This year’s NBA All-Star Game turned out to be compelling and interesting, unlike several of the games we’ve had the last few seasons. I’ve actually found myself thinking about the last play of the 2018 game -- a defensive stop around the three-point line with arguably the best three-point shooter of all time trying to get a shot off! -- multiple times over the last two weeks. The two teams found some motivation, and while they didn’t really sustain their engagement for 48 minutes, the All-Star Game was clearly more worthwhile than it has been for years.
The All-Star Game is ostensibly a celebration of the NBA’s stars, the opportunity for one night only to unite what is usually a spread-out league.