Recapping Day 1 of NBA All-Star Weekend
The 2015 NBA All-Star Weekend kicked off yesterday with Media Day. It gave journalists covering this weekend’s All-Star Game some time with featured players from around the league. Media Day was packed with what seemed like a never-ending crowd of reporters and cameras rolling and flashing at every turn. But we managed to get in on some Media Day action with some of your favorite NBA star.
Bright Lights
Upon arrival at Media Day, LeBron James reunited with his former teammate Dwyane Wade while reporters looked on and captured the moment. LeBron, whose dominant play led the Cleveland Cavaliers to a 12-game win streak earlier this year, comfortably dressed in sweats and donned sunglasses inside the room. It was probably the most useful accessory to have when the spotlight is on you!
At Media Day, LeBron and D-Wade interviewed each other for NBA.com. Check it out:
Don’t Fall For the Seating Chart Trick
After chatting with LeBron, Wade settled into his prankster ways and tried to steer his Miami Heat teammate Chris Bosh in the wrong direction when they entered the media room.
“Chris! Hey, Chris!” You’re supposed to be sitting over here!” Wade said, pointing to a sea of reporters surrounding seats of LeBron James and Carmelo Anthony, who had also just entered the room for East All-Star availability. Bosh didn’t fall for it. He simply smiled and pointed to his correct seat — in the middle of another crowd of madness.
Don’t Doubt DeMarcus
Despite having success at Kentucky in college and being selected as the fifth overall pick in the 2010 NBA draft, many critics believed DeMarcus Cousins would not have a successful pro career. This season he’s proving the doubters wrong. With Sacramento, Cousins is averaging 23.8 points and 12.5 rebounds per game, earning his first All-Star selection in the process.
The Kings center had a message for kids who can relate to his story: “Of course it’s a bad feeling when people doubt your success and they don’t even know you. It’s a real bad feeling. But you can’t worry about what other people think about you. Stand your path, keep whatever goal you have in your mind, and just keep moving forward. Don’t worry about what other people think.”
Pretty good advice from a pretty great player.
Sticking Together
The Atlanta Hawks have surprised the basketball world this season, posting the best record in the Eastern Conference (43-11) at the break and showing no signs of slowing down. And, of course, they’re rolling deep here at All-Star Weekend.
Paul Millsap is one of four Atlanta Hawks selected as an 2015 All-Star. When asked how he and his teammates Al Horford, Jeff Teague, and Kyle Korver mesh so well, he said it hasn’t been difficult. “We have good guys with great personalities, unselfish guys. We have guys who are willing to be selfless and do what it takes to win games.”
While it’s been great to rack up the wins with his teammates, Millsap said the best part of the season has been the support from the city of Atlanta, which has grown as the team has experienced growth.
Post-Media Day Action
Media Day wasn’t the only event on the All-Star schedule yesterday. In fact, it was just the beginning.
Last night, Madison Square Garden hosted the NBA Celebrity All-Star Game, and our 2014 SportsKid of the Year, Mo’ne Davis, was a member of the West team, which defeated the East, 59-51. Davis had a drive-to-the-basket-spin-move play while scoring against comedian Kevin Hart in the first half that was highlight-worthy. But it was Hart — who started the game with a dance battle against the West’s Nick Cannon (the competition and rivalry isn’t limited to hoops!) — who won his fourth consecutive MVP award despite his team’s loss. He bested WNBA star SchoniSchimmel fort he honor, despite her posting a game-high 17 points.
Upon receiving his trophy, Hart almost became the new Taylor Swift. Radio host Mike Golic, displeased with the MVP choice (an award voted on by fans), shouted, “This is a Kanye moment!” and attempted to take Hart’s trophy away. Laughter ensued, before Hart announced his retirement from the celeb game.
“I think I’m going to go out on top,” Hart said, addressing fans. “At this point I can’t do no more. It’s Kobe, LeBron, and me.”
Yes, Kevin Hart considers himself a basketball great. What a great show of confidence, and comedy, from the 5-foot-4 actor.
Also named MVP last night was Minnesota Timberwolves forward Andrew Wiggins. He led his World team to victory in the Rising Stars Challenge, defeating the U.S. team, 121-112, in front of the crowd at Barclays Center. Wiggins, the top pick of the 2014 NBA Draft and a native of Canada, had 22 points.
Photos: Christina Tapper (LeBron and Wade), Ned Dishman/NBAE via Getty Images (Mo'ne), Frank Franklin II/AP Photo (Mo'ne and Kevin Hart)
