The All Star weekend is one of the most exciting and looked forward to events in the NBA Calendar. The magnitude at which the event is carried out makes it one of the most entertaining and loved events of the year. It gives the fans an opportunity to see the elites of the game team up and play against other top level athletes. It makes for unlikely teammates, ignites rivalries and gives fans some absolutely amazing matchups.
The first all star game was played on March 2, 1951 and has been a proud and storied event that takes place annually. Over the years the best to ever grace the court have taken their chance and frazzled-dazzled their way into the hearts of eager watchers all over the world.
This has made for incredible moments and some absolutely legendary matchups. Here are the top All Star matches of all time:-
1972 All Star Game- Mr Clutch wins it at the Buzzer
The 1972 All Star Game was an absolute classic. It had everything you needed for an all time great before the game even began. The stacked Western conference faced the East in what seemed to be an easy win for the west with the likes of Kareem Abdul Jabbar, Oscar Robertson and Jerry West in their ranks. The scores were tied heading into the final few seconds of the game when "Mr Clutch”, Jerry West took matters into his own hands and won the game at the buzzer. This was and still is the only All Star game that was decided by a buzzer beater. This led to West garnering the all star MVP trophy as well.
1980 All Star Game- The Bird-Magic Rivalry
The 1979/80 season saw two players who would go on to become the best players in the years to come in Larry Bird and Magic Johnson. The two played each other in the national championship which was won by Magic’s Michigan State Spartans. The narrative for the entire season revolved around the two and they faced each other in the All Star Game on February third. Everyone expected the two to battle it out with the likes of great players in Juilus Erwing, Moses Malone, Nate Archibals and Kareem Abdul Jabbar all being selected. What followed was a great battle which was overshadowed by George Gervin’s 34 points which saw the East win the game 144-136.
1988 All Star Game- His Airness Announces His Arrival
The 1988 All Star Game saw Michael Jordan announce his arrival to the ASG in style. In what was an absolutely banging encounter with the East prevailing 138-133. The East was probably the strongest they have ever been.
East
Isiah Thomas, Michael Jordan, Dominique Wilkins, Larry Bird, Moses Malone, Danny Ainge, Patrick Ewing, Doc Rivers, Brad Daugherty, Charles Barkley, Kevin McHale, Maurice Cheeks
Head Coach: Mike Fratello
What surprised everyone though was that a team full of the best players in the league had to stand aside as a young Michael Jordan soared to 40 points winning his first ever All Star Game MVP award.
1998 All Star Game- Kobe Bryant Makes His Debut
As seen on Michael Jordan and the Chicago Bulls documentary, MJ knew that Kobe was going to try to take on him one on one. The game was a classic not because of the players or the scoreline but watching the youngest ever all start game starter take on the Jordan was pretty fun. Jordan obviously showed him whose game it was currently as he garnered 23 points, to go along with eight assists, six rebounds and three steals in 32 minutes making him the MVP.
2006 All Star Game - Lebron James Vs Tracy McGrady
The 2006 All Star game was another one for the history books. The two teams faced off in an epic battle fueled by Lebron and McGrady. The end saw Lebron defending McGrady with the East being up by two points heading into the final few seconds. McGrady shot an airball which was collected but great defence by the East saw them win an instant classic.
2018 Team Lebron vs Team Steph
The All Star Game is an ever changing format especially in recent years. The league loves to fuel narratives and there was no bigger narrative in the league than the Lebron/Curry debate which is why the league decided to change the format from East vs West and decided to make it Team Lebron vs Team Curry.
Team Lebron Starters
Kyrie Irving, DeMar DeRozan, LeBron James, Giannis Antetokounmpo, Joel Embiid
Team Stephen Curry
Stephen Curry, James Harden, Kevin Durant, Anthony Davis, DeMarcus Cousins
The game was as good as it could have been as Lebron led the team from the front winning 148-145. LeBron James was named the All-Star Game MVP for recording 29 points, 10 rebounds, and 8 assists, it was his third time winning the award since the 2008 All-Star Game.
