Candace Parker scored 23 points, breaking an all-star scoring record. She was crowned game MVP.
ESPN points out that Parker stepped up.
Parker and her two Sparks teammates proved crucial down the stretch for the West. Toliver had 19 points, and said “Being here this weekend was a lot of joy. It was humbling to be here but I feel like I belong.”
The mood was light and humorous from the player introductions. Arguably, Maya Moore’s performance of the worm was the best intro.
Players “video bombed” on-camera interviews. My personal favorite today was Shavonte Zellous shimmying into league president Laurel Richie’s interview.
Other humorous stand out moments:
– Ivory Latta and Zellous cut up on the East bench, making viewers laugh too.
– Angel McCoughtry drove to the rack for an incredible bucket, came at the camera flexing her biceps, and then kissed one of them.
– Parker spun around for an insane basket, and then curved her arms in front of her, bodybuilder-style, and grimaced until Toliver jumped up and slapped her shoulder. She then busted out a grin.
– At halftime, Diana Taurasi discussed veteran Tina Thompson’s replacement of her teammate, Brittney Griner. She said, “we don’t need BG – we’ve got Tina.” Griner threw something at her back.
– Rebecca Lobo sat on the East bench during the first half, and appointed assistant coach Mickie DeMoss the “translator” for coach Lin Dunn. Having Dunn mic’d up for portions of the game was fun.
– Griner being asked at halftime if she’d play defense in the all-star game, and her response: “Why not? I’d be honkin’ down!”
– Parker to ESPN on how to act after a great play: “You’ve got to flex, you’ve got to do the duck lips….I forgot the beating my chest part.”
It was great to see everyone having such a good time. Fun is the reason athletes begin playing hoops in the first place.
I’ve scanned the Internet and there are people who are unhappy and/or who are complaining about today’s game, for whatever reason. I don’t care that much because it’s impossible to please everyone. Some people are never, ever satisfied, either. The important thing to me was that athletes were having fun, fans got to see some great skills, and the game was close and not a blow out.
There were plenty of story lines, including Diana Taurasi’s special shoes, which she had made for the game.
Lamont Simpson wore the ref cam.
Both Candace Parker and Glory Johnson dunked during warm ups. Johnson dunk.
Eight players from the former Big East Conference took the court today.
ESPN suggests that the all-star game find a new home.
I suggest Minneapolis or Indianapolis. Fan bases there are rabid and intense. Both cities are more in the middle of the country, which would make athlete traveling more fair.