WRITTEN BY: ANDREW EAKES | STAFF WRITER
The 2015-2016 NBA season is on the verge of an amazing record thanks to the Golden State Warriors. They currently hold a 49-5 record, which they share with the 1995-96 Chicago Bulls for the best ever so far.
In the midst of potential history, however, another record was broken.
196 to 173.
This was the final score of the 2016 NBA All Star Game—the highest score recorded in NBA All-Star Game history. The lack of defense is notorious through- out history in past games.
“I am a shooter, so I love offense but when neither team is showing any effort on defense then it’s not fun to watch anymore,” said senior men’s basketball player Sam Okhotin.
Minnesota Timberwolves point guard Zach Lavine impressed the crowd with a dunk he brought through his legs from the free-throw line during the slam dunk competition. Performances like this stand out compared to the actual game due to the athletic ability of these athletes.
Throughout the weekend, athletes signed autographs and celebrities were present such as DJ Khaled, Kevin Hart, Drake and many others.
“I thought it was the best all-star game the NBA has had in a while,” said senior men’s basketball player Judd Welfringer. “The athletes are more talented than anyone we have ever seen so I am not surprised by the score. The dunk competition was my favorite.”
Whether you are there for the game or the festivities involved over the three- day span, you are going to pay.
And pay a lot.
According to NOLA.com, the NBA All Star Game is the highest priced event in all of major sports: $1,159 per ticket on average.
This is only second to the highest average ticket cost behind 2013’s $2,620. “If there is money involved then any city is willing to host the event,” said Women’s Head Basketball Coach Bill Westphal. “To me the game has become a D-League performance that is not about winning, but more friendship and publicity.” While the cost may be expensive, the event gives fans the opportunity to see their favorite players in action.
This all-star game was particularly special because it was the last for Los Angeles Lakers guard Kobe Bryant. Bryant went up against other greats like LeBron James of the Cleveland Cavaliers, Paul George of the Indiana Pacers, and former teammate Pau Gasol for the last time.
The 2016 NBA All-Star game brought athletes together for a long weekend full of long distance three pointers, alley-oop dunks and rivals coming together on the same team.
Scores like this are only found in games like NBA 2K on easy mode. Players driving the lane while defenders stood motionless dominated the whole game. Such a lack of competition makes anyone ask, “Is this game even worth playing?”
While money seems to be the driving force year in and year out, the game slowly ticks on throughout the history books.
photos by TheSun.co.uk
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