2012 All-Star Booklet

61st edition Amway Center | Florida | USA February 24 - 26

Editorial + Design: Brad Graham Images: Mohan Gumatay

THE 2012 NBA ALL-STAR BOOK

Š 2012. All rights reserved

Inside: Our complete recap of All-Star 2012 including an exclusive behind-the-scenes look at your favourite NBA talents.

Kobe Bryant | LeBron James | Dwight Howard | Derrick Rose | Dwyane Wade | Kevin Durant | Chris Paul | Blake Griffin | Jeremy Lin | and loADs more

Force of nature

Russell Westbrook Western Conference | G | Reserve

Images (both pages): Mohan Gumatay

Editorial + Design: Brad Graham Images: Mohan Gumatay, Getty & courtesy of the various brands.

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ONLY $10.00 INSIDE: LeBron James, Kevin Durant, Rajon Rondo, John Wall, Amar’e Stoudemire and The Dream Team.

132 pages

including our massive feature on

Michael Jordan

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Contents

H

MAIN EVENT H

STARTERS

Dwight Howard LeBron James Carmelo Anthony Dwyane Wade Derrick Rose

WILDCARDS

Paul Pierce Andre Iguodala

RESERVES

Deron Williams Joe Johnson Luol Deng Chris Bosh Roy Hibbert

REPLACEMENT

Rajon Rondo

All-Star Game History

H

STARTERS

Andrew Bynum Blake Griffin Kevin Durant Kobe Bryant Chris Paul WILDCARDS

Steve Nash LaMarcus Aldridge RESERVES

Tony Parker Russell Westbrook Dirk Nowitzki Kevin Love Marc Gasol Main Event Recap 2012 All-Star Game MVP Boxscore All-Star Rollcall

UNDERCARD

H

EVENTS FRIDAY: Team ‘Chuck’ + Team ‘SHAQ’ /// Rising Stars Game MVP SATURDAY: 3-Point Shootout /// Slam Dunk Competition MEDIA SESSIONS: Friday ( East + West ) /// Saturday ( West + East ) OVERFLOW America’s Sweetheart: Jeremy Lin 2012 Hall of Fame Finalists Follow The Leader: Kobe Bryant 2012 NBA All-Star Uniforms by adidas D-League All-Star Highlights SNEAKISTRY In-GAME + CASUALS

EASTERN CONFERENCE

WESTERN CONFERENCE

Starters Dwight Howard C Andrew Bynum LeBron James F Blake Griffin Carmelo Anthony F Kevin Durant Dwyane Wade G Kobe Bryant Derrick Rose G Chris Paul Reserves Roy Hibbert C Marc Gasol Chris Bosh F Dirk Nowitzki Luol Deng F Kevin Love Joe Johnson G Russell Westbrook Deron Williams G Tony Parker Wildcards Paul Pierce LaMarcus Aldridge Andre Iguodala Steve Nash Replacements Rajon Rondo Head Coach Tom Thibodeau Scott Brooks Assistants Ron Adams Mark Bryant Rick Brunson Maurice Cheeks Andy Greer Rex Kalamian Adrian Griffin Brian Keefe Ed Pinckney Mike Wilhelm

DWIGHT HOWARD

6-11 | SW Atlanta Christian Aca. | USA Rbs

Ast

Stl

Blk

32 9 10

Min

Pts

3

0

1 -1

+/-

c

Starter

Orlando Magic

1,600,390 votes

HHHHHH

/DwightHoward @DwightHoward

CARMELO ANTHONY

6-8 | Syracuse | USA Min

Pts

Rbs

31 19 9 New York Knicks

+/-

SF

Ast

Stl

Blk

0

2

0 +6 Starter 1,041,290 votes

HHHHH

/CarmeloAnthony @CarmeloAnthony

HOW THE 2012 VOTING FINISHED

Want to know JUST how popular YOUR FAVORITE PLAYER IS? OR JUST HOW IMPORTANT PLAYING IN A BIG MARKET IS FOR TODAY’S ELITE? SEE BELOW.

Forwards

Forwards

LeBron James (Miami) 1,360,680 Carmelo Anthony (New York) 1,041,290 Amar’e Stoudemire (New York) 383,734 Kevin Garnett (Boston) 367,914 Chris Bosh (Miami) 324,605 Luol Deng (Chicago) 276,205 Paul Pierce (Boston) 215,020 Carlos Boozer (Chicago) 175,828 Andrea Bargnani (Toronto) 152,362 Josh Smith (Atlanta) 119,638

Kevin Durant (Oklahoma City) 1,345,566 Blake Griffin (L.A Clippers) 876,451 Pau Gasol (L.A Lakers) 470,353 Dirk Nowitzki (Dallas) 468,435 Kevin Love (Minnesota) 373,880 LaMarcus Aldridge (Portland) 279,500 Tim Duncan (San Antonio) 185,069 Lamar Odom (Dallas) 142,830 Danilo Gallinari (Denver) 110,245 Rudy Gay (Memphis) 95,228

Guards

Guards

Derrick Rose (Chicago) 1,514,723 Dwyane Wade (Miami) 1,334,223 Rajon Rondo (Boston) 547,110 Ray Allen (Boston) 382,147 Deron Williams (New Jersey) 208,697 Jose Calderon (Toronto) 132,167 Richard Hamilton (Chicago) 111,368 John Wall (Washington) 96,606 Kyrie Irving (Cleveland) 96,346 Joe Johnson (Atlanta) 66,145

Kobe Bryant (L.A Lakers) 1,555,479 Chris Paul (L.A Clippers) 1,138,743 Ricky Rubio (Min) 397,456 Steve Nash (Pho) 276,268 Russell Westbrook (OKC) 262,186 Kyle Lowry (Hou) 185,584 Monta Ellis (GS) 156,603 Chauncey Billups (LAC) 120,961 Jason Kidd (Dal) 114,924 Manu Ginobili (SA) 111,273

Centers

Centers

Dwight Howard (Orlando) 1,600,390 Joakim Noah (Chicago) 236,497 Tyson Chandler (New York) 163,077 Joel Anthony (Miami) 101,307 JaVale McGee (Washington) 63,765

Andrew Bynum (L.A Lakers) 1,051,945 DeAndre Jordan (L.A Clippers) 322,056 Marc Gasol (Memphis) 285,525 Nenê (Denver) 207,102 Marcin Gortat (Phoenix) 136,168

LeBron JAMES

6-8 | St. Vincent / St. Mary H.S | USA Min

Pts

Rbs

33 36 6 Miami Heat

+/-

SF

Ast

Stl

Blk

7

0

0 +4 Starter 1,360,680 votes

HHHHHHHH

/LeBron @KingJames

DWYANE WADE

6-4 | Marquette | USA Min

Pts

Rbs

Ast

Stl

33 24 10 10 2

Blk

+/-

Sg

0 +1 Starter

Miami Heat

1,334,223 votes.

HHHHHHHH

/dwyanewade @DwyaneWade

Takeaway: 20 years after Magic Johnson stole the show with his MVP performance in the same city (Orlando, 1992), Dwyane Wade posted just the third tripe double in AllStar history (following LeBron James and Michael Jordan) with his 24 point, ten rebound, ten dime showing but it wasn’t enough to secure the Heat guard with the trophy for ‘Best In Show’.

DERRICK ROSE

6-3 | Memphis | USA Min

Pts

Rbs

19 14 7 Chicago Bulls

+/-

pg

Ast

Stl

Blk

3

0

0 +1 Starter 1,514,723 votes

HHH

/derrickrose -

PAUL PIERCE

6-7 | Kansas | USA Min

Pts

12 3

+/-

SF

Rbs

Ast

Stl

Blk

2

0

0

1 -11 WILDCARD

Boston Celtics

HHHHHHHHHH

/paulpierce @paulpierce34

ANDRE IGUODALA

6-6 | Arizona | USA Min

Pts

Rbs

15 12 4

Ast

Stl

Blk

2

1

1 -2

+/-

SG

WILDCARD

Philadelphia 76ers

H

/MindofAI9 @mindofAI9

CHRIS BOSH

6-10 | Georgia Tech | USA Min

Pts

21 7

Rbs

Ast

Stl

Blk

2

1

2

1 -6

+/-

PF

RESERVE

Miami Heat

HHHHHHH

/OfficialChrisBosh @chrisbosh

LUOL DENG

6-9 | Duke | Sudan +/-

SF

Min

Pts

Rbs

Ast

Stl

Blk

6

0

0

1

0

0 +1 RESERVE

Chicago Bulls

H

/luoldeng @luoldeng9

ROY HIBBERT

7-2 | Georgetown | USA Min

Pts

11 3

+/-

C

Rbs

Ast

Stl

Blk

3

1

0

0 -11 RESERVE

Indiana Pacers

H

/RoyHibbert @Hoya2aPacer

JOE JOHNSON

6-7 | Arkansas | USA Min

Pts

Rbs

Ast

Stl

Blk

+/-

-

-

-

-

-

-

-

SG

RESERVE

Atlanta Hawks

HHHHHH

/joejohnson @TheJoeJohnson2

deron WILLIAMS

6-3 | Illinois | USA Min

Pts

Rbs

Ast

Stl

Blk

FG%

78 78 78 78 78 78 78

PG

RESERVE

New Jersey Nets

HHH

/DeronWilliams @DeronWilliams

RAJON RONDO

6-1 | Kentucky | USA Min

Pts

16 2

Rbs

Ast

Stl

Blk

2

8

0

0 -5

+/-

PG

REPLACEMENT

Boston Celtics

HHH

/rajonrondo @RajonRondo

ALL-STAR HISTORY

All-Time Wins...

East

West

36

25

Get Educated.

HH

/NBA @NBA Year 2 012 2 011 2 010 2009 2008 2 0 07 2006 2005 2004 2003 2002 2 0 01 2000 19 9 9 19 9 8 19 97 19 9 6 19 9 5 19 9 4 19 9 3 19 9 2 19 91 19 9 0 19 8 9 19 8 8 19 87 19 8 6 19 8 5 19 8 4 19 8 3 19 8 2 19 81 19 8 0 1979 1978 1977 1976 1975 1974 1973 1972 1971 1970 19 6 9 19 6 8 19 67 19 6 6 19 6 5 19 6 4 19 6 3 19 6 2 19 61 19 6 0 19 5 9 19 5 8 19 57 19 5 6 19 5 5 19 5 4 19 5 3 19 5 2 19 51

Result WEST WEST EAST WEST EAST WEST EAST EAST WEST WEST WEST EAST WEST EAST EAST EAST WEST EAST WEST WEST EAST EAST WEST EAST WEST EAST WEST EAST EAST EAST EAST EAST WEST EAST WEST EAST EAST WEST EAST WEST WEST EAST EAST EAST WEST EAST EAST EAST EAST WEST WEST EAST WEST EAST EAST WEST EAST EAST WEST EAST EAST

152 148 141 146 134 153 122 125 136 155 135 111 137 135 132 129 139 127 135 153 116 130 143 138 154 139 140 154 132 120 123 144 134 133 125 123 108 134 104 112 108 142 123 144 135 137 124 111 115 150 153 125 124 130 109 108 100 98 79 108 111

EAST EAST WEST EAST WEST EAST WEST WEST EAST EAST EAST WEST EAST WEST WEST WEST EAST WEST EAST EAST WEST WEST EAST WEST EAST WEST EAST WEST WEST WEST WEST WEST EAST WEST EAST WEST WEST EAST WEST EAST EAST WEST WEST WEST EAST WEST WEST WEST WEST EAST EAST WEST EAST WEST WEST EAST WEST WEST EAST WEST WEST

149 143 139 119 128 132 120 115 132 145 120 110 126 114 120 118 112 118 132 113 114 113 134 133 149 132 129 145 123 118 120 136 129 125 124 109 102 123 84 110 107 135 112 124 120 94 123 107 108 130 131 115 108 118 97 94 91 93 75 91 94

2OT

OT

OT

OT

OT

Home

Location

Host

H H H H H H H H H H H H H H H H H H H H H H H H H H H H H H H H H H H H H H H H H H H H H

Orlando, Fla. Los Angeles, Calif.

Arlington, Texas Phoenix, Ariz.

New Orleans, La. Las Vegas, Nev. Houston, Texas Denver, Colo.

Los Angeles, Calif.

Atlanta, Ga. Philadelphia, Pa. Washington D.C Oakland, Calif.

New York, N.Y. Cleveland, Ohio San Antonio, Texas Phoenix, Ariz.

Minneapolis, Minn.

Salt Lake City, Utah Orlando, Fla. Charlotte, N.C Miami, Fla. Houston, Texas Chicago, Ill. Seattle, Wash.

Dallas, Texas Indianapolis, Ind. Denver, Colo.

Inglewood, Calif.

East Rutherford, N.J. Richfield, Ohio Landover, Md. Detroit, Mich.

Atlanta, Ga. Milwaukee, Wisc.

Philadelphia, Pa. Phoenix, Ariz.

San Antonio, Texas Chicago, Ill. Inglewood, Calif.

San Diego, Calif.

Philadelphia, Pa. Baltimore, Md. New York, N.Y San Francisco, Calif.

Cincinnati, Ohio St. Louis, Mo. Boston, Mass.

Los Angeles, Calif.

St. Louis, Mo. Syracuse, N.Y Philadelphia, Pa. Detroit, Mich.

St. Louis, Mo. Boston, Mass.

Rochester, N.Y New York, N.Y New York, N.Y Ft. Wayne, Ind. Boston, Mass.

Boston, Mass.

Magic Lakers + Clippers Mavericks Suns Hornets NBA Rockets Nuggets Lakers Hawks 76ers Wizards Warriors Knicks Cavaliers Spurs Suns Timberwolves Jazz Magic Hornets Heat Rockets Bulls SuperSonics Mavericks Pacers Nuggets Lakers Nets Cavaliers Bullets Pistons Hawks Bucks 76ers Suns Spurs Bulls Lakers Clippers 76ers Bullets Knicks Warriors

H H H H

OT

H H H H H H H

Celtics Lakers

76ers Pistons Celtics Royals Knicks Knicks Pistons Celtics Celtics

ALL-STAR GAME M.V.P

Get Educated.

HH

/NBA @NBA

ALL-STAR MVP LEADERBOARD

4 3 2 1

Kobe Bryant (2011; 2009; 2007; 2002) Bob Pettit (1962; 1959; 1958; 1956) Shaquille O’Neal (2009; 2004; 2000) Michael Jordan (1998; 1996; 1988) Oscar Robertson (1969; 1964; 1961) LeBron James (2008; 2006) Allen Iverson (2001; 2005) Karl Malone (1993; 1989) Magic Johnson (1992; 1990) Isiah Thomas (1986; 1984) Julius Erving (1983; 1976) Bob Cousy (1954; 1957) Kevin Durant Dwyane Wade Kevin Garnett Tim Duncan Glen Rice Mitch Richmond Scottie Pippen John Stockton Charles Barkley Tom Chambers Ralph Sampson Larry Bird Tiny Archibald George Gervin David Thompson Randy Smith Dave Bing

Walt Frazier Bob Lanier Dave Cowens Jerry West Lenny Wilkens Willis Reed Hal Greer Rick Barry Adrian Smith Jerry Lucas Bill Russell Wilt Chamberlain Elgin Baylor Bill Sharman George Mikan Paul Arizin Ed Macauley

HH Kevin Durant/Kobe Bryant/Dwyane Wade/ Kobe Bryant + Shaquille O’Neal/LeBron James/Kobe Bryant/LeBron James/Allen Iverson/Shaquille O’Neal/Kevin Garnett/ Kobe Bryant/Allen Iverson/Tim Duncan + Shaquille O’Neal/Michael Jordan/Glen Rice/Michael Jordan/Mitch Richmond/ Scottie Pippen/Karl Malone + John Stockton/Magic Johnson/Charles Barkley/ Magic Johnson/Karl Malone/Michael Jordan/Tom Chambers/Isiah Thomas/ Ralph Sampson/Isiah Thomas/Julius Erving/Larry Bird/Tiny Archibald/George Gervin/David Thompson/Randy Smith/ Julius Erving/Dave Bing/Walt Frazier/Bob Lanier/Dave Cowens/Jerry West/Lenny Wilkens/Willis Reed/Oscar Robertson/Hal Greer/Rick Barry/Adrian Smith/Jerry Lucas/Oscar Robertson/Bill Russell/Bob Pettit/Oscar Robertson/Wilt Chamberlain/ Elgin Baylor + Bob Pettit/Bob Pettit/Bob Cousy/Bob Pettit/Bill Sharman/Bob Cousy George Mikan/Paul Arizin/Ed Macauley.

andrew bynum

7-0 | St. Joseph H.S | USA +/-

C

Min

Pts

Rbs

Ast

Stl

Blk

6

0

3

1

1

1 +8 Starter

Los Angeles Lakers

1,051,945 votes

H

/Andrew-Bynum -

BLAKE GRIFFIN

6-10 | Oklahoma | USA Min

Pts

Rbs

32 22 8

Stl

Blk

3

2

0 -13 Starter

Los Angeles Clippers

+/-

PF

Ast

876,451 votes

HH

/blakegriffin32 @blakegriffin

KEVIN DURANT

6-9 | Texas | USA Min

Pts

Rbs

38 36 7

Ast

Stl

Blk

3

3

0 -2

+/-

Oklahoma City Thunder

SF

Starter 1,345,566 votes

HHH

/KevinDurant @KDTrey5

Takeaway: By winning his first All-Star MVP, Oklahoma City Thunder dynamo Kevin Durant now joins a select group of elite players. Netting 36 points and grabbing seven rebounds, K.D led the West to a tight 152-149 victory. Post game, the shy young star offered, “It’s just exciting to be named (an) All-Star, but to step it up another level and become MVP, it’s only something [as a kid] you dream about. Coming from where I come from, I didn’t think I would be here. Everything is just a blessing to me.”

After falling short (the previous night) during the long distance shoot-out, Durant unleashed an all-out offensive attack. His Sunday night showing included mid range jumpers, slashing layups, jump hooks and a few thunderous throw-downs. He led all scorers (for his Conference) and displayed the kind of polished game we’ve come to expect from the reigning scoring champ. Durant later informed (the many) reporters on hand that there was no special method to his approached.

“I’m always like that,” Durant said postgame. “You know, every game I play in I try to be aggressive and be myself. It made it easier having my [regular team] coaches over there, as well.”

Durant also let it be known that Sunday’s honor ranks high on his list of career achievements, a list which also includes his gold medal from the 2010 World Championships, “It ranks right up there at the top. I keep saying it, but I’m excited I got it, and I’m glad I get to celebrate this with my family and my teammates and everybody in Oklahoma City.”

Gotta love and respect all things K.D.

KOBE bRYANT

6-6 | Lower Merion H.S | USA Min

Pts

Rbs

35 27 1

Ast

Stl

Blk

1

2

0 -8

Los Angeles Lakers

+/-

SG

Starter 1,555,479 votes

HHHHHHHHHHHHHH

/Kobe -

Takeaway: Bryant tied Jerry West, Karl Malone, and Shaquille O’Neal for the most consecutive All-Star nods with 14 (after already joining Hall of Famer Bob Pettit (1956, 1958, 1959 and 1962) as the only other four-time All-Star Game MVP). Then, on a breakaway dunk with 4:57 left in the third quarter, Mr. Bryant broke Michael Jordan’s record of 262 All-Star Game points. It might’ve taken Kobe more All-Star appearances (than it did M.J) to net 262 points but there’s no denying the Black Mamba comes to play every February. Also worth noting, Bryant began the night with 244 points and en route to 262, he leaped Oscar Robertson (246 points) and Kareem Abdul-Jabbar (251). More on his record setting night later in this magazine.

CHRIS PAUL

6-0 | Wake Forest | USA Min

Pts

31 8

Rbs

5

Ast

Stl

12 1

Blk

+/-

0 -5

pg

Starter

Los Angeles Clippers

1,1385,743 votes

HHHHH

/oneandonlycp3 @CP3

Takeaway: Chris Paul’s selection helped mark the first time since 1997 -- when Houston’s Hakeem Olajuwon and Charles Barkley, as well as Seattle’s Shawn Kemp and Gary Payton -- that two pairs of teammates were voted in as ‘Starters’ for the same conference. Joining Chris Paul was Blake Griffin (both of the Los Angeles Clippers) while Laker teammates Kobe Bryant and Andrew Bynum helped to complete the rare coincidence.

STEVE NASH

6-3 | Santa Clara | South Africa Min

Pts

Rbs

Ast

Stl

Blk

5

0

0

4

0

0 -1

+/-

PG

WILDCARD

Phoenix Suns

HHHHHHHH

/stevenash @SteveNash

DIRK NOWITZKI

7-0 | DJK Wurzburg | Germany Min

Pts

14 7

+/-

PF

Rbs

Ast

Stl

Blk

4

1

0

0 +9 WILDCARD

Dallas Mavericks

HHHHHHHHHHH

/DirkNowitzki @swish41

tony parker

6-2 | Paris BR | France Min

Pts

13 6

+/-

PG

Rbs

Ast

Stl

Blk

2

4

0

0 +11 RESERVE

San Antonio Spurs

HHHH

/tp9network @tp9network

MARC GASOL

7-1 | FC Barcelona | Spain Min

Pts

14 4

Rbs

Ast

Stl

Blk

3

0

0

0 -8

+/-

C

RESERVE

Memphis Grizzlies

H

/marcgasol @MarcGasol

russell westbrook

6-3 | UCLA | USA Min

Pts

Rbs

28 21 5

+/-

PG

Ast

Stl

Blk

2

2

0 +3 RESERVE

Oklahoma City Thunder

HH

/russellwestbrook @russwest44

LaMARCUS ALDRIDGE

6-11 | Texas | USA Min

Pts

10 4

+/-

PF

Rbs

Ast

Stl

Blk

1

1

0

0 +5 RESERVE

Portland Trail Blazers

H

/LaMarcus-Aldridge-12 @aldridge_12

KEVIN LOVE

6-10 | UCLA | USA Min

Pts

Rbs

19 17 7

FG%

PF

Ast

Stl

Blk

1

3

0 +16 RESERVE

Minnesota Timberwolves

HH

/KevinLove42 @kevinlove

MAIN EVENT RECAP

Amway Center, Orlando, Florida.

East

West

149

152

61st edition

All-Star Sunday

HH

/NBA @NBA

MAIN EVENT RECAP(CONT.)

All-Star Sunday

all-star game mvP

Amway Center, Orlando, Florida.

K.D

1

LeBron

0

61st edition

All-Star Sunday

H

/NBA @NBA

In the end, Durant took home top honors (from Sunday’s Main Event) after showing up and stepping out during the West’s narrow 152-149 victory. He dunked all over the lazy D, netted deep trey’s, exchanged baskets with the best and sent another reminder (to everyone) that he’s coming for LeBron’s crown.

In an old-fashioned bar fight, much like their battle when representing their respective conference-leading teams, both Kevin Durant and LeBron James pushed the other to new heights. Both scored a team-high 36 points with the game MVP ultimately falling to Durant because he played on the winning side.

This timeless SF duel between K.D and the King is quickly matching ice against fire, light against the darkness and reluctant hero against delicious villain.

Their All-Star battle, which puts K.D up 1-0 (this season) means LBJ now has new motivation to try and claim the remaining four individual crowns: Best Regular Season Team Record; Scoring Champ; MVP and Finals MVP.

After nearly winning the ThreePoint Contest less than 24 hours earlier, Durant hit the Sunday night court running as he played the showcase like a regular season outing. Showing off his inside / outside prowess, the Thunder forward connected on five from deep, rarely forced the issue, shot fearlessly and dunked with extra authority -- even sticking it to the host, Dwight Howard.

Following his latest award, Durant addressed the international media at the post-game press conference, stating, “This whole thing is crazy. Words can’t describe. I’m excited and glad I’m taking this back to Oklahoma City. Hopefully I maintain this level the rest of the season.

As a kid you dream of playing in an AllStar Game but to be MVP is on another level”

all-star 2012 boxscore

All-Star Sunday

HH

/NBA @NBA 1st

2nd

Half

3rd

4th

Final

WEST

39

49

88

36

28

152

EAST

28

41

69

43

37

149

There was a patch when the game (like the majority of All-Star outings) looked like it could blow out but fortunately, or maybe by calculation, the East got serious, closed the gap and made it competitive.

Officials: #55 Bill Kennedy; #31 Scott Wall; #20 Leroy Richardson Attendence: 17,125 Duration: 2:38 -- -- -- WEST -- -- --

POS

PLAYER

SF PF C

Andrew Bynum

+/-

OFF/DEF

TOT

ASTS

P.FOULS

STLS

BLKS

T.O

PTS

5-7

+2

3/4

7

3

0

3

0

2

36

3-6

-13

3/5

8

3

3

2

0

1

22

MIN

FGM-A

3PM-A

FTM-A

Kevin Durant

37:23

14-25

3-8

Blake Griffin

31:26

9-12

1-2

05:31

0-3

0-1

0-0

+8

1/2

3

1

0

1

1

0

0

SG Kobe Bryant

34:48

9-17

2-5

7-8

-8

0/1

1

1

2

2

0

1

27

PG Chirs Paul

30:57

3-7

2-5

0-0

-5

0/5

5

12

1

1

0

2

8

13:44

3-8

1-5

0-0

+9

2/2

4

1

1

0

0

0

7

PF

Dirk Nowitzki

PF

Kevin Love

18:24

7-12

2-4

0-2

+16

2/5

7

1

0

3

0

1

17

PF

LaMarcus Aldridge

09:48

2-5

0-0

0-0

+5

0/1

1

1

0

0

0

0

4

C

Marc Gasol

13:32

2-5

0-0

0-0

-8

1/2

3

0

2

0

0

1

4

PG Steve Nash

04:40

0-0

0-0

0-0

-1

0/0

0

4

0

0

0

1

0

PG Tony Parker

12:16

3-5

0-0

0-0

+11

1/1

2

4

0

0

0

1

6

PG Russell Westbrook

27:31

10-17

1-4

0-2

+3

5/0

5

2

3

2

0

1

21

18 / 28

46

33

12

14

1

11

152

PTS

Totals

240

62-116 12-34 16-26 53.4% 35.3% 61.5%

-- -- -- EAST -- -- --

MIN

FGM-A

3PM-A

FTM-A

+/-

OFF/DEF

TOT

ASTS

P.FOULS

STLS

BLKS

T.O

Carmelo Anthony

30:20

7-15

0-3

5-7

+6

4/5

9

0

0

2

0

0

19

LeBron James

32:09 15-23

6-8

0-0

-4

0/6

6

7

2

0

0

4

36

POS

PLAYER

SF SF C

Dwight Howard

31:10

4-9

0-4

1-2

-1

5/5

10

3

4

0

1

1

9

32:54

11-15

0-1

2-2

+1

3/7

10

10

4

2

0

4

24

PG Derrick Rose

18:17

6-8

2-2

0-0

+1

1/0

1

3

1

0

0

2

14

PF

Chris Bosh

20:08

3-9

1-2

0-0

-6

1/1

2

1

2

2

1

1

7

SF

Luol Deng

05:51

0-2

0-0

0-0

+1

0/0

0

1

0

0

0

0

0

SF

Paul Pierce

11:07

1-8

1-4

0-0

+5

1/1

2

0

1

0

1

2

3

C

Roy Hibbert

10:11

1-3

0-0

1-1

-11

1/2

3

1

0

0

0

0

3

14:11

6-7

0-1

0-0

-2

1/3

4

2

0

1

1

1

12

SG Dwyane Wade

SG Andre Iguodala PG Rajon Rondo

15:34

1-3

0-0

0-0

+5

0/2

2

8

1

0

0

4

2

PG Deron Williams

18:08

8-11

4-7

0-0

+8

1/2

3

4

2

1

0

0

20

18 / 34

52

40

17

8

4

19

152

Totals

240

63-113 14-32

9-12

55.8% 43.6% 75.0%

all-star ROLLCALL 19.

Kareem Abdul-Jabbar (1970 - ‘77; ‘79 - ‘89)

15.

Shaquille O’Neal (1993 - ‘98; ‘00 - ‘07; ‘09)

14.

Kobe Bryant (1998; ‘00 - ‘12) Kevin Garnett (1997; ‘98; ‘00 - ‘11) Michael Jordan (1985 - ‘93; ‘96 - ‘98; ‘02; ‘03) Karl Malone (1988 - ‘98; ‘00 - ’02) Jerry West (1961 - ‘74)

13.

Wilt Chamberlain (1960 - ‘69; ‘71 - ‘73) Boby Cousy (1951 - ‘63) Tim Duncan (1998; ‘00 - ‘11) John Havlicek (1966 - ‘78)

12.

Larry Bird (1980 - 1’88; ‘90 - ‘92) Elvin Hayes (1969 - ‘80) Magic Johnson (1980; ‘82 - ‘92) Moses Malone (1978 - 1989) Hakeem Olajuwon (1985 - ‘90; ‘92 - ‘97) Oscar Robertson (1961 - ‘72) Bill Russell (1958 - 1969) Dolph Schayes (1951 - 1962) Isiah Thomas (1982 - 1993)

11.

Charles Barkley (1987 - 1997) Elgin Baylor (1959 - 1965; 1967 - 1970) Julius Erving (1977 - 1987) Patrick Ewing (1986; 1988 - 1997) Allen Iverson (2000 - 2010) Dirk Nowitzki (2002 - 2012) Bob Pettit (1955 - 1965)

10.

Ray Allen (2000 - 2002; 2004 2009; 2011) Paul Arizin (1951; 1952; 1955 - 1962) Clyde Drexler (1986; 1988 - 1994; 1996; 1997) Hal Greer (1961 - 1970) Jason Kidd (1996; 1998; 2000 - 2004; 2007; 2008; 2010) Paul Pierce (2002 - ‘06; ‘08 - ‘12) David Robinson (1990 - ‘96; ‘98; ‘00; ‘01) John Stockton (1989 - ‘97; ‘00)

9.

George Gervin (1977 - ‘85) Robert Parish (1981 - ‘87; ‘90; ‘91) Gary Payton (1994 - ‘98; ‘00 - ‘03) Lenny Wilkens (1963 - ‘65; ‘67 ‘71; ‘73) Dominique Wilkins (1986 - ‘94)

8.

Rick Barry (1966; ‘67; ‘73 - ‘78) Vince Carter (2000 - 2007) Dave DeBusschere (1966 - ‘68; ‘70 - ‘74) Alex English (1982 - 1989) Larry Foust (1951 - 1956; 1958; 1959) LeBron James (2005 - 2012) Bob Lanier (1972 - 1975; 1977 1979; 1982) Dikembe Mutombo (1992; 1995 1998; 2000 - 2002) Steve Nash (2002; 2003; 2005 2008; 2010; 2012) Bill Sharman (1953 - 1960) Dwyane Wade (2005 - 2012) Yao Ming (2003 - ‘09; ‘11)

7.

Dave Bing (1968; ‘69; ‘71; ‘73 - ‘76) Chris Bosh (2006 - ‘12) Dave Cowens (1972 - ‘78) Walt Frazier (1970 - ‘76) Harry Gallatin (1951 - ‘57) Grant Hill (1995 - ‘98; ‘00; ‘01; ‘05) Jerry Lucas (1964 - 1969; 1971) Ed Macauley (1951 - ‘57) Slater Martin (1953 - ‘59) Tracy McGrady (2001 -’ 07) Dick McGuire (1951; ‘52; ‘54 - ‘56; ‘58; ‘59) Kevin McHale (1984; 1986 - 1991) Alonzo Mourning (1994 - 1997; 2000 - 2002) Scottie Pippen (1990; 1992 - 1997) Willis Reed (1965 - 1971)

Jack Skima (1979 - 1985) Nate Thurmond (1965 - 1968; 1970; 1973; 1974) Chet Walker (1964; ‘66; ‘67; ‘70; ‘71; ‘73; ‘74) Jo Jo White (1971 - ‘77) James Worthy (1986 - ‘92)

6.

Nate Archibald (1973; 1975; 1976; 1980 - 1982) Larry Costello (1958 - 1962; 1965) Adrian Dantley (1980 - 1982; 1984 - 1986) Walter Davis (1978 - 1981; 1984; 1987) Joe Dumars (1990 - 1993; 1995; 1997) Artis Gilmore (1978; 1979; 1981 1983; 1986) Rickie Guerin (1958 - 1963) Tom Heinsohn (1957; 1961 - 1965) Dwight Howard 2007 - 2012) Bailey Howell (1961- 1964; 1966; 1967) Lou Hudson (1969 - 1974) Joe Johnson (2007 - 2012) Neil Johnston (1953 - 1958) Shawn Kemp (1993 - 1998) Vern Mikkelsen (1951 - 1953; 1955 - 1957) Jermaine O’Neal (2002 - 2007) Mitch Richmond (1993 - 1998) Amar’e Stoudemire (2005; 2007 - 2011) Jack Twyman (1957 - 1960; 1962; 1963) George Yardley (1955 - 1960)

5.

Carmelo Anthony (2007; 2008; 2010 - 2012) Chauncey Billups (2006 - 2010) Carl Braun (1953 - 1957) Brad Daugherty (1988; 1989; 1991 - 1993) Wayne Embry (1961 - 1965) Tom Gola (1960 - 1964) Gail Goodrich (1969; 1972 - 1975) Cliff Hagan (1958 - 1962) Tim Hardaway (1991 - 1993; 1997; 1998) Dennis Johnson (1979 - 1982; 1985) Gus Johnson (1965; 1968 - 1971) Marques Johnson (1979; 1980; 1981; 1983; 1986) Sam Jones (1962; 1964; 1965; 1966; 1968) Rudy LaRusso (1962; 1963; 1966; 1968; 1969) Pete Maravich (1973; 1974; 1977; 1978; 1979) Bob McAdoo (1974; 1975; 1976; 1977; 1978) Reggie Miller (1990; 1995; 1996; 1998; 2000) Sidney Moncrief (1982; 1983; 1984; 1985; 1986) Chris Mullin (1989; 1990; 1991; 1992; 1993) Don Ohl (1963; 1964; 1965; 1966; 1967) Chris Paul (2008; 2009; 2010; 2011; 2012) Andy Phillip (1951 - ‘55) Gene Shue (1958 - ‘62) Rudy Tomjanovich (1974 - ‘77; ‘79) Wes Unseld (1969; ‘71 - ‘73; ‘75) Bobby Wanzer (1952 - ‘56) Chris Webber (1997; ‘00 - ‘03) Paul Westphal (1977 - ‘81)

4.

Vin Baker (1995; 1996; 1997; 1998) Walt Bellamy (1962; 1963; 1964; 1965) Otis Birdsong (1979; 1980; 1981; 1984) Rolando Blackman (1985; 1986; 1987; 1990) Tom Chambers (1987; 1989; 1990; 1991) Maurice Cheeks (1983; 1986; 1978; 1988) Doug Collins 1976; 1977; 1978; 1979) Billy Cunningham (1969; 1970; 1971; 1972) Bobby Dandridge (1973; 1975; 1976; 1979)

All-Time Playing List

Bob Davies (1951; 1952; 1953; 1954) Dick Gamaker (1957; 1958; 1959; 1960) Pau Gasol (2006; 2009; 2010; 2011) Johnny Green (1962; 1963; 1965; 1971) Penny Hardaway (1995; 1996; 1997; 1998) Connie Hawkins (1970; 1971; 1972; 1973) Spencer Haywood (1972; 1973; 1974; 1975) Mel Hucthins (1953; 1954; 1956; 1957) Bobby Jones (1977; 1978; 1981; 1982) Bernard King (1982; 1984; 1985; 1991) Bill Lalmbeer (1983; 1984; 1985; 1987) Maurice Lucas (1977; 1978; 1979; 1983) Shawn Marion (2003; 2005; 2006; 2007) George Mikan (1951; 1952; 1953; 1954) Earl Monroe (1969; 1971; 1975; 1977) Willie Naulls (1958; 1960; 1961; 1962) Tony Parker (2006; 2007; 2010; 2012) Jim Pollard (1951; 1952; 1954; 1955) Mark Price (1989; 1992; 1993; 1994) Michael Ray Richardson (1980; 1981; 1982; 1985) Arnie Risen (1952; 1953; 1954; 1955) Alvin Robertson (1986; 1987; 1988; 1991) Guy Rodgers (1963; 1964; 1966; 1967) Ralph Sampson (1984; 1985; 1986; 1987) Latrell Sprewell (1994; 1995; 1997; 2001) David Thompson (1977; 1978; 1979; 1983) Ben Wallace (2003; 2004; 2005; 2006) Rasheed Wallace (2000; 2001; 2006; 2008) Sidney Wicks (1972; 1973; 1974; 1975)

3.

Mark Aquirre (1984; 1978; 1988) Gilbert Arenas (2005; 2006; 2007) Bill Bridges (1967; 1968; 1970) Phil Chenier (1974; 1975; 1977) Tery Dischinger (1963; 1964; 1965) Kevin Durant (2010; 2011; 2012) Steve Francis (2002; 2003; 2004) Richard Hamilton (2006; 2007; 2008) Kevin Johnson (1990; 1991; 1994) Eddie Jones (1997; 1998; 2000) Bob Kauffman (1971; 1972; 1973) Johnny Kerr (1956; 1959; 1963) Bob Love (1971; 1972; 1973) Clyde Lovellette (1956; 1960; 1961) Dan Majerle (1992; 1993; 1995) George McGinnis (1976; 1977; 1979) Jeff Mullins (1969; 1970; 1971) Larry Nance (1985; 1989; 1993) Glen Rice (1996; 1997; 1998) Rajon Rondo (2010; 2011; 2012) Derrick Rose (2010 - ‘12) Dan Roundfield (1980 - ‘82) Brandon Roy (2008 - ‘10) Detlef Schrempf (1993; ‘95; ‘97) Charlie Scott (1973 - ‘75) Paul Seymour (1953 - ‘55) Peja Stojakovic (2002 - ‘04) Maurice Stokes (1956 - ‘58) Dick Van Arsdale (1969 - ‘71) Tom Van Arsdale (1970 - ‘72) Norm Van Lier (1974; ‘76; ‘77) Antoine Walker (1998; ‘02; ‘03) Jamaal Wilkes (1976; ‘81; ‘83) Buck Williams (1982; ‘83; ‘86) Deron Williams (2010 - ‘12)

2.

Leo Barnhorst (1952; 1953) Zelmo Beaty (1966; 1968) Carlos Boozer (2007; 2008) Elton Brand (2002; 2006) Terrell Brandon (1996; 1997) Frank Brian (1951; 1952) Caron Butler (2007; 2008) Joe Caldwell (1969; 1970) Archie Clark (1968; 1972)

Terry Cummings (1985; 1989) Baron Davis (2002; 2004) John Drew (1976; 1980) Kevin Duckworth (1989; 1991) Walter Dukes (1960; 1961) Dike Eddleman (1951; 1952) Sean Elliott (1993; 1996) Michael Finley (2000; 2001) Joe Fulks (1951; 1952) Jack George (1956; 1957) Manu Ginobili (2005; 2011) Blake Griffin (2011; 2012) Al Horford (2010; 2011) Allan Houston (2000; 2001) Rod Hundley (1960; 1961) Zydrunas Ilgauskas (2003; 2005) Antawn Jamison (2005; 2008) Eddie Johnson (1980; 1981) John Johnson (1971; 1972) Larry Johnson (1993; 1995) Larry Kenon (1978; 1979) Don Kojis (168; 1969) Fat Lever (1988; 1990) Rashard Lewis (2005; 2009) Kevin Love (2011; 2012) Jeff Malone (1986; 1987) Danny Manning (1993; 1994) Stephon Marbury (2001; 2003) Jack Marin (1972; 1973) Brad Miller (2003; 2004) Norm Nixon (1982; 1985) John Paxon (1983; 1984) Geoff Petrie (1971; 1974) Terry Porter (1991; 1993) Glenn Robinson (2000; 2001) Truck Robinson (1978; 1981) Red Rocha (1951; 1952) Dennis Rodman (1990; 1992) Fred Scolan (1952; 1953) Ken Sears (1958; 1959) Frank Selvy (1955; 1962) Paul Silas (172; 1975) Jerry Sloan (1967; 1969) Phil Smith (1976; 1977) Randy Smith (1976; 1978) Jerry Stackhouse (2000; 2001) Reggie Theus (1981; 1983) Andrew Toney (1983; 1984) Kelly Tripucka (1982; 1984) Kiki Vandeweghe (1983; 1984) Jimmy Walker (1970; 1972) Bill Walton (1977; 1978) David West (2008; 2009) Russell Westbrook (2011; 2012) Gus Williams (1982; 1983 Brian Winters (1976; 1978)

1.

Shareef Abdur-Rahim (2002) Alvin Adams (1976) Michael Adams (1992) Danny Ainge (1988) LaMarcus Aldridge (2012) Kenny Anderson (1994) B.J Armstrong (1994) Don Barksdale (1953) Dick Barnett (1968) Dana Barros (1995) Butch Beard (1972) Ralph Beard (1951) Mookie Blaylock (1994) John Block (1973) Bob Boozer (1968) Vince Boryla (1951) Bill Bradley (1973) Fred brown (1976) Don Buse (1977) Andrew Bynum (2012) Austin Carr (1974) Joe Barry Carroll (1987) Bill Cartwright (1980) Sam Cassell (2004) Cedric Ceballos (1995) Len Chappell (1964) Nathaniel Clifton (1957) Derrick Coleman (1994) Jack Coleman (1955) Antonio Davis (2001) Dale Davis (2000) Luol Deng (2012) Vlade Divac (2001) James Donaldson (1988) Mark Eaton (1989) Dale Ellis (1989) Ray Felix (1954) Sleepy Floyd (1987)

World B. Free (1980) Billy Gabor (1953) Marc Gasol (2012) Chris Gatling (1997) Danny Granger (2009) Horace Grant (1994) A.C Green (1990) Rickey Green (1984) Alex Groza (1951) Tom Gugliotta (1997) Devin Harris (2009) Bob Harrison (1956) Hersey Hawkins (1991) Walt Hazzard (1968) Roy Hibbert (2012) Tyrone Hill (1995) Lionel Hollins (1978) Jeff Hornacek (1992) Josh Howard (2007) Juwan Howard (1996) Andre Iguodala (2012) Darrall Imhoff (1967) Dan Issel (1977) Lucious Jackson (1965) Mark Jackson (1989) Steve Johnson (1988) Chris Kaman (2010) Jim King (1978) Andrei Kirilenko (2004) Billy Knight (1977) Sam Lacey (1975) Christian Laettner (1997) Clyde Lee (1968) David Lee (2010) Reggie Lewis (1992) Jamaal Maglore (2004) Kenyon Martin (2004) Jamal Mashburn (2003) Anthony Mason (2001) Xavier McDaniel (1988) Antonio McDyess (2001) Jon McGlocklin (1969) Tom Meschery (1963) Eddie Miles (1966) Mike Mitchell (1981) Steve Mix (1975) Calvin Murphy (1979) Calvin Natt (1985) Jameer Nelson (2009) Chuck Noble (1960) Charles Oakley (1994) Mehmet Okur (2007) Ricky Pierce (1991) Jim Price (1975) Zach Randolph (2010) Theo Ratliff (2001) Michael Redd (2004) Richie Regan (1957) Doc Rivers (1988) Clifford Robinson (1994) Flynn Robinson (1970) Curtis Rowe (1976) Jeff Ruland (1984) Bob Rule (1970) Campy Russell (1979) Cazzie Russell (1972) Woody Sauldsberry (1959) Fred Schaus (1951) Lee Shaffer (1963) Lonnie Shelton (1982) Adrian Smith (1966) Steve Smith (1998) Rik Smits (1998) John Starks (1994) Don Sunderiage (1954) Wally Szczerbiak (2002) Otis Thorpe (1992) Nick Van Exel (1998) Gerald Wallace (2010) Paul Waither (1952) Kermit Washington (1980) Scott Wedman (1976) Jayson Williams (1998) Mo Williams (2009) Kevin Willis (1992) Metta World Peace (2004) Max Zaslofsky (1952)

CHUCK VS. SHAQ RISING STARS

Amway Center, Orlando, Florida.

East

West

78

78

61st edition

All-Star Friday

HH

/NBA @NBA

Team Chuck vs. Team Shaq Game MVP.

Kyrie Irving. PG. Cavs.

The young floor general often plays like he’s the only one on the timber.

YOUNG GUNS boxscore

Amway Center, Orlando, Florida.

Chuck

Shaq

146

133

61st edition

All-Star Friday (February 24).

Attendence: 17,125

HH

/NBA @NBA Half

Final

Coaches.

SHAQ

65

133

CHUCK

77

146

Ron Adams / Steve Kerr (Team Chuck) Maurice Cheeks / Mike Fratello (Team Shaq)

-- -- -- TEAM CHUCK -- -- --

TM

MIN

FGM-A

3PM-A

FTM-A

OFF/DEF

TOT

ASTS

P.FOULS

STLS

BLKS

T.O

PTS

Paul George

IND

25:12

10-17

1-2

2-2

0/2

2

2

1

2

0

3

23

Derrick Williams

MIN

18:33

1-4

0-1

0-0

1/2

3

1

1

1

0

1

2

DeMarcus Cousins

POS

PLAYER

SF PF C

SAC

25:12

8-14

0-2

2-4

3/8

11

3

1

0

0

2

18

SG Evan Turner

PHI

28:52

8-9

0-0

0-0

3/8

11

7

1

2

0

4

16

PG Kyrie Irving

CLE

27:03

12-13

8-8

2-2

1/2

3

9

0

2

0

3

34

PG John Wall

WAS

27:16

8-13

0-0

1-2

1/5

6

8

1

0

2

5

17

SF

Gordon Hayward

UTA

18:16

5-8

0-2

4-4

1/2

3

2

0

1

2

0

14

PF

Derrick Favors

UTA

14:18

5-5

0-0

4-4

1/1

2

1

0

3

0

0

14

NJN

14:18

3-10

2-5

0-0

1/1

2

3

1

0

0

0

8

43

33

6

11

4

18

146

SG MarShon Brooks

200

Totals

60-93 11-20 15-18 12 / 31

-- -- -- TEAM SHAQ -- -- --

TM

MIN

FGM-A

3PM-A

FTM-A

OFF/DEF

TOT

ASTS

P.FOULS

STLS

BLKS

T.O

PTS

PG Ricky Rubio

MIN

21:24

5-9

2-6

0-0

1/2

3

7

0

1

0

3

12

PF

Blake Griffin

LAC

10:33

5-6

0-0

0-0

0/1

1

0

2

0

0

0

10

C

Greg Monroe

POS

PLAYER

DET

27:00

8-12

1-2

2-3

6/4

10

4

3

5

1

0

19

PG Brandon Knight

DET

21:44

5-14

2-9

2-2

0/2

2

7

0

1

0

3

14

PG Jeremy Lin

NYK

8:55

1-4

0-2

0-0

0/1

1

1

0

0

0

1

2

CLE

26:55

10-11

0-0

0-0

0/1

1

1

4

0

0

1

20

CHA

24:46

4-11

1-5

1-2

1/4

5

10

1

2

0

3

10

PG Norris Cole

MIA

24:35

7-15

4-11

0-0

0/0

0

6

0

4

0

1

18

SG Landry Fields

NYK

18:36

8-12

0-3

0-0

2/2

4

3

0

1

0

1

16

PF

PHO

15:32

5-7

2-3

0-0

0/2

2

0

1

0

0

3

12

5-7

10 / 19

29

39

11

14

1

16

133

PF

Tristan Thompson

PG Kemba Walker

Markieff Morris

Totals

200

58-101 12-41

TRIPLE CHIP LOVE MACHINE

Three for the money...

H

Takeaway: Rarely do we see an all forward final in the game’s ultimate shootout but in 2012, that’s just what we got. Best of all, the title of top marksman was decided by a couple of All-Star’s, not specialists or system back-ups

by All-Star’s, which is significant and speaks volumes about the evolving state of pro hoops.

Hometown fave, Ryan Anderson was joined by rebounding monster Kevin Love, Miami Heat starter Mario Chalmers, New Jersey gunner Anthony Morrow (who wore a classic Nets uniform honoring the late Drazen Petrovic), reigning champ James Jones and contest’s late replacement, Thunder forward Kevin Durant.

After a solid first round, in which no shooter hurt their stock, Durant, Jones and Love qualified for the final. They then each fired away 25 more shots before Durant and Love were forced to decide the eventual winner via a tie-breaker.

Durant had his chance to win (for what would’ve been his second All-Star trophy but first at that stage) only to miss the final money-ball, handing the crown to K-Love -- a strange elevation given he isn’t even considered the Wolve’s finest trigger man, let alone the game’s best.

Durant also jacked-up his numerous attempts with a shiny new NIKE Plus wrist band. This latest offering from the Swoosh measures a series of workout stats and allows the user to post those calculated numbers online. Shame K.D didn’t collect the hardware otherwise we’d all be enjoying a host of new NIKE Plus ads with slow-motion Threepoint contest imagery. Maybe next year, Kid Clutch.

Post contest, K-Love offered the microphones this gems: “When I came out of the draft, I was told that I shouldn’t shoot 3s. It was motivation for me. I always knew I could shoot it and I didn’t think I had to stop, just because of my size or the position I play but this shows how much work I put in with Assistant Coach Terry Porter who finished runner-up twice in this contest. This is for him. I [still] want to be known as a power player. That’s the best way I can help my team, by being a presence inside. That’s how we’re going to be able to move in the right direction but every now and then, I’ll step out and shoot a three. I’m not out of my comfort zone there.”

That’s the power of love (Trademark, Huey Lewis).

SLAM DUNK COMPETITION

Evans Almighty

H HHH

Saturday Night’s headliner, the Slam Dunk Competition -- seemingly sponsored for life by Sprite -- has long stood as the standard setter for aerial exploits.

In recent years, as the event tries to retain its relevancy (in an inventive internet age), the once game-changing crams have often been forced to include more and more gimmicks as the NBA attempts to troubleshoot the (tiresome) format -- thanks in large to both creative bankruptcy and a lack of true superstar participation, hence the exclusive fan vote to determine the 2012 winner.

Despite providing a platform for new talents to capture collective imaginations, the lack of All-Star level entrants appears to be underwriting the events power and reach, especially with casual onlookers.

The 2012 edition, which saw reigning champ Blake Griffin pass on his chance to defend the crown, gave the Houston Rockets’ Chase Budinger, Minnesota’s Derrick Williams, Indiana’s Paul George and replacement dunker, Utah’s Jeremy Evans (who took over late for the injuried Iman Shumpert) the chance to battle it out in Central Florida -- exactly 20 years after Cedric Ceballos put gimmick dunks on the map.

The four dunkers and how we saw their respective makes (and misses)...

Chase Budinger | SF

Jeremy Evans | SF

Paul George | SF

Derrick Williams | PF

1. The Diddy Dunk.

Softly mimicking the film White Men Can’t Jump, Budinger cleared Sean Combs. Despite its (lame) theme, the delivery wasn’t as dramatic as it could’ve been. What’s Rosie Perez up to these days?

2. Windmill.

Standard issue. Nothing new to see here folks, time to move along.

3. Reverse Blindfold.

Tribute to former champ Cedric Ceballos, who first rocked the blindfold back in the ‘92 contest, also in Orlando. The twist helped but it didn’t have any shock.

1. Eye-Cam Jam. Pretty cool concept but ultimately the lamest dunk from the contest (because of the finish).

The dunk itself was as easy as it gets. Evans should’ve not put it down, re-ooped to himself and completed a more difficult the dunk. Waste of the cam.

2. Double Ball Dunk.

Timeless. Enough said.

3. Mailman Tribute.

Comedian Kevin Hart delivered the Karl Malone throwback and Evans took care of the rest. It was just a shame that Evans didn’t open with this dunk.

1. The Hibbert Hop. Leaping over his 7-2 teamate (with minimal assistance), P-George got off to a solid start.

Time to start taking notice, kids.

2. Tron.

Glowing-in-the-dark and finishing with an against the grain windmill should’ve secured the crown, guess no-one saw what really happened.

Shame, it was lights out for P.G and not the competition.

3. Larry Bird Sticker.

Technically tough, this throwdown was icing on the George cake.

1. Motorcycle Leaping over a stationary bike, which was parked by the Wolves’ mascot, Williams windmilled the ball with an emphatically finish. It was a solid start and the right kind of safety dunk (that combined a little gimmick with a heap of athleticism).

2. Side Show.

Rubio lays it up, Williams does the rest (with a little 360 for good measure).

3. Ten Attempts...

After doing his best Chris Andersen, DWill2 had to settle. Shame.

1.

45 Final Score:

2.

40

130

3.

45

1.

35 Final Score:

2.

50

133

3.

48

1.

2.

48

50

Final Score:

147

3.

49

1.

2.

48

50

Final Score:

123

3.

25

Champion

Team

Host City

Larry Nance

Suns

Denver

1985

Dominique Wilkins

Hawks

Indianapolis

1986

Spud Webb

Hawks

Dallas

1987

Michael Jordan

Bulls

Seattle

1988

Michael Jordan

Bulls

Chicago

1989

Kenny Walker

Knicks

Houston

1990

Dominique Wilkins

Hawks

Miami

1991

Dee Brown

Celtics

Charlotte

1992

Cebric Ceballos

Suns

Orlando

1993

Harold Miner

Heat

Salt Lake City

1994

Isiah Rider

Timberwolves

Minnesota

1995

Harold Miner

Heat

Phoenix

1996

Brent Barry

Clippers

San Antonio

1997

Kobe Bryant

Lakers

Cleveland

1998

Two-Ball Competition

1999

Lockout

2000

Vince Carter

Raptors

Oakland

2001

Desmond Mason

SuperSonics

Washington

2002

Jason Richardson

Warriors

Philadelphia

2003

Jason Richardson

Warriors

Atlanta

2004

Fred Jones

Pacers

Los Angeles

2005

Josh Smith

Hawks

Denver

2006

Nate Robinson

Knicks

Houston

2007

Gerald Green

Celtics

Las Vegas

2008

Dwight Howard

Magic

New Orleans

2009

Nate Robinson

Knicks

Phoenix

2010

Nate Robinson

Knicks

Dallas

2011

Blake Griffin

Clippers

Los Angeles

2012

Jeremy Evans

Jazz

Orlando

<< ..

Takeaway: In the end, Jazz forward Jeremy Evans won the 2012 Sprite Slam Dunk title (somehow edging Chase Budinger by just one percent of the four million votes tallied, which is just nuts because it means Paul George finished third, or gulp, fourth). Evans won primarily because of just one dunk (shown above)... And as amazing as it was, Paul George was our pick as the contentâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s more deserving winner because he put down three of the events top five slams. Plus, that Tron-inspired glow-in-the-dark number (as well as his touchand-go Larry Legend sticker dunk), was the right combination of skill and creativity but lets not waste any more time adding more noise to the topic -- the people have spoken and Evans has been locked away as their choice... and the 2012 champion. Congrats.

Year 1984

friday’S media session

Orange Ballroom D, Hilton Orlando.

East

12:30pm

West

1:15pm

61st edition

What’s the toughest question to answer?

HH

Takeaway: Placed on elevated tables for the first time since we’ve been attending the annual mid-season showcase (which many All-Stars strangely struggled to navigate), the 2012 edition of Friday’s always fun, never long enough Media Session will largely be remembered for Kobe Bryant’s no-show -- which pissed off many of the international and domestic (especially West Coast) media outlets who arrived in Orlando in search of a quote from the game’s biggest star.

Not helping matters, Kobe then decided to show up at a planned NIKE event. Many burning questions were quickly left unanswered. After the Oklahoma City Thunder battled the Los Angeles Lakers on TNT, the night prior, one understands that Kobe needed to rest but given teammate Andrew Bynum, as well as Russell Westbrook and Kevin Durant all arrived on time, it appears as though the Black Mamba rediscovered his inner diva.

Speaking of Westbrook, he arrived at his interview station with luggage in tow. Taken straight from the airport and dumped in the middle of the lion’s den (deep inside the massive Hilton), intrusive microphones and repetitive questions snacked on the game’s elite for almost an hour.

Yep, you’ve just gotta love 24 of the best athletes being stuck in one ballroom with vultures for 90 minutes. Nothing else comes close to Media Day at the NBA All-Star Weekend.

SATURday’s MORNING MEAL

Jam Session, O.C Convention Center.

All-Stars

2

Media

1

61st edition

We talkin’ about practice?

HH

Takeaway: Despite being labelled ‘practice’, the casual Saturday morning walk-thru is (on the surface) more about allowing NBA fans a chance to see their favorite players up close and personal. What makes this rare insight all the more compelling is the fact that little cliques show (in public) and their development is always a watchable subplot. A new staple of post All-Star Practice is the World Record attempt. Often comical, somewhat entertaining and a nice reward for the finest players on the planet (when they actually manage to break a record), the attempts range from the most three-pointers made in a minute by a pair (Ray Allen and Paul Pierce claimed the record in 2011 before Dirk Nowitzki and Kevin Durant topped their total just two minutes later) or the most half-court makes in a minute by five players. Other than the official World Record attempts, Saturday morning is mostly a 30 minute stroll (which includes dunks, ball handling clinics, sharp shooting and jovial behaviour) as the best in the business remind fans why they’ve been voted in (or selected as a reserve). As far as the media access is concerned, the decision makers in Orlando elected to try another tact from previous editions, this time parading the respective All-Stars around like show horses, complete with metal barrier dividing the microphones from the men. They even included people escorting each player while holding their name card on a pole. It was odd, possibly insulting but mostly uncessary given that the bulk of the media usually don’t act like rock concert regulars. Once Kobe surfaced, he was predictably mobbed, especially after being a ghost during the Friday session.

AMERICAN SWEETHEART

Amway Center, Orlando, Florida.

Knicks

1

29 Others

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61st edition

Super Lintendo

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Because of the overwhelming media demand, Jeremy Lin was made available via his very own press conference. Not even the modern Gods of the game, LeBron James and Kobe Bryant, were afforded such a luxury. Both of those guys had to mesh with the mortals but not Lin, he was the NBAâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s most protected product during the Orlando Weekend.

REGGIE HITS THE HALL

Game = Fame

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Takeaway: Despite Ray Allen breaking his long standing, long distance record, former UCLA standout and Indiana Pacers’ great, Reggie Miller is now on the shortlist to enter the coveted hoops Hall of Fame. Joining Miller on the 2012 honor roll, as Naismith Memorial Basketball Hall of Fame finalists, are five-time NCAA Final Four coach Rick Pitino; former NBA Head Coach Bill Fitch; two-time Olympic gold medalist Katrina McClain; Don Nelson; Maurice Cheeks; Bernard King; Dick Motta; Hank Nichols; Ralph Sampson; Jamaal Wilkes and the All-American Red Heads (the first pro women’s team, aka the Lady Globetrotters). The class of 2012 will formerly be announced on April 2 in New Orleans (at the NCAA Final Four). In tow, five initial 2012 inductees will receive direct election. They are: Mel Daniels; Don Barksdale; Lidia Alexeeva; Chet Walker and NIKE co-founder, Phil Knight. Lastly, the Curt Gowdy Media Award (for print) went to The Jordan Rules author and long time Chicago sports scribe, Sam Smith. Meanwhile, it was also announced that the John W. Bunn Lifetime Achievement Award would be received by the Orlando Magic’s founder, NBA Executive Pat Williams. Congrats to all the people who have received due recognition.

KOBE TAKES THE LEAD

Heartbreaker

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Takeaway: In one (broken-nosed) 27 point performance, Kobe leap-frogged hoop icons Michael Jordan, Kareem AbdulJabbar and Oscar Robertson, jumping from fourth to first, to now sit atop the All-Star Game points total honor roll.

His nine of 17 shooting, including seven from eight at the charity stripe, helped the Black Mamba eclipse the post and perimeter standards en route to claiming victory for the ‘West’ squad. As Chris Webber noted during the TNT post-game show, “Shaq mentioned that the

record was on Kobe’s mind and when you see the names on that list, you have to say congratulations. Anytime you’re able to witness history [in the making], it’s just a cool thing to see.”

Top Scorers (All-Star Games).

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2.

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Kobe Bryant (271) Michael Jordan (262) Kareem Abdul-Jabbar (251) Oscar Robertson (246) Bob Pettit (224)

all-star UNIFORMS

Amway Center, Orlando, Florida.

East

Home

West

Away

61st edition

Magic threads

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d-leagueâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;S HIGH & MIGHTY

Jam Session Center Court, Orlando.

Gerald Green

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Gravity

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Nothing to develop here.

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adidas all-star KICKS 2012

Fancy footwork

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DERRICK ROSE

DWIGHT HOWARD

leBRON JAMES

Signature Series

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NIKE

LeBron 9

Kobe Bryant

Signature Series

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NIKE ZOOM

KOBE VII

KEVIN DURANT

Signature Series

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NIKE ZOOM

KdIV

JORDAN BRAND all-star KICKS 2012

Signature Series

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TRIPLE THREAT

CHRIS PAUL

CARMELO ANTHONY

DWYANE WADE

BEST OF BOTH WORLDS

Nothin’ But... Nike

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NIKE FOAMPOSITE 1

Galaxy Quest

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More than 100 law enforcement officers -- including many on horseback, motorcycles and in patrol cars -- were called to the Florida Mall in Orlando prior to the midnight release of NIKE Sportswear’s latest offering, the Air Foamposite One (nicknamed the Galaxy).

Eyewitness accounts of the night claim that hundreds of eager consumers waited in the Mall’s vast carpark before one individual eventually made a bolt for

the shopping complex (which inspired hundreds to follow suit). The stampede created havoc and the chaos quickly turned violent. Police in riot gear were called to the scene to calm, manage and protect the desperate collectors. Around 10:30pm, the uncontrollable crowd eventually forced Foot Locker to shutdown their planned midnight release.

Everyone who endured the madness was forced to leave empty handed.

NIKE then removed their Galaxy’s from a few of their other Orlando outlets (out of fear of repeat escalation). While news of the Florida Mall incident serves as another reminder that high demand can turn people into ugly beings (whenever supply is limited; see The Road, or any post-apocalyptic feature film for more examples), neither NIKE, nor the venue can be blamed for the need to have police intervention. Sometimes the

‘Gotta Have ‘em’ mentality is taken to the extreme; other times we only have ourselves to blame for feeding the unpredictable demand / hype beast. If you managed to land a pair of the Galaxy Foamposite’s, congrats. If you missed out, don’t feel bad, at least you weren’t crushed in some carpark.

NEW WAY TO FLY AIR JORDAN ‘12

Family Matters

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With his Airness in town, Jordan Brand celebrated like only J.B knows how.

During All-Star 2012, the Jumpman hosted their Fabulous 23 Party (on Friday, February 24), to coincide with the launch of the Air Jordan 2012 sneaker -- the brand’s latest blue ribbon release.

Orlando’s Isleworth Country Club was selected to shelter the many special guests which included Jordan Brand athletes Carmelo Anthony (plus Lala), Chris Paul, Dwyane Wade (with Gabrielle Union), Joe Johnson, Josh Freeman, LaMarr Woodley, Jimmy Rollins and April Holmes. Fellow NIKE fam and All-Star’s Kobe Bryant, Steve Nash, Deron Williams, Paul Pierce, Tony Parker and Dirk Nowitzki all stopped by to enjoy the events free champagne and fine food. While our invite must’ve gotten lost in the mail, the night’s pics made it look like one All-Star get together that was just too good to miss (that is, if you happened to land on the guest list).

As for the shoe itself, which served as the party’s excuse, it has largely received mixed reactions from both collectors and sneaker websites but we’re fans of the performance based, highly stylised, original and innovative make-up. While it’s not everyone’s cup of tea, the high performance focus makes us smile (because the J.B line should always be about its on-court delivery first).

FINAL THOUGHT

61st

Amway Center, Orlando, Florida.

Love

Hate

94%

6%

edition

© Jerry Springer

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/NBA @NBA

To certain NBA fans, for whatever reason, the annual All-Star Weekend doesn’t resonate like it might’ve when they were still in Middle or High School. Fair enough, we each grow to appreciate items like the All-Star Weekend in different ways, if at all. What can’t be denied however is the cultural impact the weekend generates. While not every selection is ideal, or obvious, depending on your view, the majority of those asked to participate do offer a neat assembly of names and talents who (generally) rule

the regular season. All-Star selection matters because it affects free-agency worth. It speaks to the respective trainers at work. It helps pro coaches remain on the payroll. It doesn’t just drive up TV ratings, it also gives us all a platform to acknowledge lovable, popular, unique winners. It matters because at no other time can an NBA fan, player, front office employee, vendor, brand or casual on-looker enjoy (at least) 20 of the top talents on the same court, in the same game. Those who are quick to point a

finger at the Beijing Olympics as the sole catalyst for the recent union of stars in Miami need to pause and notice the cliques often established during the festivities at All-Star Weekend.

Regardless, All-Star Sunday is the game’s most accessible event and it’s the NBA’s most perfectly groomed for TV showcase. Its one night when the best in the business are able to play for love, give back, serve up a few timeless highlights and remind us all why these athletes are so often adored like modern

Greek Gods. You don’t have to love everything about the All-Star Game but it’s worth appreciatin. Plus, where else are you able to see a video game come to life? While Major League Baseball’s annual mid-season classic matters on another level altogether (that no other major sport would dare touch) and the National Football League’s Pro-Bowl is more vacation than validation, Pro Basketball’s All-Star showing is another kind of cool. With 20 of the very best together, only good things can happen.

All-Star Game selection matters to these guys.

And the 12 men (pictured) above.

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Hey Dwyane... Dwyane. Here’s a thought... Next year, I’ll take the game’s final shot.

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February 24 - 26 | Amway Center | Florida, USA | West: 150, East: 147 | MVP: Kevin Durant

Special thanks to everyone who assisted in bringing this digital magazine to life.

Extra special thanks to Mohan, this book doesnâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t happen without your images.

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