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NBA Loud - by Travis

2008 NBA-All Star Weekend Re-Cap.

February 18th 2008 07:45
Whoa, Nelly! What an exhibition of basketball talent this year’s All-Star Game was – it was a mid-season classic in every sense of the word. The Eastern
Dwight Howard Superman dunk.
Is it a bird? Or a plane? No, it's Super-Dwight! (Photo by Bill Baptist/NBAE via Getty Images)
Conference All-Stars pipped their more illustrious Western Conference brethren, 134-128.


Not only were the East, beasts, but they outperformed their opponents in every facet of the game – from the fundamentals to the highlights. It was an experience to savour.

As exciting as the game was – the conclusion was something else, as LeBron James went Scarface on the West. Reminiscent of his destruction of the Detroit Pistons from a season ago, King James literally rose up to the heavens in the final minute and finished with a dunk that was of such viciousness – Hell has frozen over. To cap off his final minute heroics, Bron-Bron added 27 points, nine assists and eight rebounds.

James got a lot of help from Boston’s Ray Allen, who was a last minute inclusion to the All-Star proceedings, and didn’t he earn it with a 28 point performance? It was an almost inconceivable injustice that Ray-Ray was originally overlooked for the game when his other gangsta teammates were selected.

With today’s exciting victory, the East went a long way in erasing the pasting they got last season when the West beat them handsomely, 153-132.


Do we need to state the bleeding obvious at who received the game MVP nod? Does it need to be spelled out for the world to see? Well, if you do deem it necessary: Gimme an L-E-B-R-O-N…what does it spell? Tuna? No, LeBron!

Although, today’s game was the jewel in the All-Star Weekend crown, Saturday night was also pretty righteous with the skills, 3-point, and dunk competitions to wet the whistles of NBA fanatics.

Starting off with the skills, Deron Williams of the Utah Jazz was the fastest man around the obstacle course, while Jason Kapono showed everyone that he was the fastest gun in the, er, West? Well, let’s stick with that and move along shall we? Jason Kapono was the silkiest shooter when he tied a 22 year old record by scoring 25 points in the final round of the 3-point contest.

However, it is dunks that you’re all interested in – and this year’s contest didn’t disappoint. Continuing with a mini revival of the dunk contest, this year’s version was no exception in the display of innovation from the competitors. Writing a description on each individual dunk would not do the players justice. So, in summary: Dwight Howard won it all – gaining some justice when he was robbed of the title last year.

Today’s video is of the dunk contest. Enjoy.



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The All-Star Game starters have been announced and there was one massive surprise out west – Allen Iverson nabbed one of the starting guard positions! Well, done AI.

Boston Celtics forward, Kevin Garnett led the voting with 2,399,148. KG, participating in his
Carmelo Anthony and Allen Iverson.
'Melo and AI are two badass ballers for Denver. (Michael Martin/NBAE/Getty Images)
11th straight mid-season classic, will for the first time suit up for the Eastern Conference. Following Garnett in vote numbers is LeBron James, with first time starter Dwight Howard, Nets guard, Jason Kidd and Dwayne Wade rounding off the rest of the leading lights out east.

Wade’s participation in New Orleans follows a trend that has been evident in every All-Star Game: a player who balls for a horrendous team still gets a place as a starter. Miami are having a forgettable season, with the game a respite from the grind of constant humiliation: "It'll be the first enjoyment in a while," Wade said. "Being an All-Star, it's amazing to be there with the other great players around the league. It's a special weekend. Everyone makes you feel so special. It'll be great, and it totally takes your mind off your season." (Mahoney, AP, 2008)

Congratulations must go out to Jason Kidd too who makes his first starting appearance out east since moving to that side of America in 2001. Finally, the fans had recognised the ill skillz the man possesses.

Moving onto the Western Conference, Kobe Bryant was the leading vote getter, with the ever present Yao Ming and Tim Duncan joining the Bean, and of course the aforementioned, Allen Iverson who got the numbers after a late surge in votes, overtaking Tracy McGrady along the way. When the final update was released two weeks ago, Iverson was 80, 000 votes behind T-Mac, and ended up beating the Rockets guard by 10, 410 votes when it was all said and done.

AI will be joined in the starting line-up with fellow Denver Nugget, Carmelo Anthony, who also got the approval of the fans. This marks the first time two players from the Nuggets had been voted by the fans as starters since Alex English and Fat Lever accomplished the feat many moons ago.

Congrats to the All-Star starters. Here are the final numbers.

2008 NBA ALL-STAR BALLOTING TOP 10
OVERALL LEADING VOTE-GETTERS


1. Kevin Garnett, Bos 2,399,148

2. LeBron James, Cle 2,108,831

3. Dwight Howard, Orl 2,066,991

4. Kobe Bryant, LAL 2,004,940

5. Carmelo Anthony, Den 1,723,701

6. Tim Duncan, SA 1,712,800

7. Yao Ming, Hou 1,709,180

8. Dwayne Wade, Mia 1,608,260

9. Dirk Nowitzki, Dal 1,259,025

10. Jason Kidd, NJ 1,246,386

(Source: NBA.com)


Today's video is of Allen Iverson's 2001 All-Star Game MVP Performance.


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The NBA All-Star Game first ballots have been returned, and there is little surprise in who are
Kevin Garnett.
Kevin Garnett is the leading vote getter so far. (Brian Babineau/NBAE/Getty Images)
the leading vote getters in both conferences. Starting with the east, Kevin Garnett and LeBron James lead the pack, while out in the wiggity-wiggity, wild, wild west, it is Kobe Bryant and Carmelo Anthony getting the most love from voters.

Kevin Garnett, who has had new life breathed into him with his move to Boston, leads all players with 735,664 votes, with Bron-Bron following the Big Ticket, gathering 597,768 votes. Kobe leads the Western Conference, garnering 569,302 votes.

Perhaps the biggest surprise with the first returns is that Dwayne Wade is the leading guard in the Eastern Conference. After an injury plagued and lacklustre season so far, and his Miami team not fairing much better with an awful record, Flash still brings in the fans if the votes are anything to go by. If history is any indication, form doesn’t necessarily translate to All-Star game appearances, or demotions, for that matter.

Orlando’s, Dwight Howard is the leading centre for the east, while his compatriot out west is the ever present, Yao Ming. Tracy McGrady is the guard that so far looks like he’ll be joining the Bean, while Jason Kidd will be teaming up with Flash in the backcourt for the east.

For those unfamiliar with how All-Star selections work, fans vote for the starting five in each conference, with the coaches selecting the substitutes. Players are designated a specific position and can only be voted in whatever role the ballot has placed them in. So, players that normally play both the guard and forward positions will be selected for one of those roles and there is no compromise.

Every year there are worthy players that are left out, and if you have a favourite player that you feel that should be going to New Orleans, vote him in at NBA.com! It’s still not too late.

Here are the full numbers for the first return balloting:

2008 NBA ALL-STAR BALLOTING EASTERN CONFERENCE

Forwards: Kevin Garnett (Bos) 735,664; LeBron James (Clev) 597,768; Chris Bosh (185,294); Paul Pierce (Bos) 164,346; Yi Jianlian (Mil) 98,507; Hedo Turkoglu (Orl) 73,781; Rashard Lewis (Orl) 70,737; Tayshaun Prince (Det) 63,787; Caron Butler (Wash) 55,796; Andrea Bargnani (Tor) 52,734.

Guards: Dwyane Wade (Mia) 470,921; Jason Kidd (NJ) 343,468; Vince Carter (NJ) 277,705; Ray Allen (Bos) 270,114; Gilbert Arenas (Wash) 256,994; Chauncey Billups (Det) 125,202; Michael Redd (Mil) 101,942; Andre Iguodala (Phi) 70,476; Richard Hamilton (Det) 66,617; T.J. Ford (Tor) 58,894.

Centers: Dwight Howard (Orl) 596,187; Shaquille O'Neal (Mia) 282,727; Rasheed Wallace (Det) 69,331; Ben Wallace (Chi) 68,871; Jermaine O'Neal (Ind) 53,107; Andrew Bogut (Mil) 39,764; Zydrunas Ilgauskas (Clev) 27,814; Emeka Okafor (Cha) 27,040; Eddy Curry (NY) 19,494; Zaza Pachulia (Atl) 19,210. .

2008 NBA ALL-STAR BALLOTING WESTERN CONFERENCE

Forwards: Carmelo Anthony (Den) 482,127; Dirk Nowitzki (Dal) 443,117; Tim Duncan (SA) 423,608; Carlos Boozer (Utah) 175,248; Shawn Marion (Pho) 154,641; Josh Howard (Dal) 146,909; Kevin Durant (Sea) 113,314; Luis Scola (Hou) 101,981; Shane Battier (Hou) 95,757; Grant Hill (Pho) 83,544.

Guards: Kobe Bryant (LAL) 569,302; Tracy McGrady (Hou) 388,959; Steve Nash (Pho) 317,091; Allen Iverson (Den) 292,565; Manu Ginobili (SA) 141,891; Jason Terry (Dal) 121,397; Tony Parker (SA) 117,881; Chris Paul (NO) 110,688; Jerry Stackhouse (Dal) 103,307; Baron Davis (GS) 100,422.

Centers: Yao Ming (Hou) 439,125; Amaré Stoudemire (Pho) 286,401; Erick Dampier (Dal) 101,878; Marcus Camby (Den) 94,473; Pau Gasol (Mem) 73,461; Mehmet Okur (Utah) 51,017; Chris Kaman (LAC) 40,256; LaMarcus Aldridge (Por) 35,601; Tyson Chandler (NO) 32,595; Andris Biedrins (GS) 29,026.

(Source: NBA.com)

Today’s video is a hilarious one from yesterday’s Phoenix game with Steve Nash doing an interview with his chipped tooth.


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The seedings for the playoffs in both Conferences is starting to take
Vince Carter Dunk.
It was Vinsanity today! (Photo by Ned Dishman/NBAE via Getty Images)
hold and teams are beginning to firmly entrench themselves with a postseason berth. The Denver Nuggets and Orlando Magic are just two of the squads that solidified their hold on a playoff spot with wins in their respective games today.

Denver’s nervy game was highlighted with an Allen Iverson 17 point fourth quarter burst which included a late game steal that allowed fellow Nugget Linas Kleiza to hit the go ahead 3-point basket with 15 seconds left in the game. Denver overcame the Los Angeles Clippers, 96-93.

Both teams are in the midst of a fierce battle for the last three playoff spots and are only separated by three games. To make things even more interesting there are another two teams as well within striking distance to either move up, or fall out.

Carmelo Anthony also had a big game for Denver scoring 23 points in helping his squad win their fifth straight game. Have to say that the Nuggets are looking extremely good at the right time of the season.

Orlando in the East looking for its first postseason action in four years made the going tough with a horrendous record of 8-14 since the All-Star break got a massive boost when the dire team from Memphis came to town. It was all magic one might say for Orlando when they smashed the Grizz, 116-89.

This contest was stone cold dead before the end of the first quarter when Orlando jumped to a 22 point lead within the first eight minutes. Everything after that proved to be a practice run.

Dwight Howard led the way with a mammoth game of 31 points and 11 rebounds, while the
Jason Kidd.
Jason Kidd: awesome basketball vision. (AP Photo/Bill Kostroun)
ever classy veteran Grant Hill dropped a further 15 in their win. The Magic managed to break a two game losing streak, while staying a game ahead of the Indiana Pacers for eighth spot in the playoffs.

Moving to a team on the other end of the playoff race, Dallas, moved one step closer to securing the all important top position in their battle out West with a win over Portland today, 86-74.

If the Mavs manage to secure one more win and are helped with a Phoenix loss, that plum number one position is all theirs. This contest was noteworthy in its utter predictability with one of the best teams in the NBA doing what they’re supposed to do by dispatching an NBA bottom feeder. Next!

We finish off today’s summary of games with a history making effort from both Jason Kidd and Vince Carter for New Jersey. VC and the Cali Kidd became the first teammates to have triple-doubles in the same game joining the immortal duo of Michael Jordan and Scottie Pippen who were the last teammates to accomplish such feat 18 years ago.

The Nets also managed to beat an understaffed Wizards team 120-114 in overtime.

However, it was all Carter and Kidd tody with off the chart stats: Vince had 46 points, 16 rebounds and 10 assists, while Jason had 16 rebounds, 18 assists and 10 points.

Got to love the effort from both Carter and Kidd.

Today’s video displays the Jason Kidd and Vince Carter combination to full effect. Prepare to be amazed.



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There were no games involving a certain player with a name that sounds like a Japanese anime character today, so we’ll refrain from mentioning this player because his handle will be up in lights on NBALOUD soon enough.

That being said there was a jaw dropping performance today from arguably the most athletic player in the league – Vince Carter. Vinsanity had a spectacular scoring night dropping 40 points in the game while helping New Jersey secure an extremely important win against the Charlotte Hornets, 113-107 in overtime.

New Jersey’s season was on the brink of collapse when VC literally flew in and saved the day. With the game on a razor edge Jason Kidd took a shot in regulation to try and force overtime but the attempt was going offline which led Vinsanity to catch the ball in mid-air, and dunk it home to take the game into an extra period.
Vince Carter dunk.
Vince Carter taking flight. (AP Photo/Chuck Burton)


From that moment on New Jersey was destined to win the game.

Carter’s spectacular catch, then behind the head dunk to take the game into OT stopped a two game slide for the Nets who are also battling a three way tie for the seventh position for a playoff spot in the East. Vince was quite simply the man.

Philadelphia turned their contest against Miami into a track meet when they utterly destroyed the Heat, 93-85.

From the start of the second half the Sixers ran riot scoring 19 fast break points to the Heat’s zero. Too many easy baskets usually will cost a team the game and Miami learnt that lesson the painful way.

One night after suffering their worst loss of the season Utah bounced back in the best way possible by beating Memphis, 118-108.

Carlos Boozer led by example with 28 points and 15 rebounds, while Deron Williams helped immensely as well by dishing off 13 assists. Memphis must be salivating that the end of the season is nigh because it has been a bad one for the Grizz.

Finally, not even Gilbert the Great could help Washington overcome the Los Angeles Clippers who won, 111-105.

Oh, yes, Gilbert was great with 30 points, but Corey Maggette’s nine points in the final 77 seconds was too much for the Wizards to handle. It didn’t help either that Elton Brand added a nifty 18 point and 14 rebound performance into the mix as well.

Today’s clip is of none other than Vince Carter. Watch Vinsanity ham it up and dance like he is Fred Astaire.



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