Last night's NBA All-Star Game in Chicago saw Team LeBron defeat Team Giannis 157-155 under an experimental new scoring system that was a "hit with players and fans." The game began with a "general nonchalance bordering on boredom taking hold for two quarters." But that "changed in the third quarter and disappeared completely in the fourth, when strategy and foul calls entered the fray" (CHICAGO TRIBUNE, 2/17). One of the most "exciting fourth quarters in All-Star history came as a result of the league's newly designed format" (USA TODAY, 2/17).
The presence of the late Kobe Bryant and David Stern were "felt throughout the weekend" (CBSSPORTS.com, 2/17). The United Center lights were "dimmed with shades of purple and gold as Magic Johnson began a pregame ceremony by asking the crowd to stand and hold hands during an eight-second moment of silence." Johnson also "noted the influence of Stern" (CHICAGO TRIBUNE, 2/17). Bryant jerseys were "visible throughout the stands, including in the courtside seats," where Allen Iverson "wore a yellow No. 8 Lakers jersey" (WASHINGTON POST, 2/17). Despite the All-Star Game being in Michael Jordan's hometown, with LeBron James and Giannis Antetokounmpo serving as captains, the weekend was, "understandably, overshadowed by Bryant" (AP, 2/16).
