Live Thread: 2016 NBA All Star Game (#GoodbyeMamba)
2016-02-14
No matter what actually happens in the 2016 NBA All Star Game… unless aliens invade, or the world actually ends (like the crazy lady in Ghostbusters 2 predicted), the narrative will spiral around the erstwhile “Black Mamba” one Kobe Bean Bryant. His Western Conference teammates will pass and defer to him… his Eastern Conference counterparts will part like the red sea for him to drive and fire at will… and the fans will predictably go nuts, shouting “KO-BE!” “KO-BE!” “KO-BE!” for one last midseason showcase. There will be Valentine hugs from friends and foes alike… tributes galore… and an endless stream of platitudes spewing from anyone with a microphone. Even Shaq might muster up some begrudging compliments for the dude who ran him out of tinseltown just a decade ago…
Oh, there will also be a game of sorts played. It will be hard to top the wildly rejuvenated Slam Dunk Contest from the night before, but there should be some notable highlights beyond the ultimate ring kissing ceremony for Kobe. Unfortunately for Cavs fans, there will only be a solitary representative to cheer for in a year when their team owns the best record in the Eastern Conference. But, the King should be smack dab in the middle of the All Star chapter of the “Goodbye Mamba Tour” (expect at least a trifecta of one-on-one duels in the fourth quarter). Ty Lue will also have a good (high) chair to watch the track meet with basketballs unfold, and he should have plenty of time to thumb out loyal texts and “wish you were here” vines to old pal David Blatt.
The All Star Game is a show like no other in sports, even if it can barely be called a game. Still, it’s always enjoyable for most… and even the most cynical fan can enjoy the fact that this will be the last time they’ll ever have to see the Mamba participate in one of them.
Prediction: The West edges the East 165-162 as everyone on both teams rebound and pass the ball back to Kobe repeatedly in the final two minutes until he finally hits the last three to win it. Kobe is also named the oldest All Star MVP at age 37 (once again getting the better of Shaq — the current oldest MVP at 36), despite taking 45 shots to notch his game high 30 points…
KO-BE! KO-BE! KO-BE!
I expect more out of the East All Stars. I can’t stand their comfort in losing most of the time. Melo looked bored and just went through the motions. There were at least 5 times the ball was passed to him and he wasn’t paying attention. He wouldn’t rebound either. He didn’t deserve to be there. Milsap didn’t do much. The team was in fantasy land they could actually hit 3’s. The east played selfish with only 34 assists to the West’s 51 assists. What was really glaring was Lowry’s refusal to pass the ball to Paul George for him… Read more »
Lol at east being selfish. They just can’t shoot. Has nothing to do with selfishness.
As for Blatt…it would have been weird for him to coach the all star game, then get fired. So I guess they did it at the right time.
34 assists to their 51 assists isn’t selfish? You must not have seen the same game as me. Smh . Blatt was toast no matter what he did.
Apparently Windhorst said “Lebron, Melo and Chris Paul may play on the same team next year”. He loves this stuff. I assume he means the Clippers, but in the unlikely event that happened, I don’t think they’d be winning anything. This isn’t 2009.
Delly obviously enjoying his All Star Break…
I wonder who is those pics? I see Bogut but I don’t recognize anyone else.
I forget who all is in it now, Patty Mills is there, and the guy from the Bulls, I think.
Dante Exum on the left I believe.
Ahh, yes, believe you are correct.
According to Amico, Celtics still going after Love, Horford and Gallo. I don’t think they are getting Love, I suppose they can get Horford or Gallo if they really want them. I don’t think either one gets them in the finals, though. I like Gallo a lot, too. Whether they get anyone or not, one of my great hopes for the 2nd half is a Celtics collapse. Simmons’ twitter feed will be quite enjoyable. And boy, wouldn’t Brad Stevens be a nice coach for the up and coming TWolves? Make it happen Glen Taylor.
I didn’t watch any of the 2nd half, but 196 points…..LOL….
Jimmy Butler… FOMO face or straight up envy?