When the NBA announced that it was going to play the All-Star game after all, there were rumblings among players —including some who were eventually selected for the teams. There were concerns about the risk of COVID-19 infections and also how the game would add to the already heavy 2020-2021 schedule.
Now, with the game set for 8 p.m. Sunday on TNT, there’s a new recognition of what an honor it is to be selected —and play— in the mid-season classic. For the three Nets selected— Kevin Durant to his 11th game, James Harden to his ninth and Kyrie Irving to his seventh— the game will not be taken for granted.