo)

By Jerry Feitelberg

The Golden State Warriors (28-26), playing their first game after the All-Star break, hosted the Los Angeles Lakers (30-27) Thursday night at the Chase Center. The Lakers’ LeBron James would not be in the lineup due to an ankle injury. The Warriors would come away with a 128-110 win at Chase Center in San Francisco led by the Warriors guard Stephen Curry with 32 points.

The Warriors still had to deal with the Lakers’ Anthony Davis. Davis has been a force on defense for the Lakers this year. The Warriors knew they had to have good ball movement to thwart Davis trying to protect the rim against the Warriors potent offense.

The Warriors wanted to avenge the one-point loss to the Lakers on January 27th. The Akers won a double-overtime thriller 145-144. In that game, the Lakers won at the free-throw line. The Lakers had 43 free throws, and the Warriors had 16. The Lakers made 36, and the Warriors 11.

The Warriors’ head coach, Steve Kerr, told his team they must stop committing fouls and turning the ball over. The Warriors did what Kerr wanted. The Lakers had 21 free throws in the game. They made 14. The Warriors had eight turnovers in the first half but only one in the second half. The Warriors played well on both ends of the court as they cruised to victory. It was the Warriors’ ninth win in their last eleven games. 

The Warriors started the game running up and down the court. Warriors guard Curry tallied 16 points and connected on four threes in the first period. The Lakers’ Davis provided the offense for LA. The Warriors won the quarter 31-28.

The Lakers took the lead early in the second period. Neither team could pull away. The Lakers led 50-49 when the momentum shifted to the Warriors. Jonathan Kuminga knocked down a three to give the Warriors a 52-51 lead. Andrew Wiggins and Brandin Podziemski each hit a three, and the Warriors led by six, 57-51.

Curry made a three and a two-pointer to up the lead to 65-54. Wiggins scored a bucket as the buzzer sounded to put the Warriors ahead, 67-54, at the end of the first half. Curry led the team with 25 points. It was the second-highest point in the first half for Curry in his career.

Trace Jackson-Davis was the scoring story in the second quarter. Coming off the bench, Jackson-Davis recorded 13 points to help the Warriors have the lead at the end of the first half. Davis paced the Lakers with 15 points.

The Warriors continued to play well in the second half. The Warriors increased the lead to 17, 86-69. The Lakers made a 7-0 run to trail by nine, 89-80. The Warriors did not wilt. The Warriors answered the challenge and finished the third quarter with the lead, 98-82.

The Lakers’ point guard, D’Angelo Russell, made a couple of three-pointers early in the fourth quarter. Wiggins responded by scoring nine points to kill the Lakers’ threat. The Warriors cruised to victory 128-110.

Game Notes: The Warriors won for the ninth time in their last eleven games. They are now 28-26. The Lakers dropped to 30-27. The Warriors are 1-1 with LA this season. The Warriors meet the Lakers two more times. Both games will be in LA. 

Curry led the Warriors with 32 points, eight assists, and six threes. Curry was plus 25 when he was on the court.

Wiggins had 20 points, and he connected twice from downtown. Rookie Podzienski has ten points and nine rebounds. Jackson-Davis finished the game with 17 points and five boards. Kuminga had 12. 

The Warriors shot 46.7% from the floor. They made 16 threes in 41 tries. The Warriors recorded 32 assists on 50 made baskets. They outrebounded the taller Lakers 60-51. 

Davis had a double-double with 27 points and 15 rebounds. Russell ad 18, Austin Reaves 16, and Taurean Prince 12. The Warriors held Rui Hachimura to eight points. Hachimura has killed the Warriors many times over the last two years. The Warriors made sure Hachimura was not a factor Thursday night.

The Warriors play again Friday night. The Warriors will host the Charlotte Hornets at the Chase Center. The game will start at 7 pm.

Golden State Warriors podcast with Daivd Zizmor: Review shows Podziemski didn’t foul Leonard; Calls usually go in favor for superstars; plus more news

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The Golden State Warriors Klay Thompson (11) has had success coming off the bench here he’s defending the Utah Jazz Keyonte George (left) at the Delta Center in Salt Lake City on Thu Feb 15, 2024 (AP News photo)

On the Golden State Warriors podcast with David:

#1 David can you see Klay Thompson now coming off the bench after his recent success?

#2 Brandin Podziemski says he got called for fouling the Los Angeles Clippers Leonard Kawhi back on Nov 30th at Chase Center. Upon review the replays showed that Podziemski did not make contact or touch Kawhi and the foul was reversed. Podziemski pointed out that this was a superstar call that superstars get the benefit of the calls.

#3 Stephen Curry said he and the core Warriors Klay Thompson and Draymond Green will retire together. Curry said that they need to continue to compete at a high level and said that it’s a motivator for them.

Join David Zizmor for the Warrior podcasts each Wednesday at http://www.sportsradioservice.com

Sacramento Kings podcast with Tony Renteria: Kings open second half of season against Spurs Thursday at Golden 1

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The Denver Nuggets forward Justin Holiday (9) holds the ball above his head and away from the Sacramento Kings guard Kevin Huerter (9) in the second half at Ball Arena on Wed Feb 14, 2024 (AP News photo)

On the Sacramento Kings podcast with Tony Renteria:

#1 When the Sacramento Kings made their visit to Denver last Wednesday Feb 14th the Denver Nuggets were three short in their line up with guards Jamal Murray (tibia inflammation) and Kentavious Caldwell-Pope (hamstring tendinosis). That gave the Kings a leg up going into that game.

#2 With Jamal Murray who is the Nuggets second leading scorer the Kings De’Aaron Fox had free reign leading the Kings with 30 points and eight rebounds. Domantas Sabonis’ contribution was valuable as well scoring 20 points with 13 rebounds.

#3 It wasn’t all smooth sailing for the Kings in that game they had to come back to win it down 16 points in the second half and doing it against the Nuggets is none too easy but the Kings came away with a 102-98 win.

#4 The win by the Kings was their second against the Nuggets in five days they defeated the Nuggets at Golden 1 on Fri Feb 9th 135-106.

#5 The San Antonio Spurs are up next for the Kings on Thursday night at Golden 1 Center. The Spurs are dead last in the Western Conference 15th place. They have lost eight of their last ten games. It’s been a long season for their head coach Gregg Poppovich. Who to his credit has been very patient with his players and the media in post game interviews.

Join Tony Renteria for the Sacramento Kings podcasts each Tuesday at http://www.sportsradioservice.com

NBA All Star Game podcast with Barbara Mason: East runs up the score on West 211-186 in Indianapolis

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NBA West All Star representing the Minnesota Timberwolves for Anthony Karl-Towns (32) goes for the high percentage shot against the NBA East All Stars in the first half at Gainbridge Fieldhouse Arena in Indianapolis on Sun Feb 18, 2024 (AP News photo)

On the NBA All Star Game podcast:

#1 Fans got to enjoy the 2024 All-Star game with an exciting new challenge, the first of it’s kind between the NBA and the WNBA.

#2 When it came to game time, fans got to enjoy some legendary performers from the entertainment world. Baby Face and Jennifer Hudson.

#3 After introductions the game got underway and the fans saw some incredible basketball from both sides the East and the West. There were so many standouts it’s hard to pin just one of them down. This game surpassed the 200 point mark.

#4 MVP award went to Damian Lillard which became apparent as the game went on.

#5 It’s now back to business for all of these guys. Here in the Bay Area we will see the Warriors take on the Lakers this Thursday at Chase Center.

Join Barbara Mason for the Golden State Warriors podcast Mondays at http://www.sportsradioservice.com

East Wins 2024 All-Star Game 211-186 In An Unforgettable Evening

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NBA West All Star guard Devin Booker (1) representing the Phoenix Suns prepares to throw down against the NBA East All Stars at Gainbridge Fieldhouse in Indianapolis at the 2024 All Star Game on Feb 18, 2024 (AP News photo)

By Barbara Mason

This weekend, the basketball world gathered in Indianapolis to enjoy the 73rd NBA All-Star game at the home of the Indiana Pacers the Gainbridge Fieldhouse. This yearly event had even more to offer fans as we all witnessed the first-ever NBA vs WNBA 3-point challenge which featured Golden State Warrior’s Stephen Curry and the New York Liberty’s Sabrina Ionescu.

This was a landmark event that went miles for not only the young boys but the young girls watching. What a great moment for all of them driving home the fact that boys and girls can live out their dreams. Nothing is impossible.

Curry barely edged Ionescu in this wild event winning with a vintage performance. He caught fire just in the nick of time winning the challenge 29-26. Had Ionescu not slowed down at the end of her round it could have been an entirely different outcome.

This was a powerful and fun event that is sure to continue for years to come. State Farm made a donation for each shot drained to the NBA Foundation to support economic empowerment in the Black community. This was just one of the many highlights at this year’s All-Star event.

It was then on to the major event. This of course was a who’s-who from the 2024 rosters but we saw some superstars in the booth as well from Draymond Green to Candace Parker.

It was an incredible star-studded event from the players to the celebrities in attendance to the artists who performed the National Anthems of the United States and Canada. Baby Face delivered a beautiful rendition of the Star-Spangled Banner and Charlotte Cardin was flawless performing the Canadian national anthem.

All Star game recap: It was then on to the game as the greatest players in the NBA took the court; the West captained by 20-year all-star Los Angeles Laker LeBron James and the East’s Milwaukee Bucks Giannis Antetokounmpo looking to push the East past the West in this game. This game was especially memorable for Indiana Pacer Tyrese Haliburton playing in his very first All-Star game.

The East took the opening quarter 53-47. Tyrese Haliburton had an impressive quarter being the only player on the floor shooting in double digits with 15 points. He was sure giving home town fans a real show.

The East continued to extend their lead in the second quarter. The West has won the last five of six but it was the East who won last year’s game 184-175 which was played in Salt Lake City. Prior to that game it has been all Lebron and team.

After leading by six points after the first 12 minutes of play, the East took a 104-89 lead into the locker room at the half. They had more than doubled their first quarter lead.

At halftime Damien Lillard had scored the high for both teams with 22 points. Haliburton finished the first half with 18. The West had some work to do in the second half and Curry who finished the first half with 12 points and Kevin Durant also with 12 points were just the ticket to push the West to a win.

One thing that was apparent was the fun that all of these guys were having. While they were competitive with the win and the MVP at stake they were having a great time putting on an amazing show for everyone present.

The first half were two quarters to remember with play that words cannot even begin to describe and it only got better with an amazing halftime show featuring the incomparable award-winning Jennifer Hudson. It was truly a performance not to be missed.

The third quarter saw the East start to pile on more points. After three quarters they were in the driver’s seat 160-136. It also became apparent that Damian Lillard had his focus on the MVP award with some brilliant play and 33 points to his credit through three.

He also had hit nine three’s. He sure seemed to be on a mission looking to add to his hardware after winning the 3-point contest. He was being challenged in the second half of play by Jaylen Brown also with 33 points.

The fourth quarter was a close one with one point separating the two teams. The East had built an almost unreachable lead. The final was 211-186 in favor of the East a record breaking score. To close out the evening the Kobe Bryant MVP award was presented and it went to the amazing Lillard. “It’s an honor playing against the games best,” he said beaming as he accepted the award.

Now it’s back to business for all of these guys as they settle back into the second half of the season leaving fans with memories to last a lifetime.