This years NBA all-star game is set to take place this weekend in Houston, TX. Over the years, the all-star game has developed in to a weekend full of events that build up to the big game which features the top ranked players in the eastern conference versus the top ranked players in the western conference.The eastern conference ended its three game skid last year by defeating the west 125-115. Allen Iverson was named the games MVP after scoring 15 points, handing out nine assists, and contributing on defense with five steals. This was the first all-star game since 1981, which did not produce a 20 point scorer.
This will be the third time in the all-star game’s 54-year history that the event will take place in Texas. The last and only time Houston played host to this event was in 1989. During that game, Utah’s Karl Malone and John Stockton helped the western conference cruise to a 143-134 victory in the Astrodome. Karl Malone was selected as the game’s MVP, scoring 28 points and garnishing nine rebounds. Chicago’s Michael Jordan led the eastern conference with 28 points.
This year the eastern conference has to be the heavy favorite with one of the best all-star game starting line-ups within the past few years. Their starters are: Allen Iverson, Dwayne Wade, Lebron James, Jermaine O’Neal, and Shaquille O’Neal. The rest of the players representing the east are: Gilbert Arenas, Chauncey Billups, Chris Bosh, Vince Carter, Richard Hamilton, Paul Pierce, Ben Wallace, and Rasheed Wallace.
The western conference is led by the leagues leading scorer, Kobe Bryant, who is averaging a monstrous 35.2 points per game and who recently scored 81 points, the second highest total in NBA history, against Toronto in late January. The other four starters for the west are: Steve Nash, Tracy McGrady, Tim Duncan, and Yao Ming. Ray Allen, Elton Brand, Pau Gasol, Shawn Marion, Dirk Nowitzki, and Tony Parker are the other players representing the western conference.
The game Sunday is the highlight of the weekend, but there are events held that will be held tonight, Friday and Saturday to keep the avid NBA fans interest until then.
One of the most anticipated pre-game events is the slam dunk competition. Last years slam dunk champion, Memphis’ Josh Smith will defend his title against three young high-flyers: Andre Iguadala, Nate Robinson, and Hakeem Warrick.
New York’s Quentin Richardson looks to defend his three point shootout title this year against the league’s best behind the arch. Vying for the title are former champion Ray Allen, Dirk Nowitzki, Jason Terry, Chauncey Billups, and Raja Bell.