NBA All-Star Saturday Night Open Thread
by Evan Dunlap on Feb 14, 2009 7:25 PM EST
in 2008/2009 Previews
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| Featuring: | ||
| Haier Shooting Stars Playstation Skills Challenge Foot Locker Three-Point Shootout Sprite Slam Dunk |
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| February 14th, 2009 | ||
| U.S. Airways Center | ||
| 8:00 PM | ||
| TNT | ||
Make the jump to read the lineup cards for each event. The whole thing kicks off at 8, with no set end time for any event. With that in mind, you can check out the Magic's two representatives in the final two events of the evening: Rashard Lewis will compete in the Three-Point Shootout, while Dwight Howard will try to defend his Slam Dunk championship. If you'd like to help him do that, you can. Click here to learn more about how you can choose who wins this year's dunk contest.
Go Rashard and Dwight.
| Haier Shooting Stars | ||
|---|---|---|
| Teams: | ||
| Detroit: Arron Afflalo, Bill Laimbeer, Katie Smith | ||
| L.A.: Derek Fisher, Michael Cooper, Lisa Leslie | ||
| Phoenix: Leandro Barbosa, Dan Majerle, Tangela Smith | ||
| San Antonio: Tim Duncan, David Robinson, Becky Hammon | ||
I'm not really familiar with this competition--is anyone?--but I suppose I'll pick the hometown team to win. Leandro Barbosa can heat up in a hurry, plus I have a hard time picking against Thunder Dan Majerle in a shooting contest.
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| Contestants: | ||
| Devin Harris | ||
| Tony Parker | ||
| Derrick Rose | ||
| Mo Williams | ||
| Injured - Will Not Compete | ||
| Jameer Nelson | ||
Jameer Nelson probably would have annihilated the field in this competition if he were healthy. With him out, I'll go ahead and tentatively wager that his replacement, Mo Williams, has the best chance of winning. He scored 44 points the other night and 17 of his 18 made field goals were jumpers. His perimeter jumper could win the competition for him, although he's not the deftest of passers. We'll see. Tony Parker and Devin Harris could also win. I don't know if Derrick Rose will be "on," as he played an NBA game two nights ago and in the Rookie Challenge last night.
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| Contestants: | ||
| Mike Bibby | ||
| Daequan Cook | ||
| Danny Granger | ||
| Jason Kapono | ||
| Rashard Lewis | ||
| Roger Mason Jr. | ||
Jason Kapono will win this competition every year until he dies. Shooting 25 t hree-pointers in one minute is a tough task, and Kapono's stroke is such that he uses hardly any energy. Compare his form with that of, say, Rashard Lewis, who has to jump and wind way-the-heck-up before firing. Rashard's going to get cooked because of his time-consuming release. Basically, what I'm saying is this: if given the choice to bet on "Jason Kapono" or "the field," take Kapono.
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| Contestants: | ||
| Rudy Fernandez | ||
| Dwight Howard | ||
| Nate Robinson | ||
| J.R. Smith | ||
| Injured - Will Not Compete | ||
| Rudy Gay | ||
The competition in which they'll be the most interest, without a doubt. Dwight Howard should be the two-time defending champion, while Nate Robinson is also a winner, and J.R. Smith is no slouch; if you're not sure about that last point, watch his behind-the-back dunk from a few years ago. The wildcard here is Rudy Fernandez. I'm not sure he's got what it takes to win the whole thing, although he is a great in-game dunker. Then again, he could make up for his relative lack of athleticism by excelling in the creativity department. Word is he'll use some futbol soccer tricks.
Still, I have a hard time believing Dwight is going to lose this one. Everyone talks about the Superman dunk last year--which made him a household name and scored him a sweet licensing deal with D.C. Comics-- and critics have said it was too gimmicky, but it wasn't even his best dunk of the night. This left-hand-to-right-hand, tap-off-the-glass dunk (FreeDarko dubbed it the "ambitastic tappy oop," a name which has stuck with me) was, and may be one of the best in the history of the dunk contest. Even if he scales back the costumes this year (which he won't), he has enough creativity and hops to add another trophy to his case.
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Man. I suddenly have the urge to buy some household appliances, play Silent Hill, try on some hawt sneakers, and drink a refreshing Sprite. YEAH!
You read it! You can't unread it!
by TheGiantSquid on Feb 14, 2009 4:36 PM EST reply actions 1 recs
Heh, I didn't even have to post the Haier logo to get you to do that
Couldn’t find the stupid thing.
OJ Mayo won the G-E-I-C-O?
That’s what I’ve been hearing, but I can’t really find the result anywhere.
"Fun" and "Failure" both start out the same way.
Durant won
Durant won off a three-pointer from the corner. Last week, Rufus on Fire predicted the contest would come to that.
Should be fun for at least one year, until guys get bored and start resorting to corner jumpers.
Rashard talking three-point strategy
He’s going to not worry about the clock on the first two racks, just trying to get in rhythm. He’ll speed it up on the last 3 racks.
Reggie does not think Rashard will advance out of the first round
"Fun" and "Failure" both start out the same way.
You think he's better in game than in the competition?
I might’ve picked him to win when my co-worker and I were making our predictions for the weekend (it’s the homer in me).
"Fun" and "Failure" both start out the same way.
Michael Cooper has pink shoes like Lisa Leslie's
I have nothing against guys wearing pink, but it didn’t look right on him.
"Fun" and "Failure" both start out the same way.
Detroit team finishes in 59.3; L.A. team finishes considerably later.
Phoenix and San Antonio still need to take the floor.
I'm switching back and forth between the Blackhawks game and All-Star Saturday Night
Of course, I’ll watch the Slam-Dunk and three point competition when it comes on.
by Mike from Illinois on Feb 14, 2009 8:42 PM EST reply actions
After Phoenix started out 5-5
Epic fail at the half court area.
"Fun" and "Failure" both start out the same way.
He did great
By the way, Mike…did you actually read all of the comments from the Moneyball game thread? Just wondering, since that’s a lot of comments, haha.
"Fun" and "Failure" both start out the same way.
Just from the fourth quarter on
I felt so bad for all you Mavericks’ fans, Marie
It must have been very difficult for you at work yesterday, getting so little sleep; glad you took a 14 hour nap last night :-)
by Mike from Illinois on Feb 14, 2009 9:23 PM EST up reply actions
I was surprisingly functional
I was able to drive, type, walk, and converse with people! I guess it helped that it was a Friday.
"Fun" and "Failure" both start out the same way.
Did you wind up breaking anything?
A number of the commenters said they were going to break something because of the Mavs’ loss.
That’s good you were so functional!
by Mike from Illinois on Feb 14, 2009 9:33 PM EST up reply actions
I did not, haha
I can’t imagine myself breaking something :) I used to pull all-nighters when I was in school, so maybe that was second nature, my being functional.
"Fun" and "Failure" both start out the same way.
That's good
So are you really thinking of giving up the Mavericks for the 40 days of Lent?
by Mike from Illinois on Feb 14, 2009 9:40 PM EST up reply actions
Yo Mike!
Dwight Howard -150, got him locked!!
Sports Picks 365
"Shoot first, ask questions last" Jameer Nelson
by DieSlowKeyshawn on Feb 14, 2009 9:25 PM EST reply actions
Kinda mad...
my buddy who uses a different book maker got him for (-110) and he bet after I did !
Sports Picks 365
"Shoot first, ask questions last" Jameer Nelson
by DieSlowKeyshawn on Feb 14, 2009 9:26 PM EST up reply actions
It says Howard at -165 on your site
by Mike from Illinois on Feb 14, 2009 9:28 PM EST up reply actions
I locked him in at -150
When I posted the picks he was up to -165
The only guys I actually have money on are Dwight and Shard. Shard I only put 10 bucks because he’s my boy although I know Kapuno is going to take it.
Sports Picks 365
"Shoot first, ask questions last" Jameer Nelson
by DieSlowKeyshawn on Feb 14, 2009 9:31 PM EST up reply actions
UPDATED ODDS for 3PT contest & Dunk Contest
PLAYER TO WIN THE FOOT LOCKER THREE POINT SHOOTOUT
DAEQUAN COOK +650
DANNY GRANGER +300
JASON KAPONO -115
MIKE BIBBY +600
RASHARD LEWIS +375
ROGER MASON +350
PLAYER TO WIN 2009 SPRITE SLAM DUNK
DWIGHT HOWARD -185
JR SMITH +180
NATE ROBINSON +500
RUDY FERNANDEZ +600
Sports Picks 365
"Shoot first, ask questions last" Jameer Nelson
by DieSlowKeyshawn on Feb 14, 2009 9:30 PM EST up reply actions
Thanks for the updated odds DSK
You were lucky to get Dwight at -150
by Mike from Illinois on Feb 14, 2009 9:31 PM EST up reply actions
My boy was lucky to get him at -110 !!!
Sports Picks 365
"Shoot first, ask questions last" Jameer Nelson
by DieSlowKeyshawn on Feb 14, 2009 9:31 PM EST up reply actions
I looked at your picks
Hope he comes through for you.
by Mike from Illinois on Feb 14, 2009 9:27 PM EST up reply actions
Yeah, they won't count against my record though
Like my entertainment bets (oscars, grammys) just for fun… except for my personal cash on Dwight, the 10 on Rashard was just because I feel obligated.
Sports Picks 365
"Shoot first, ask questions last" Jameer Nelson
by DieSlowKeyshawn on Feb 14, 2009 9:33 PM EST up reply actions
see above**
You were dead on with your Kapuno projection, HEAVY FAVORITE
Sports Picks 365
"Shoot first, ask questions last" Jameer Nelson
by DieSlowKeyshawn on Feb 14, 2009 9:30 PM EST up reply actions
Rashard heated up after a slow start
by Mike from Illinois on Feb 14, 2009 9:35 PM EST reply actions
Shard's on the bubble
Sports Picks 365
"Shoot first, ask questions last" Jameer Nelson
by DieSlowKeyshawn on Feb 14, 2009 9:35 PM EST reply actions
17 Marie, at least he beat Bibby, he SHOULD advance...
Sports Picks 365
"Shoot first, ask questions last" Jameer Nelson
by DieSlowKeyshawn on Feb 14, 2009 9:37 PM EST up reply actions
My fault, he did get 18?
Sports Picks 365
"Shoot first, ask questions last" Jameer Nelson
by DieSlowKeyshawn on Feb 14, 2009 9:38 PM EST up reply actions
Oops, sorry for the double post
No idea how that happened.
"Fun" and "Failure" both start out the same way.
18 according to the graphic
Unless I took my eyes off too soon.
by Mike from Illinois on Feb 14, 2009 9:42 PM EST up reply actions
Cook 18, Lewis 17
according to the chart they just showed
by Mike from Illinois on Feb 14, 2009 9:43 PM EST reply actions
SHARD ADVANCES!
Sports Picks 365
"Shoot first, ask questions last" Jameer Nelson
by DieSlowKeyshawn on Feb 14, 2009 9:47 PM EST reply actions
Adonal Foyle in the house
So that’s Foyle, Lee, Jameer…and former Magic Dooling.
"Fun" and "Failure" both start out the same way.
What's Foyle during in Phoenix when he has less than 10 minutes of playing time this season?
Sports Picks 365
"Shoot first, ask questions last" Jameer Nelson
by DieSlowKeyshawn on Feb 14, 2009 9:49 PM EST up reply actions
I didn't know anybody in the NBA could attend if they wanted to.
Sports Picks 365
"Shoot first, ask questions last" Jameer Nelson
by DieSlowKeyshawn on Feb 14, 2009 9:50 PM EST up reply actions
Figured there's limited seats at the all star game
Sports Picks 365
"Shoot first, ask questions last" Jameer Nelson
by DieSlowKeyshawn on Feb 14, 2009 9:51 PM EST up reply actions
Maybe each player in the ASG can invite a certain number of guests?
I’m just guessing.
"Fun" and "Failure" both start out the same way.
Kapono will shoot first, followed by Lewis then Cook.
Sports Picks 365
"Shoot first, ask questions last" Jameer Nelson
by DieSlowKeyshawn on Feb 14, 2009 9:50 PM EST up reply actions
Shard's got a good chance!!
Sports Picks 365
"Shoot first, ask questions last" Jameer Nelson
by DieSlowKeyshawn on Feb 14, 2009 9:54 PM EST reply actions
SHARD!! 151!!!
Sports Picks 365
"Shoot first, ask questions last" Jameer Nelson
by DieSlowKeyshawn on Feb 14, 2009 9:56 PM EST reply actions
NO COOK NO COOK NO COOK
Sports Picks 365
"Shoot first, ask questions last" Jameer Nelson
by DieSlowKeyshawn on Feb 14, 2009 9:56 PM EST reply actions
Rashard in the clutch!
Makes his final 4 shots for 15 to beat Kapono
by Mike from Illinois on Feb 14, 2009 9:56 PM EST reply actions
EVERYBODY is eager to see what Dwight has planned.
I’m just messin’ with you all.
Karma
by Sabonis4Ever on Feb 14, 2009 10:01 PM EST up reply actions
overtime
Sports Picks 365
"Shoot first, ask questions last" Jameer Nelson
by DieSlowKeyshawn on Feb 14, 2009 9:58 PM EST reply actions
Doesn't look good for Rashard
…only 7 points
by Mike from Illinois on Feb 14, 2009 10:00 PM EST reply actions
Lewis really had difficulty shooting on the left side
He gave it a good try… Cook came through under pressure in that second round when he needed to hit his last 4 shots to tie Rashard and send it to the shootout.
by Mike from Illinois on Feb 14, 2009 10:03 PM EST up reply actions
Cook is the champ
at +650 odds… the longest odds of any of the competitors.
by Mike from Illinois on Feb 14, 2009 10:01 PM EST reply actions
Gerald Green, the guy that blew out the candle on the cupcake last year with his dunk last year...
is with Dallas this year, his fourth team in 4 seasons. Marie, is he doing any good with the Mavericks?
by Mike from Illinois on Feb 14, 2009 10:12 PM EST reply actions
He doesn't get any PT
He used to start and now has garbage minutes.
"Fun" and "Failure" both start out the same way.
He was a first round draft pick by the Celts in 2005
He’s never been able to justify his being picked in the first round.
by Mike from Illinois on Feb 14, 2009 10:17 PM EST up reply actions
From the Phoenix Suns' official Twitter
Got a little insight to a dunk Dwight Howard is planning. If he pulls it off, it could be more memorable than last year.
Cook robbed me outta $50 =(
Sports Picks 365
"Shoot first, ask questions last" Jameer Nelson
by DieSlowKeyshawn on Feb 14, 2009 10:16 PM EST reply actions
yup for 10 bucks haha never thought he'd make it as far as he did
Sports Picks 365
"Shoot first, ask questions last" Jameer Nelson
by DieSlowKeyshawn on Feb 14, 2009 10:18 PM EST up reply actions
On your odds chart it had Rashard at +375
by Mike from Illinois on Feb 14, 2009 10:19 PM EST up reply actions
Right, they were updated at that moment...
I picked Dwight and Rashard around 4:00pm
Sports Picks 365
"Shoot first, ask questions last" Jameer Nelson
by DieSlowKeyshawn on Feb 14, 2009 10:20 PM EST up reply actions
Who's assisting Dwight?
Sports Picks 365
"Shoot first, ask questions last" Jameer Nelson
by DieSlowKeyshawn on Feb 14, 2009 10:18 PM EST reply actions
I thought I saw Nelson in a jersey
Karma
by Sabonis4Ever on Feb 14, 2009 10:19 PM EST up reply actions
he better not be with that shoulder
Sports Picks 365
"Shoot first, ask questions last" Jameer Nelson
by DieSlowKeyshawn on Feb 14, 2009 10:20 PM EST up reply actions
That is some weak scores by the judges
Karma
by Sabonis4Ever on Feb 14, 2009 10:23 PM EST up reply actions
Looks like Jameer is in his warmups
He’s not the one helping Dwight?
"Fun" and "Failure" both start out the same way.
Over before it started.
Considering fans are voting for the winner in the final round there is no way the most popular voted all star in league history can lose.
Sports Picks 365
"Shoot first, ask questions last" Jameer Nelson
by DieSlowKeyshawn on Feb 14, 2009 10:28 PM EST up reply actions
Wow all 10s
Dwight got a little extra for being the defending champ on that one I think.
It was impressive, but not quite worthy of all 10s.
by Mike from Illinois on Feb 14, 2009 10:28 PM EST reply actions
Most popular play in the league
last year it was over before it started because everyone knew he got robbed in 2006. This year it’s over before it started because of what he pulled off last year.
Sports Picks 365
"Shoot first, ask questions last" Jameer Nelson
by DieSlowKeyshawn on Feb 14, 2009 10:29 PM EST up reply actions
Geez Fernandez has gotta be tired
how many tries is that for him?
by Mike from Illinois on Feb 14, 2009 10:33 PM EST reply actions
ONE HANDED???
How is that not good?
Karma
by Sabonis4Ever on Feb 14, 2009 10:34 PM EST up reply actions
Like the TNT guys were saying... he was probably being penalized for taking so long to make it
by Mike from Illinois on Feb 14, 2009 10:35 PM EST up reply actions
If he makes it on his 1st or 2nd try, that's a 50.
by Evan Dunlap on Feb 14, 2009 10:36 PM EST up reply actions
Dwight made his on the 5th try and got a 50
Karma
by Sabonis4Ever on Feb 14, 2009 10:36 PM EST up reply actions
Well, he's the defending champ
I don’t agree that it was a 50 or even close, but that’s what he got.
by Mike from Illinois on Feb 14, 2009 10:37 PM EST up reply actions
Terrible Dunk by Nate.
Top Josh Paul Pornos- Big Navi Stroking, 2pitchers1cup, BJ to the Balls, Riggans Your Thingans
I've never seen anything like that attempted
He deserves some points for creativity.
by Mike from Illinois on Feb 14, 2009 10:39 PM EST up reply actions
My friends and I have done it before at the gym and such.
Top Josh Paul Pornos- Big Navi Stroking, 2pitchers1cup, BJ to the Balls, Riggans Your Thingans
Lol @ Stern on phone
Top Josh Paul Pornos- Big Navi Stroking, 2pitchers1cup, BJ to the Balls, Riggans Your Thingans
Um, is Dwight going to dunk on one, then swing to the other rim and dunk again?
Just my guess!
"Fun" and "Failure" both start out the same way.
That was too easy for Dwight.
Top Josh Paul Pornos- Big Navi Stroking, 2pitchers1cup, BJ to the Balls, Riggans Your Thingans
I was underwhelmed by that
It looked too simple, but I guess that’s how Dwight rolls. He makes the impossible seem normal.
"Fun" and "Failure" both start out the same way.
Oh my
Top Josh Paul Pornos- Big Navi Stroking, 2pitchers1cup, BJ to the Balls, Riggans Your Thingans
Is he going to jump from the FT line?
Top Josh Paul Pornos- Big Navi Stroking, 2pitchers1cup, BJ to the Balls, Riggans Your Thingans
I still think Dwight will win
That first dunk of his was the best one of the contest by anyone
by Mike from Illinois on Feb 14, 2009 10:56 PM EST reply actions
It's a disappointment that Dwight was unable to successfully defend his title
He should have been a little more creative on his last dunk.
by Mike from Illinois on Feb 14, 2009 11:02 PM EST up reply actions
Hey DSK
Sorry about that… hope you didn’t put too much money down on Dwight.
by Mike from Illinois on Feb 14, 2009 11:06 PM EST reply actions
eh no biggie
Been having a good past couple weeks with NCAA, didn’t lose too much, don’t like to wager a lot on something that is up to fan voting you know? Just like to keep it interesting.
As far as my thoughts…
I think a lot of fans/voters voted for Nate due to the 50s that were handed out at will to Dwight for seemingly average dunks (1st round) so they probably wanted to vote for Nate. I was very surprised how close the voting was, kind of makes you question whether it was rigged or not with Dwight’s popularity and all. (I voted 200+ times) lol… Lebron’s announcement to compete was about time too, hopefully the stars start coming out and we can revitalize this competition!!
Sports Picks 365
"Shoot first, ask questions last" Jameer Nelson
by DieSlowKeyshawn on Feb 15, 2009 1:12 AM EST up reply actions
Everyone have a good night
Maybe Dwight can win the MVP in the All-Star Game Sunday night to make up for tonight’s disappointment.
by Mike from Illinois on Feb 14, 2009 11:08 PM EST reply actions
I don't know why they asked him and J.R. Smith to be there
It was always going to be Nate vs Dwight in the second round. I know it is just supposed to be fun, but…. Oh well, time to go drinking. Later Magic fans. See you guys tomorrow for the big boy game thread.
Karma
by Sabonis4Ever on Feb 14, 2009 11:11 PM EST up reply actions
Ben Q Rock or ERivera7
Do u guys recall Dwight saying in some newspaper or interview that he didnt want to defend his title this year because of last years success? I personally thought that Dwight might have thrown this contest on purpose because he didnt want to continue to defend each year. I kinda had the feeling that Dwight and Nate kinda planned this out (superman, Kryptonite) Have you guys heard any of this (as far as newspapers and reports are concerned)?
"In order for us to make a move, It has to make sense" - Otis Smith's favorite saying
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