As the NBA All-Star Game 2021 approaches, many see the event as entertainment, and this year due to the pandemic, it has become a one day event. But All-Star games has it’s historic moments, and becomes more than entertainment. But lets reminisce of past performances of the greatest of all-time (GOATS) in the NBA All-Star Game.
Kobe Bryant
Kobe Bryant left several great moments from the NBA All-Star game. Kobe had 18 appearances, won the All-Star MVP twice back-to-back in 2009 and 2010.
One of his memorable moments when he blocked Lebron James in a shot in the 2013 NBA All-Star Game.
Bryant moved into a tie with Bob Pettit (and clear of Michael Jordan) for the most All-Star MVP awards in NBA history with four.
Lebron James
Lebron James had several moments during past NBA All-Star games, but has never participated in the slam dunk content, which many think he would have dominated.
Lebron will participate in his 21st NBA All-Star game this year. He has won the All-Star MVP three times and won the actual game four times.
One of Lebron’s memorable moments was back in 2011 while he was with the Miami Heat. He and teammate Amar’e Stoudemire led the East with 29 points each. LeBron also finished with 12 rebounds and 10 assists in just over 32 minutes, becoming just the second player to record a triple-double in the game’s history. He connected on 55.6 percent of his field goals (10-of-18) and nine of his 10 free-throw attempts.
Wilt Chamberlain
Wilt Chamberlain’s best All-Star game was in 1962. His East team fell, 150-130, none of the fault could be attributed to the big man. Chamberlain’s 42 points set the bar for all All-Star scorers. His 73.9 field-goal percentage suggests he didn’t leave any points on the floor, but he only hit 8-of-16 at the free-throw line.
But he did more than score. He corralled 24 rebounds, tied for fourth-most in All-Star history. Amazingly, he was not the game’s leader in rebounding, as the West’s Bob Pettit (who was named the game’s MVP) set a still-standing record with 27.
Magic Johnson
The greatest Laker of all-time (debatable), Magic Johnson appeared in the All-Star game twelve times. His best performance came in 1992.
He was just months removed from announcing his retirement prior to the 1991-92 season after contracting HIV. He finished the game with 25 points, nine assists and five rebounds en route to his second (and final) All-Star MVP award as the West routed the East, 153-113.
Johnson said later (via NBA.com), “It was the first game ever called on account of hugs.
Michael Jordan
Michael Jordan, officially the Greatest Basketball Player of All-Time, according to the NBA, has had several great moments in the NBA All-Star game. Jordan participated in every all-star game in every season he played (14).
1988 was probably the most memorable. Jordan bested Dominique Wilkins in what’s widely regarded as the greatest Slam Dunk Contest in league history, then snatching the All-Star Game MVP award in front of his Chicago fans.
Jordan scored 16 of his game-high 40 points in the final 5:51 of regulation to ensure the East a 138-133 win. The East had only three other scorers reach double figures (Dominique Wilkins with 29, Brad Daugherty and Danny Ainge with 12 each).
Conclusion
Will we live to a special 2021 NBA All-Star game this year? We’ll shall see who will make history!
Santiago Leon is the Founder and CEO of the Sports Cast. He covers NFL, NBA, and world soccer. He’s also founder of sleon productions, which he specializes in technology and serves clients with solutions to make their business grow.