With 5 seconds remaining in the NBA All-Star game from Cowboys Stadium, George Karl unfortunately did exactly what I expected him to do. As the Western All-Stars took a time out following Chris Bosh’s two free throws to give the East squad a two point lead I hoped and prayed that Coach Karl would do exactly what he should do: draw up a play for Dirk. I mean let’s be honest; this was Dirk Nowitzki’s all-star weekend. It was in his home city, the only NBA city that he’s ever called home.
There were 108,713 screaming fans who most of which I’m sure were Mavs fans, and then Karl did it. I knew he would end up drawing up a play for one of his guys. Two Nuggets players were on the floor (Chauncey “Big Shot” Billups and Carmello Anthony), and I had a sneaky suspicion that the ball would go to one of those two. Granted neither of them are bad choices, actually they’re both great choices for a game winning shot, but why not go to an equally great Dirk.
I was trying to imagine what the scene would have been like in Dallas if Dirk sinks a three to win the game in that situation. It would have been incredible for him and his home fans. The fall out would have been a West victory, bringing the last 6 All-star games to a 3-3 tie for the conferences, Dwayne Wade’s team loses so he doesn’t get the MVP, Dirks team wins and he gets the MVP in his home city.
But regardless it was a very entertaining game and a very entertaining weekend. The NBA puts together a great all-star weekend and placing it at Cowboy Stadium was unbelievable. The venue did not disappoint and neither did the game. Here are the winners from all-star weekend.
All Star weekend winners:
H.O.R.S.E. presented by Geico: Kevin Durant, Oklahoma City Thunder
Haier Shooting Stars: Dirk Nowitzki, Dallas Mavericks; Becky Hammon, San Antonio Silver Stars; Kenny Smith
Taco Bell Skills Competition: Steve Nash, Phoenix Suns
Foot Locker 3-Pt Contest: Paul Pierce, Boston Celtics
Sprite Slam Dunk: Nate Robertson, New York Knicks
February 15, 2010 at 10:29 pm |
Very entertaining weekend? That was a horrible dunk contest.