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NBA All-Star Saturday Night Open Thread

NBA All-Star Saturday Night 2009 Logo
Featuring:
Haier Shooting Stars
Playstation Skills Challenge
Foot Locker Three-Point Shootout
Sprite Slam Dunk
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.

Star-divide

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.

Playstation Skills Challenge logo
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.

Foot Locker Three-Point Shootout logo
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.

Sprite Slam Dunk logo
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.

0 recs  |  Comment 214 comments |

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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

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.

by Marie on Feb 14, 2009 8:00 PM EST reply actions   0 recs

Durant won

Recap here.

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.

by Ben Q Rock on Feb 14, 2009 8:04 PM EST up reply actions   0 recs

Thanks!

I guess OJ Mayo was wishful thinking :) They just showed the recap on TNT…Mayo hit a shot from the stands.

"Fun" and "Failure" both start out the same way.

by Marie on Feb 14, 2009 8:06 PM EST up reply actions   0 recs

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.

by Ben Q Rock on Feb 14, 2009 8:10 PM EST reply actions   0 recs

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.

by Marie on Feb 14, 2009 8:15 PM EST up reply actions   0 recs

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.

by Marie on Feb 14, 2009 8:39 PM EST reply actions   0 recs

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   0 recs

Yay, Devin vs. Rose for the win!

"Fun" and "Failure" both start out the same way.

by Marie on Feb 14, 2009 9:10 PM EST reply actions   0 recs

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.

by Marie on Feb 14, 2009 9:19 PM EST up reply actions   0 recs

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   0 recs

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.

by Marie on Feb 14, 2009 9:29 PM EST up reply actions   0 recs

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   0 recs

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.

by Marie on Feb 14, 2009 9:38 PM EST up reply actions   0 recs

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   0 recs

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   0 recs

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   0 recs

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   0 recs

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   0 recs

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   0 recs

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   0 recs

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   0 recs

Not bad, Rashard!

18

"Fun" and "Failure" both start out the same way.

by Marie on Feb 14, 2009 9:35 PM EST reply actions   0 recs

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   0 recs

I thought 18...

I could be wrong.

"Fun" and "Failure" both start out the same way.

by Marie on Feb 14, 2009 9:41 PM EST up reply actions   0 recs

Oops, sorry for the double post

No idea how that happened.

"Fun" and "Failure" both start out the same way.

by Marie on Feb 14, 2009 9:41 PM EST up reply actions   0 recs

I thought he had 20

"Fun" and "Failure" both start out the same way.

by Marie on Feb 14, 2009 9:41 PM EST up reply actions   0 recs

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   0 recs

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   0 recs

SHARD ADVANCES!

Sports Picks 365
"Shoot first, ask questions last" Jameer Nelson

by DieSlowKeyshawn on Feb 14, 2009 9:47 PM EST reply actions   0 recs

Yay!

"Fun" and "Failure" both start out the same way.

by Marie on Feb 14, 2009 9:48 PM EST up reply actions   0 recs

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   0 recs

He barely beat Kapono

"Fun" and "Failure" both start out the same way.

by Marie on Feb 14, 2009 9:56 PM EST up reply actions   0 recs

14 for Kapono

"Fun" and "Failure" both start out the same way.

by Marie on Feb 14, 2009 9:54 PM EST reply actions   0 recs

SHARD!! 151!!!

Sports Picks 365
"Shoot first, ask questions last" Jameer Nelson

by DieSlowKeyshawn on Feb 14, 2009 9:56 PM EST reply actions   0 recs

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   0 recs

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   0 recs

overtime

Sports Picks 365
"Shoot first, ask questions last" Jameer Nelson

by DieSlowKeyshawn on Feb 14, 2009 9:58 PM EST reply actions   0 recs

Tiebreaker between Rashard and Cook

"Fun" and "Failure" both start out the same way.

by Marie on Feb 14, 2009 9:58 PM EST reply actions   0 recs

Rashard gets 4

Just 4

"Fun" and "Failure" both start out the same way.

by Marie on Feb 14, 2009 10:00 PM EST reply actions   0 recs

Oops, I meant 7

"Fun" and "Failure" both start out the same way.

by Marie on Feb 14, 2009 10:00 PM EST up reply actions   0 recs

O Rashard..

Did he get tired? He is much better than that.

Karma

by Sabonis4Ever on Feb 14, 2009 10:00 PM EST reply actions   0 recs

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   0 recs

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   0 recs

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   0 recs

He doesn't get any PT

He used to start and now has garbage minutes.

"Fun" and "Failure" both start out the same way.

by Marie on Feb 14, 2009 10:15 PM EST up reply actions   0 recs

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   0 recs

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.

link

by Ben Q Rock on Feb 14, 2009 10:13 PM EST reply actions   0 recs

46?

Wow thats a little high.

Karma

by Sabonis4Ever on Feb 14, 2009 10:25 PM EST up reply actions   0 recs

Definitely

"Fun" and "Failure" both start out the same way.

by Marie on Feb 14, 2009 10:26 PM EST up reply actions   0 recs

50?

Are you serious?

Karma

by Sabonis4Ever on Feb 14, 2009 10:26 PM EST reply actions   0 recs

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   0 recs

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   0 recs

Eh

One handed is too hard. Pau sucks

Karma

by Sabonis4Ever on Feb 14, 2009 10:32 PM EST reply actions   0 recs

Poor Rudy :(

He’s getting robbed on those dunks.

"Fun" and "Failure" both start out the same way.

by Marie on Feb 14, 2009 10:37 PM EST reply actions   0 recs

Terrible Dunk by Nate.

Top Josh Paul Pornos- Big Navi Stroking, 2pitchers1cup, BJ to the Balls, Riggans Your Thingans

by SRQman on Feb 14, 2009 10:38 PM EST reply actions   0 recs

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

by SRQman on Feb 14, 2009 10:40 PM EST up reply actions   0 recs

Lol @ Stern on phone

Top Josh Paul Pornos- Big Navi Stroking, 2pitchers1cup, BJ to the Balls, Riggans Your Thingans

by SRQman on Feb 14, 2009 10:40 PM EST reply actions   0 recs

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.

by Marie on Feb 14, 2009 10:40 PM EST reply actions   0 recs

That was too easy for Dwight.

Top Josh Paul Pornos- Big Navi Stroking, 2pitchers1cup, BJ to the Balls, Riggans Your Thingans

by SRQman on Feb 14, 2009 10:41 PM EST reply actions   0 recs

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.

by Marie on Feb 14, 2009 10:43 PM EST reply actions   0 recs

Oh my

Top Josh Paul Pornos- Big Navi Stroking, 2pitchers1cup, BJ to the Balls, Riggans Your Thingans

by SRQman on Feb 14, 2009 10:49 PM EST reply actions   0 recs

Wow, Dwight!

That was perfect…

"Fun" and "Failure" both start out the same way.

by Marie on Feb 14, 2009 10:50 PM EST reply actions   0 recs

Is he going to jump from the FT line?

Top Josh Paul Pornos- Big Navi Stroking, 2pitchers1cup, BJ to the Balls, Riggans Your Thingans

by SRQman on Feb 14, 2009 10:53 PM EST reply actions   0 recs

He was inside the line

"Fun" and "Failure" both start out the same way.

by Marie on Feb 14, 2009 10:55 PM EST up reply actions   0 recs

aw damn :-/

You read it! You can't unread it!

by TheGiantSquid on Feb 14, 2009 10:58 PM EST reply actions   0 recs

I don't think this contest met the hype

"Fun" and "Failure" both start out the same way.

by Marie on Feb 14, 2009 11:00 PM EST reply actions   0 recs

wack

"In order for us to make a move, It has to make sense" - Otis Smith's favorite saying

by magic12ball on Feb 14, 2009 11:02 PM EST reply actions   0 recs

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   0 recs

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   0 recs

Dwight should have done the Forklift dunk last, then he would have won.

by Fundefined on Feb 14, 2009 11:07 PM EST reply actions   0 recs

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   0 recs

Well

That was obviously fixed.

Karma

by Sabonis4Ever on Feb 14, 2009 11:08 PM EST reply actions   0 recs

I am really unhappy about Rudy

"Fun" and "Failure" both start out the same way.

by Marie on Feb 14, 2009 11:09 PM EST up reply actions   0 recs

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   0 recs

Take care

"Fun" and "Failure" both start out the same way.

by Marie on Feb 14, 2009 11:14 PM EST up reply actions   0 recs

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

by magic12ball on Feb 14, 2009 11:32 PM EST reply actions   0 recs

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