The Source was in the building for ASW’s kick-off event the Celebrity All-Star Game
For the 11th consecutive year, the NBA held its Sprint NBA All-Star Celebrity Game at the mecca of basketball haven, New York City. Year after year, the celebrity game features a slew of entertainment figures, athletes and comedians showcasing their talents on the hardwood and providing that they can also play ball (well some of them). The Source sent three of its sports writers to Madison Square Garden to give their personal views on the game. Check it out below.
Brandon Scoop B Robinson – What a great weekend of hoops in New York City. The big game was the big East vs. West Showdown on Sunday February 15th. The Oklahoma City Thunder’s Russell Westbrook, of course took home some hardware as the game’s MVP. But do not get it twisted, the weekend was christened on Friday, with a good game of basketball at Madison Square Garden with celebrities galore.
It wasn’t a cute game of hoops either. Folks were really out there playing too. Black Ish’s Anthony Anderson surely took me back to the days where he was Deering High School’s point guard on the NBC TV show Hangtime and Common had me wondering if Queen Latifah gave him some motivation on the court just like in Just Wright, the movie the two starred in a few years back.
As cool as all of that was. I’ve got two words for ya: Mo’ne Davis! Did you see that spin move to the basket on Kevin Hart on Friday?!I know they say there’s too much black on black crime out there, but that spin move was more along the lines of Philly on Philly crime! There was no brotherly love or sisterly affection shown there. For the record, both Hart and Davis are Philadelphia natives and to keep it Philly, that spin move was kind of reminiscent to one of those Iverson crossovers that he did in his Reebok commercials in the late 90s.
The game was decent, I liked that Knicks small forward Carmelo Anthony served as an assistant coach with his now infamous hat and I was also pleased to see Knicks legend and current assistant general manager Allan Houston make a showing at the World’s Most Famous Arena. Lastly, Memphis Grizzlies owner Robert Pera did have a good showing out there on the floor. The guy is young and was having fun.
Omari White –
Pre-game wise, I was fortunate to get a couple of answers from participants who was chosen to play in this game. NBA legend Chris Mullin was able to stop by and to joke with me along with giving his testimonies about being back home in New York City. “It’s a little cold but overall it feels good to be back home in Brooklyn. I was in Brooklyn to do a NBA Fit program but I would take the time out to visit my old alma mater, (Xaverian High School) when I get the chance.
O: Is there anybody in the league that you feel that you can guard?
CM:I couldn’t guard guards when I was in the league…I couldn’t do it now for sure
Another participant I was able to catch up with before the game was Wild’ N’Out’s own Nick Cannon. The MTV2 star lets me in on how he gets ready for his games, what he listens to and how he felt he’s going to do during the game. Nick jokingly says he turns up to Barry Manilow while predicting that he’s going to put up a impressive……2 points. Safe to say the All That/Nickelodean great is just jokes off the stage and even on the court.
During the gametime experience, many of tonight’s celebs really impressed the crowd with their “razzle dazzle” skills. Among them was eventual MVP, Kevin Hart, who was dropping impressive dimes and releasing a arsenal of jump shots on the competition. Meanwhile, little league baseball all star Mo’ne Davis gave the crowd a lot of ooo’s and ahhh’s with her amazing dribbling skills in which one play she made Kevin looked like a lost soul after unleashing a unsuspecting spin move that resulted in a tough finish at the basket. Overall, the NBA Celebrity All-Star event was a success. The NBA and ESPN did a fantastic job promoting the abundance of star power that came out to part take in this event in the “world’s most famous arena”. If All Star Weekend was a success, it’s safe to say that this event was a excellent kick off to another legendary NBA All Star weekend in which it brought out many top celebs to enjoy and admire.
Toronto will play host to next year’s festivities. It’s safe to say Drake and the OVO crew got some heavy blueprinting to do in order to outdo the big apple’s successful turnout. View from the 6……you up next.
Andrew S. –
My First Thoughts??
ESPN and the NBA really outdid themselves with their tribute to the late great Stuart Scott after his loss to cancer. Sage Steele presenting a game ball on behalf of the players to Scott’s daughters was not only meaningful from the players standpoint, but symbolized the love and support the NBA and fans alike have for the family. Very classy NBA
Game-wise, this year was one for the books. There not that many hall of fame NBA players that can say they are an All-Star MVP champ, but actor/comedian Kevin Hart can say it and four times. Other players that really showed out on the hardwood were Tulsa Shock front runner Skylar Diggins, rapper Common and Memphis Grizzlies owner Robert Pera, who surprisingly showcased moves that raised a couple eyebrows in the crowd and had fans wondering if he should get a 10-day contract with a team. Although these names were great, the one player that really stole the show was Little League World Series phenom Mo’ne Davis.
Showing off her knack for the game, Mo’ne was clearly the player everybody had their eyes fixated on. After putting Kevin Hart in the mix numerous times, Mo’ne wow’ed the crowd with a memorable spin move to the rim which left Kevin Hart stunned and in return, demanded a standing ovation from everybody in the building. This night was def one for the books.
Check out some flicks below from the night provided by Eric Salvary:
If you want to talk Hip Hop, sports and entertainment, be sure to catch Drew, Scoop B and Omari on twitter!
