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She talked her talk, and she delivered.
Sabrina Ionescu unquestionably showcased her greatness to the world, doing so with remarkable humility. And she accomplished this feat while representing women's basketball on one of the grandest stages.
To all basketball enthusiasts, including young fans worldwide, she not only embodied the essence of being a role model but also showcased that both women and men can compete on a level playing field.
"If you can shoot, you can shoot. it doesn't matter if you're a boy or a girl," said Ionescu, who's known for her prolific shooting prowess. From Oregon to the WNBA, she ranks among the top shooters in the realm of basketball.
Sabrina Ionescu balled out on the biggest stage
She made 26 successful deep shots from the NBA three-point line, matching Damian Lillard's record, who had just been crowned the three-point champion moments earlier. Similarly, Trae Young, Karl-Anthony Towns, and Tyrese Haliburton also achieved a high of 26 made three-point shots.And she did so shooting from the same line, on the same court.
— Ballislife Bets (@BallislifeBets) February 18, 2024
Sabrina Ionescu finishes with 26, Steph Curry with 29!
What a SHOOTOUT! Odds for Steph to win -225pic.twitter.com/9i6Fj5ib38
In a single round, the victor was awarded a personalized wrestling belt dubbed "Sabrina vs. Steph 3-point champion." In a closely contested shootout, Curry emerged as the winner.
For Curry, he's always been a supporter of women's hoops. "Little boys and girls who are watching, it doesn't matter what gym you show up to. Don't discount who's to your left or to your right, " said Curry. "If they can shoot, they can shoot. You can compete and have fun. Hopefully we can be models of what that looks like on the biggest stage. Long term, you continue to find awesome ways to further the conversation on how amazing the women's game is, getting the eyeballs on it."
For Sabrina, Ionescu, this isn't just a win for women's basketball; it's a win for the sport as a whole. This innovative form of entertainment raises the standard for viewers and fans alike, offering a fresh way to showcase the competitive spirit between two of the world's top hoopers.
"Being able to have this crossover and understanding the respect that I've been able to receive from a lot of the NBA guys. Just knowing that Steph wanted to do this as well in terms of just respecting another shooter," said Ionescu in terms of spotlight and growth of the sport. "I think it's going to show a lot of young kids out there, a lot of people who might have not believed or even watched women's sports, that we were able to go out there and put on a show."
Ionescu wants a rematch with Curry next year
Don't be misled by Sabrina, she's not one to go down without a fight. In typical three-point contest fashion, neither star managed to secure more than one round. With the NBA All-Star game set to take place in the Bay Area next year, Ionescu openly discussed a rematch, underscoring her inherent competitiveness. Another words, game on Steph Curry.
"If you can shoot, you can shoot."
— NBA (@NBA) February 18, 2024
- @sabrina_i20pic.twitter.com/9E21ngf1Qk
"We were talking about just getting a second round, Ionescu told I think we both finally just kind of got warm after sitting for a while and wanted to run it back. Maybe we will be able to evolve that next time. Obviously Steph[Curry] won for a reason, and I'm gonna have to try and beat next time." (Warriors PR)
The evening unfolded flawlessly, featuring a showdown between two of the finest shooters, both firing from the same line. However, Curry openly confessed to feeling nervous once Sabrina took off.
"Absolutely, I saw the first rack, I think she made the first six I believe, maybe seven," Curry told the press Saturday night. "Thankfully I made enough to get over the top. That was perfect. Great entertainment, great shooting on both sides, and awesome 70 seconds for both of us." (Warriors PR YouTube).
Sabrina matched an NBA record with an impressive 26 points in the three-point contest.
Ionescu is known for never revealing her hand and thrives on competing in the spotlight. Despite being unsuccessful in hitting all of her shots during warm-up just moments before the event, once it was her time to shine, it was as if a switch was turned on.
And her performance was as authentic as it gets. Often practicing her shots from the NBA line, Ionescu seemed to be in mid-season form. With intense focus and determination, she hit all five of her first shots and continued her streak, nailing seven consecutive shots while the crowd roared with excitement. Though she missed just one three-pointer from the top of the arch, Ionescu faced some difficulties from the right wing.
Stephen vs Sabrina
— WNBA (@WNBA) February 18, 2024@sabrina_i20 of the @nyliberty goes off for 26 points pic.twitter.com/pYPmLnqroh
With 22 points and only 16.8 seconds left, the New York Liberty star managed to hit three of the last five corner shots, including a two-point money ball at the end. Regardless of what many say, she truly shoots and warms up from the NBA three-point line.
Despite Curry's victory, Ionescu illuminated the world of women's basketball.
The only individual who surpassed the 26 mark was Steph Curry, who managed to score 29 three-pointers. Demonstrating exceptional form midway through the season, he displayed remarkable precision by hitting every shot from his money ball rack. With just 8.8 seconds remaining, Ionescu maintained her lead. However, in the final 7 seconds, Curry sunk the remaining two shots, elevating his total to 29.
Although Curry emerged victorious, the competitive spirit remains strong, and his admiration for Ionescu as both a person and a hooper remains unchanged. Their friendship, which began during her Oregon days, is founded on mutual respect, with Curry consistently applauding her work ethic and commitment to her craft.
Before entering the competition, Curry is well aware of Ionescu's profound dedication to both herself and the game of basketball.
"When I first met her [Sabrina Ionescu] back in the Bay, right before the Oregon rocket ship went off, Curry told the media. "You see a different demeanor and a different kind of killer instinct and a focus. The skill is one thing, but the mentality is a whole totally different thing that you kind of can't teach. She's demonstrated that every step of the way. I knew how matter how the buildup was, there would no stage that would be too bright for her. The way she started-- there' no fear. She know's who she is, and she also works." (Warriors PR).
Both Sabrina and Steph have been adamant that this competition was genuine and not merely a box-checking competition. While she may not have emerged as the winner of the competition, Ionescu demonstrated her ability to compete at the highest level alongside male counterparts.
"The respect that I've been able to receive from the NBA guys... it's going to show a lot of people that haven't watched women's sports that we're able to go out there and put on a show."
— NBA (@NBA) February 18, 2024
Sabrina Ionescu on how this competition will help the game of basketball as a whole
Steph Curry and Sabrina Ionescu blaze trails, setting the standard for future events.
Her fearless demeanor captivated 10 million unique viewers, showcasing the greatness of women's basketball and advocating for its broader broadcast to a larger audience. In a time when women's sports are flourishing, this event served as the ideal platform to highlight their excellence and capture the attention of millions of basketball enthusiasts.
To me, that embodies leadership and courage—a readiness to compete on the biggest stage, irrespective of the result, to foster the growth of women's basketball. It truly reflects bravery and determination.
According to NBA Communications on X, formerly known as Twitter, the Saturday night events attracted 10 million unique viewers. These numbers mark a significant increase of nearly 54 percent from last year.
"You don't do things to just check a box," said Curry. "This is something-- If you're supporting basketball, and generally supporting women's basketball, it's something you continually do. You find new creative ways to have investment in the game. The fact this is a first of a kind in our sport, the fact that it's on this stage, it's a step in the right direction. We will always be able to say we were the first." (Warriors PR).
Truly two special individuals, this is only the beginning for promoting women's sports.
Stay tuned for more related articles.?Click here
Sara Jane Gamelli is a full-time Sportswriter, Content Creator and Social Media Manager for Ballislife Bets.?She has a focus on the NBA, WNBA, NCAA Basketball, and the NFL. Sara Jane currently resides in Connecticut/NYC area with her Cat and Dog. SJ has her undergraduate degree from the?University?of Connecticut in Economics, with a minor in business administration.
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This upcoming NBA All-Star weekend is a "pinch me moment" for New York Liberty star, Sabrina Ionescu. How many people can say they are competing during a first ever shootout against your idol? It's a dream come true for not only Sabrina, but WNBA and NBA fans as well.
Growing up in the 90's, I had dreams of playing one on one with Michael Jordan, and I couldn't imagine meeting him, let alone competing against him.
For quite some time, Ionescu has been a dedicated admirer of NBA star Steph Curry. Since she was 10 years old, he even graced the screen background of her phone. Like many young sports enthusiasts, Ionescu adorned her bedroom with Curry memorabilia, including posters and pictures.
This weekend, the two superstars will face off in the "Stephen vs. Sabrina" 3-point challenge. As a four-time NBA Champion, the Warriors star has been an inspiration to Ionescu in numerous ways. Likewise, the Liberty guard has made a significant impact on Curry, and their friendship spans many years.
"I was about 10, and watched him from up in the stands," Ionescu told the media on a video conference call. "I just knew how much he inspired me from a really young age, and who I wanted to model my game after, as a basketball player, but as a person."
Sabrina Ionescu has been a fan of Steph Curry from 10 years old, and even had him as the background of her phone. She went to games and developed a relationship with him through college.
— Sara Jane Gamelli (@SaraJGamelli) February 14, 2024
"I was about 10 and watched him from up in the stands. And just knew how much he inspired…
With a connection to the late Kobe Bryant, Ionescu shares similarities in her game with Curry. Renowned as two of the finest three-point shooters in basketball, both are notorious for their ability to sink shots from well beyond the three-point line.
Raised in California, Ionescu hails from Walnut Creek, near the Bay Area, and attended Miramonte High School in Orinda, California. Coincidentally, her proximity allowed her to attend games during her upbringing. Curry, 35, is in his 15th NBA season, all with the Warriors.
Sabrina Ionescu grew up idolizing Steph Curry
In a video call with the media, Ionescu expressed, "I couldn't have asked for a better idol and mentor, and someone I can look up to and want to emulate my game after and who I am as a person." She emphasized that Curry's authenticity, as seen in public, has been crucial in her endeavor to remain genuine and true to herself."
For Curry, he recognizes how significant she is to the game of basketball and acknowledges her dedication to her craft.
"There's a wave around her every time she steps foot on the floor," said Curry. "You see somebody that has that look, that determination, and that reverence for the game. How you handle yourself and how you carry yourself with that spotlight, it's not easy."
He describes the former Oregon Duck as a "true ambassador for the game, somebody that you would want your daughters, your sons to looks up to."
When did Steph and Sabrina develop their connection?
Look who showed up to @sabrina_i20’s practice
— WNBA (@WNBA) February 16, 2024
It’s goin’ down tomorrow night for Stephen vs Sabrina at 8pm/ET on TNT pic.twitter.com/qvRfHhv21z
Apart from Sabrina growing up in the backyard of Curry's success, there's interest in exploring the roots of their connection. Like Curry, she's motivated, and of course, the two share the Bay-Area connection. Curry made it known Sabrina "was a true Warriors die-hard fan from the jump," which makes the relationship even more special.
Leading up to the NBA All-Star weekend, Curry highlighted that their connection dates back to Ionescu's college days at Oregon. He mentioned taking his children to her games, where Sabrina made them feel valued and cherished.
In fact, while the two haven't officially competed on the court just yet, it sounds like they've gone up against each other quite a few times back at home.
"Well, Steph remembers the last time that we played up in San Francisco, "Sabrina chuckled during her interaction with the media. "So, I don't know if he wants to talk about it. Curry was quick to point out "Thats why I called her the champ."
Perhaps Sabrina left Curry stumbling on the floor with some ankle breaking moves. Though we may never have the full details, it's heartening to witness their connection evolve over the years.
"We've had fun," said Sabrina Ionescu. "I mean, we've competed a couple of times, obviously never on this stage. I feel like we've always been competing and being able to keep up with one another from afar. " Since the WNBA and NBA seasons don't overlap, Sabrina mentioned that they shoot "a lot" and "love to play" whenever they have the opportunity to spend time together in the gym.
After all, it's the NBA's all-time leader in three-pointers made versus the three-point queen. Can you imagine just how many threes are sunk during their meetups?
How it all went down
Shoot out??
— Sabrina Ionescu (@sabrina_i20) July 15, 2023@StephenCurry30
The 3-point contest is something that's been in the works, especially after Ionescu hit 20 straight shots for a record 37 points in the WNBA 3-point contest. Initially, it started off as a joke between the two.
"We talked about it the day that it happened," said Sabrina. " We got on the phone and just of were just laughing. Sabrina emphasized the significance of this event, highlighting its uniqueness as a one-of-a-kind moment between the two of them. Given that Ionescu is in the off-season, she and Curry are finally able to be in the same place at the same time.
"We're able to highlight the W [WNBA)," said Ionescu. "Knowing that we're able to have our own contest, it's not like I'm joining the NBA three-point contest. But we're really having our own and the significance and importance of that--Kind of just having that idea stemmed as a joke, and now being able to see it come to life. It's going to be a great experience for us both and exciting to see obviously who the winner is, but what it's going to mean for basketball as a whole."
Steph Curry said he "couldn't back down" after he was challenged by Ionescu on social media and that he "absolutely loves it."
What this means for women's basketball
Sabrina Ionescu on what to expect for the WNBA when competing against Curry All-Star weekend.
— Sara Jane Gamelli (@SaraJGamelli) February 14, 2024
Q: @ClassicJpow
"It's just continuing to raise the bar . To put us up and give us the opportunities to be on this platform-- Being on TV , and young girls and young boys being able to…
Steph Curry has always been an advocate for women's basketball, and this yet another way to showcase Sabrina Ionescu and women's hoops on a larger stage. While it's a friendly matchup, Ionescu shared with us the importance of the event, and what she hopes it will accomplish.
"There's an opportunity to raise awareness of and there's obviously many, many people in our society that still don't give the respect to women's sports and to women in general. Knowing this is an opportunity is sometimes all you need to be able to go out there and shut a lot of people up. Steph really believes in me to be able to go out there but is understanding what it is that we're accomplishing. Speaks volumes to him as an individual."
For Curry, it's about redefining competition and continuously pushing the boundaries. It's about seizing opportunities and fully investing in the moment. While they emphasize that none of this is scripted, the event provides an opportunity for young girls and boys to witness women's basketball on a much larger platform.
"You look for opportunities to continue to raise the bar on what it means to be a basketball fan, said Curry. "Watching what she [Sabrina] did on All-Stat weekend, watching what the WNBA season was like, how it's continuing to grow. It's an authentic competition between two great shooters, who have had success in a three-point contest."
This Saturday, basketball fans worldwide are poised to witness two of the greatest three-point shooters in the history of the game.
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Sara Jane Gamelli is a full-time Sportswriter, Content Creator and Social Media Manager for Ballislife Bets. She has a focus on the NBA, WNBA, NCAA Basketball, and the NFL. Sara Jane currently resides in Connecticut/NYC area with her Cat and Dog. SJ has her undergraduate degree from the University of Connecticut in Economics, with a minor in business administration.
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]]>— Ballislife Womens Basketball (@ballislifewbb_) February 7, 2024
Each team will feature a WNBA star, with two-time WNBA champion and five-time Seattle Storm All-Star Jewell Loyd and WNBA Champion and Phoenix Mercury guard Natasha Cloud. pic.twitter.com/kYlQbaIv0N
On Wednesday morning, the NBA announced the 2024 Ruffles All-Star Celebrity player rosters and coaches. Hang onto your seat, because this year's contest is filled with a diverse group of individuals, ranging from current athletes to professionals in other fields such as chefs, musicians, and film industry figures.
The Ruffles celebrity game is just one of the many events that will take place during the eventful weekend. Also, it's not the first All-Star weekend that will feature a collaboration with the WNBA. It takes me back to the 2 Ball Competition, where members of the NBA and WNBA were paired in a shooting competition during All-Star weekend in 1998, 2000, 2001. As the WNBA continues its growth, this opportunity only expands the discoverability and expansion of women's sports.
The head coaches include First Take co-hosts Stephen A. Smith and Shannon Sharpe. Sharpe, who joined ESPN last fall, will mesh well with Smith. Notorious for fun arguments on air, the two analysts will bring both knowledge of the game and comedic relief. Sharpe is also a Pro Football Hall of Famer, who played 14 seasons as a tight end in the NBA. The Duo will be amusing, and certainly captivating to watch.
— NBA (@NBA) February 7, 2024
The 2024 #RufflesCelebGame rosters!
Friday, 2/16 at 7:00pm/et on ESPN pic.twitter.com/ocm3KYxI3H
WNBA x NBA
Bringing her talents to the #RufflesCelebGame at #NBAAllStar… it’s @T_Cloud4! pic.twitter.com/w2XHVa7EbK
— #NBAAllStar (@NBAAllStar) February 7, 2024
Furthermore, NFL Hall of Famer Peyton Manning will join forces with Grammy Award recording artist Curtis Jackson (50 Cent), as featured coaches on team Shannon. On the opposing side, 2x WNBA Champion and 2x WNBA MVP A'ja Wilson will serve as a coach for team Stephen A. In addition, 5x Grammy award winning recording artist Lil Wayne will also serve as a coach for Stephen A. It will be fun to especially watch Wilson collaborate with Stephen A.
Aside from the Steph Curry and Sabrina Ionescu three-point showdown, the celebrity game will feature two WNBA players, who will be on opposing teams.
2x WNBA Champion and 5x WNBA All-Star Jewell Loyd will join 'Team Shannon.' Newly signed Phoenix Mercury guard and WNBA Champion Natasha Cloud, will join 'Team Stephen A.' Both Loyd and Cloud are ballers and will be fun to watch head-to-head at the guard position.
This year, the court will look different from years past. Appealing to fans and spectators, the hard wood will be LED themed, featuring several animations. Once again, the 4-point line will return, along with several in game challenges.
Team Shannon
Coaching Team Shannon for the #RufflesCelebGame at #NBAAllStar... @ShannonSharpe! pic.twitter.com/HQ7Vf7Qbaz
— #NBAAllStar (@NBAAllStar) February 7, 2024
- Micah Parsons (2x First-Team All-Pro linebacker for the Dallas Cowboys)
- Quincy Isaiah (Former football player and actor: Winning Time: The Rise of the Lakers Dynasty)
- Conor Daly (IndyCar Series Racer)
- Jewell Loyd (2x WNBA Champion, guard for the Seattle Storm)
- Kai Cenat (Online streamer and YouTuber)
- Dylan Wang (Actor)
- Lilly Singh (Emmy Award-winning entertainer)
- SiR (Singer and song writer, Grammy Award-nominated recording artist)
- Walker Hayes (Country singer and song writer, Grammy Award-nominated recording artist)
- Anuel AA (Latin American Music Award-winning recording artist)
- Coaches: Shannon Sharpe, Peyton Manning, 50 Cent
Team Stephen A
Coaching Team Stephen A. for the #RufflesCelebGame at #NBAAllStar... @stephenasmith! pic.twitter.com/XQCazS15TC
— #NBAAllStar (@NBAAllStar) February 7, 2024
- Jennifer Hudson (Grammy Award winning singer, actress, producer, and talk show host, youngest female EGOT winner)
- Tristan Jass (Basketball entertainer, social media star, content creator)
- Jack Ryan (Basketball entertainer)
- Metta World Peace (Former NBA Champion and 2004 Defensive Player of the Year)
- AJ McLean (Founding member of the Backstreet Boys, singer, Grammy Award-nominated recording artist)
- Kwame Onwuachi (James Beard Award-winning chef).
- Natasha Cloud (WNBA Champion, guard for the Phoenix Mercury)
- Adam Blackstone (Grammy Award-nominated musician)
- CJ Stroud (Pro Bowl Quarterback for the Houston Texans)
- Gianmarco Tamberi (Olympic High Jump Champion)
- Coaches: Stephan A. Smith, A'ja Wilson, Lil Wayne
Assistant Coaching Team Stephen A. for the #RufflesCelebGame at #NBAAllStar... @_ajawilson22! pic.twitter.com/2T625uM6ue
— #NBAAllStar (@NBAAllStar) February 7, 2024
In addition to the epic rosters and coaches, the broadcast team will feature several talented and well-known analysts. The broadcast lineup includes:
- Host for the game and M.V.P trophy presentation, and player/coach interviews: Cassidy Hubbarth of ESPN
- Play-by-play commentary: Ryan Rucco, Richard Jefferson, and Monica McNutt.
- Special guest: Pat McAfee
The special event will take place on Friday, Feb. 16 at 7 p.m. ET, at Lucas Oil Stadium in Indianapolis. It will air on ESPN and the ESPN App.
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]]>Once again, LeBron James and Giannis Antetokounmpo were named Captains for this year's all-star game. Reverting back to the Eastern and Western Conference format, James will represent the west, and Giannis, the east. To be named captain, a player must receive the most votes in their conference.
By changing back to the conference format, there will not be a draft taken place by both captains. With the format change, the game will have four 12-minute quarters.
You may be wondering what factors determine who is an all-star, and where the percent of the votes come from. According to NBA Communications, 50 percent of the votes come from fans, 25 percent from NBA players, and the final 25 percent from select media. After that, the players are ranked by position. Both the east the west have two guards and three frontcourt starters.
Newly acquired Milwaukee head coach Doc Rivers will lead the eastern conference, while Chris Finch, of the Minnesota Timberwolves, will coach the west. On Feb. 1 the reserves will be announced, whom are are selected by NBA head coaches.
With the event just weeks away, the TNT crew, led by Charles Barkley, Shaquille O'Neal, Ernie John, and Kenny Smith (Kenny the jet Smith) will announce the reserves next week. With the reserves, each conference team will have an additional two guards, three frontcourt players and two wild card roster spots.
Year after year, the final results always come with scrutiny from players and the fanbase. But lets first break down this year's staters:
NBA all-star starters: Eastern Conference
- Giannis Antetokounmpo: Milwaukee Bucks (Captain)
- Joel Embiid: Philadelphia 76ers
- Jayson Tatum: Boston Celtics
- Tyrese Haliburton: Indiana Pacers
- Damian Lillard: Milwaukee Bucks
In the east, captain Giannis Antetokounmpo is selected to his 8th straight all-star selection as a starter. Now in his 11th NBA season, Antetokounmpo is posting up a career-high 31.3 points, 11.7 rebounds, and 6.2 assists, on 60.5 percent field goal shooting. Nicknamed the "Greek Freak," Antetokounmpo is coming off impressive back-back-back triple doubles, against the Cavaliers and Pistons. Truly an unstoppable force, No. 34 posted a career-high and franchise record 64 points in December.
Joel Embiid, of the 76ers, is having another MVP caliber season. Notching his seventh NBA all-star selection, Embiid is putting up a league high 36 points, 11.4 rebounds, 5.8 assists, 1.1 steals, and 1.8 blocks. A formidable threat in the east, Embiid recently posted a career-high and franchise record 70 points on Monday night. With that stellar performance, he grabbed 18 rebounds and dished out five assists. One of the best big men to ever play the game, Kevin Garnett recently described Embiid as "Shaq with a jump shot."
Jayson Tatum, of the Boston Celtics, will earn his 5th straight NBA all-star selection. At just 25 years old, Tatum is the heart and soul of the C's. Coming off a dominant win over eastern conference rival Miami Heat, Tatum expressed his gratitude for the selection. "It means the world", Tatum told Celtics on NBC Sports Boston. "I never get used to it. I never want to take it for granted. As a kid, it was my dream." Leading Boston to an NBA best 35-10 record, he's averaging 27 points, 8.4 rebounds, 4.4 assists, and one steal. Improving his post-up game and strength, he earned the third overall fan-votes, behind Giannis and LeBron.
ALL-STAR STARTER
— Indiana Pacers (@Pacers) January 26, 2024
Tyrese Haliburton has been named a starter for the 2024 #NBAAllStar Game in Indy.https://t.co/buwgCdB36v pic.twitter.com/MRvYfCHS8P
Tyrese Haliburton, of the Indiana Pacers will get a unique chance to play in front of his home fans. Although he's been out with a hamstring injury, Haliburton has emerged as one of the biggest stars in the league. A 2x all-star, the Pacers guard will be named a starter for the first time in his career. Leading the Pacers to a 25-20 record, he's averaging a career-high 23.6 points, 12.6 assists, 1.1 steals, and 4.1 rebounds. Recently, Haliburton had a career 23 rebounds along with 22 points in late December.
Such a nifty, athletic facilitator, Haliburton finds unique ways to score at the rim, and is a threat from deep "All-Star Starter, man. Been sitting here soaking this in like damn I wasn’t supposed to be here, but I put in the work, it was written! To my peers, the media, and the fans…This can’t happen without y’all." Haliburton recently posted on X his thoughts on getting the nod as a starter.
Damian Lillard, of the Milwaukee Bucks, will be named a starter for the first time in his career. An 8x NBA All-Star, Lillard is averaging 25.3 points, 4.3 rebounds, 6.8 assists, and 1.1 steals in his first year with Milwaukee. Nicknamed "Dame Time," Lillard remains one of the most prolific scorers in the league. Racking up seven double-doubles on the season, Lillard remains one of the most clutch players in the NBA.
NBA all-star starters: Western Conference
- LeBron James: Los Angeles Lakers (Captain)
- Kevin Durant: Phoenix Suns
- Nikola Jokic: Denver Nuggets
- Luka Doncic: Dallas Mavericks
- Shai Gilgeous-Alexander: Oklahoma City Thunder
LeBron James, of the Los Angeles Lakers, is very familiar with all-star weekend. A 20x NBA All-Star, James made NBA history, surpassing Kareem Abdul-Jabbar for the most selections in history. Named a starter for all 20 years, James continues his streak since the 2005 season. With the Lakers 23-23 on the season, LeBron is averaging insane numbers, especially for his age. Putting up 24.8 points, 7.1 rebounds, 7.5 assists, and 1.3 steals, James shows no signs of slowing down.
His 39.7 percent three-point shooting is the highest it's been since the 2012-2013 season. A vital part to the Lakers team, James had a classy reaction to yet another selection. “It’s just humbling. It’s very cool to be able to continue to have accomplishments throughout your career, " James told the Media on X.
Kevin Durant, of the Phoenix Suns, a 14x NBA All-Star, has been selected to his first as a member of the Suns. Prior to the season, Phoenix had high expectations, with the addition of Bradley Beal. With notable injuries to Beal throughout the season, Durant has picked up the slack and then some. In 37 games played, Durant is averaging 29.1 points, 6.4 rebounds, 5.7 assists, and 1.2 blocks, on 45.5 percent three-point shooting. 10th all time on the NBA's scoring list, he's the first member of the Suns to start an All-Star game since Amar’e Stoudemire and Steve Nash.
Nikola Jokic, of the Denver Nuggets, has been selected to his 6th consecutive All-Star game. A core member of the reigning NBA Champions, Jokic is averaging 26.3 points, 11.9 rebounds, 9 assists, and 1.1 blocks on 59.3 percent field goal shooting. First in player and media voting, the Joker leads the NBA in triple-doubles this season. 4th in assists and rebounds per game, Jokic most recently delivered a game winning 31-point triple double over the Pacers.
Luka Doncic, of the Dallas Mavericks, will make his 5th NBA All-Star appearance, and 4th as a starter. The most All-Star starts in Maverick's history, Doncic is putting up MVP caliber numbers. Second in points, the guard is averaging 33.6 points, 8.5 rebounds, 9.3 assists, on 48.2 percent field goal shooting. Now in his 6th NBA season, Doncic is putting up career-highs in points, assists, three-point percentage, and minutes. Finishing second in player and media votes, just 24 years old, Doncic remains one of the most elite guards in the league.
Shai Gilgeous-Alexander, of the Oklahoma City Thunder, will make his second NBA All-Star appearance. Selected as a starter for the first time, SGA continues to put up career numbers for OKC, who sit at the top of the Western Conference standings. Averaging 31.1 points, 5.6 rebounds and 6.4 assists, Gilgeous-Alexander has one of the smoothest mid-range jumpers in the league, along with his handles. An elite scorer, SGA leads the NBA with the most 30+ point games this season. Although this may come as a surprise to some, he deserves it.
All-Star starter snubs
Like every year, the All-Star game tends to upset fans, and even some players. Unfortunately, that's the nature of the game when it comes to sports. While I have the upmost respect for all of the respective starters, there are a few players who easily could've been voted a starter based off of their talents and play this season.
Eastern Conference
Donovan Mitchell, Cleveland Cavaliers: Now in his second season with the Cavaliers, Donovan Mitchell has risen his game to new heights over the last two seasons. Averaging the 6th most points per game (27.6), the guard is posting 5.4 rebounds, 6.2 assists, and 1.9 steals. With the Cavaliers riddled by injuries, Mitchell has put the Cavs on his back. Having a slower start, the Cavaliers are now 26-16 on the season, and 8-2 in their last ten games. The Cavaliers leading scorer, Mitchell is putting up career highs in assists, rebounds, and steals. He put his full talents on display in Paris, adding 45 points, 12 rebounds, 4 steals, and 6 assists against Brooklyn.
Jalen Brunson, New York Knicks: There have been so many arguments whether Knicks guard Jalen Brunson is truly a 1a or 1b option. Here's what I can tell you, he's a hooper, and he's leading this team to their best few starts in years. 28-17 on the season, Brunson is averaging career-highs in points (26.5), assists (6.4), three-point percentage (42.4 %), minutes (35.6), and field goal attempts. One of the smoothest mid range jumpers in the game, his 59 percent true shooting is also a career best. The King of the big apple, Brunson is third in total points at the guard position (1,139). Finishing second in media voting, Brunson remains one of the top guards in the east.
Western Conference
Kawhi Leonard, Los Angeles Clippers: Let's face it, when Kawhi Leonard is healthy, he's a top player in the NBA. Fully healthy this season, Leonard is averaging 23.7 points, 6.2 rebounds, 3.8 assists, and 1.7 steals. One of the best two-way players in the game, Leonard is shooting at a high clip, 44.3 percent from deep, and 52.2 percent from the field. Despite a 28-14 record, the Clippers won't have a single player as a starter, and that includes James Harden and Paul George. MVP of the 2019-2020 All-Star game, Kawhi has missed only four games on the season. The Clippers are one of the more elite teams in the west, and outscore opponents over 11 points per game with Leonard is on the court.
Honorable mention: Steph Curry, Golden State Warriors, Trae Young, Atlanta Hawks
The 2024 73rd NBA All-Star game will take place on Feb. 18 at Gainbridge Fieldhouse, located in Indianapolis, IN.
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Sara Jane Gamelli is a full-time Sportswriter, Content Creator and Social Media Manager for Ballislife Bets. She has a focus on the NBA, WNBA, NCAA Basketball, and the NFL. Sara Jane currently resides in Connecticut/NYC area with her Cat and Dog. SJ has her undergraduate degree from the University of Connecticut in Economics, with a minor in business administration.
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