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Tag: NBA All Star – English

  • LeBron James gets called out by Draymond Green and other NBA players for NBA All-Star Game decision

    LeBron James gets called out by Draymond Green and other NBA players for NBA All-Star Game decision

    LeBron James has millions of fans, but he also has millions of haters. That’s the nature of the business when you are a globally recognized athlete. Given his high-profile nature and willingness to be outspoken on certain things, each and every one of James’ moves is analyzed by fans and the media.

    So when the Los Angeles Lakers star revealed just hours before the 2025 NBA All-Star Game that he would not be participating, a frenzy began forming. Many saw it coming, but his decision is not sitting well with a lot of his fellow basketball compatriots.

    LeBron defies time 21st All-Star Game proves he’s far from done

    LeBron James faces backlash for sitting out All-Star Game

    Appearing on the TNT pregame show, noted rival Draymond Green mentioned that he wasn’t surprised by James sitting out. But he didn’t like the way James went about it. Former NBA player Jalen Rose felt similarly, calling out James for taking a spot away from another player who could have filled in and actually played. As did Vince Carter.

    Although their opinions are certainly warranted and have logic, the NBA also doesn’t want to set a bad precedent by allowing players to just take the All-Star Game off ahead of time and naming a replacement.

    The NFL does that for the Pro Bowl, with a litany of players choosing to sit out with “injuries”. It has led to a severe deterioration of the Pro Bowl, something that the NBA doesn’t want to happen.



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  • LeBron James vindicated? NBA All-Star Weekend posts insane numbers that rival NFL and the Super Bowl

    LeBron James vindicated? NBA All-Star Weekend posts insane numbers that rival NFL and the Super Bowl

    The 2025 NBA All-Star Weekend has shattered records, posting social media engagement numbers that rival the NFL and even the Super Bowl. With a remarkable 17% increase in social media engagement compared to last year, the NBA is firmly establishing its dominance in the world of sports entertainment.

    This explosive growth comes just after NBA superstar LeBron James made headlines with his comments about the NBA and NFL’s holiday performances. During the Christmas period, LeBron stated that the NBA should be more prominently recognized, even suggesting that the NBA’s Christmas Day games deserve the same level of hype as NFL events.

    LeBron defies time 21st All-Star Game proves he’s far from done

    “People always talk about the NFL dominating the holiday season, but the NBA is just as much a part of that conversation,” LeBron remarked. His statement was a clear call for more respect towards the NBA’s reach, especially during high-profile events like Christmas.

    The numbers speak for themselves: the NBA’s official social media accounts amassed over one billion views during Friday and Saturday night alone. And this figure doesn’t even include additional views from non-league accounts, which only add to the success. The NBA is quickly becoming a major player on social media, with its visibility now on par with the NFL’s most-watched events.

    TikTok Breaks Records with Over 100 Million Views

    TikTok has been one of the primary platforms driving this surge in engagement, with the NBA’s official account marking its most-viewed day ever on Saturday. The standout moment that propelled the views was Mac McClung’s jaw-dropping dunk over the 2025 Kia K5 GT. The jaw-dropping dunk quickly went viral, capturing the attention of fans across the world. As McClung’s feat made waves, the NBA’s presence on social media grew even more powerful, further cementing its place in the sports entertainment landscape.

    Additionally, the Ruffles NBA All-Star Celebrity Game created even more buzz, with a 43% increase in social media conversations compared to last year. The involvement of social media stars like Kai Cenat and Druski played a major role in this increase, as their fanbase amplified the excitement surrounding the event.

    The Excitement Continues with All-Star Game Action

    The NBA All-Star Game continues to break new ground with its innovative format, featuring four teams competing in three high-stakes games. Tonight’s showdown promises to be unforgettable, with YouTube sensation MrBeast hosting a $100,000 challenge between the games. As engagement numbers reach new heights and the night’s action heats up, NBA All-Star 2025 is shaping up to be a defining moment for the league, proving LeBron’s points about the NBA’s growing influence on social media and beyond.



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  • Victor Wembanyama tries to cheat Skills Challenge system with ingenious idea that ultimately fails

    Victor Wembanyama tries to cheat Skills Challenge system with ingenious idea that ultimately fails

    Victor Wembanyama and Chris Paul had high hopes for claiming victory in the NBA All-Star Skills Challenge, but their strategy backfired spectacularly. The duo from the San Antonio Spurs was disqualified from the competition after attempting to skip the shooting requirements, leading to immediate backlash from fans in attendance.

    The controversy erupted when Wembanyama and Paul, instead of taking legitimate shot attempts at each designated station, simply tossed the balls from the racks without making a real effort to score. The crowd at the event quickly noticed their approach and responded with loud boos. Officials wasted no time in disqualifying them, bringing their challenge to an abrupt end.

    It was his idea! Victor Wembanyama explains why they throw away the balls during the Skills Challeng

    Understanding the Skills Challenge rules

    According to ESPN Research, the Skills Challenge requires players to complete shots from three different locations in sequential order. Participants must either make a shot to advance or take three valid attempts before moving on to the next station.

    By ignoring these requirements and trying to fast-track their way through the course, Wembanyama and Paul found themselves out of the competition almost as quickly as they had entered.

    Another tough loss for Chris Paul

    With this disqualification, Chris Paul has now competed in the Skills Challenge six times without a single win. According to ESPN Research, his six appearances are the most in history, double that of any other player besides Spurs legend Tony Parker.

    Meanwhile, the Cleveland duo of Evan Mobley and Donovan Mitchell capitalized on the situation, ultimately winning the competition after outpacing Golden State’s Moses Moody and Draymond Green in the final round. Mobley and Mitchell completed the course in just 1 minute, 0.3 seconds, securing the victory with their sharp shooting.

    Moody had performed well in the first round, but Green struggled with chest passes and three-point shots, failing to reach the final stations before the time expired. The rookie team of Zaccharie Risacher and Alex Sarr also fell short in the first round, missing the cutoff time by just 1.2 seconds.

    While Wembanyama’s first All-Star Weekend continues to generate headlines, his unconventional attempt to cheat the Skills Challenge system is a moment he and Paul would likely prefer to forget.



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  • LeBron James warns that this could be his last All-Star Game: “It's coming to an end soon”

    LeBron James warns that this could be his last All-Star Game: “It's coming to an end soon”

    LeBron James has been a staple of the NBA All-Star Game for the last 21 years. However, with each passing year, the chances increase that next year we will no longer see the “King” leading the cream of the crop of the NBA, and LeBron himself knows it.

    The Los Angeles Lakers forward received his first call to the All-Star Game in 2005, and since then, his name has not been missing a single time from the list of those called up. He has even been named the All-Star Game MVP in 2006, 2008, and 2018.

    This year, with the new All-Star Weekend format, LeBron will be part of Shaq’s OGS along with Stephen Curry, Kevin Durant, Jayson Tatum, Kyrie Irving, Jaylen Brown, James Harden, and Damian Lillard. However, now 40 years old, the King admitted that his chances of returning are diminishing with each passing year.

    Is the end near for LeBron?

    Speaking to ESPN’s Dave McMenamin, James was the first to admit that he doesn’t have much time left to enjoy the All-Star Game as a player. “There ain’t going to be many times left. So you take it all and you don’t take it for granted. It’s coming to an end soon.”

    There has been a lot of talk in recent years about James’ retirement. The King himself has said he can play at a high level for five to seven more years, but he has also said he doesn’t plan to. He explained that he will retire when he no longer wants to put in the effort required to play at the highest level.

    He wants to retire as a Laker

    With no exact date for his retirement, James has said he wants to retire as a Los Angeles Lakers player; however, he signed his most recent extension in 2024, for just two years and $101.4 million. Thus, James will become a free agent at the end of next season.

    While pundits wonder when James will hang up his sneakers, fans are thrilled to see him play once again in the NBA All-Star Game this Sunday.



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  • NBA unveils revolutionary All-Star Game format that looks to change the game forever

    NBA unveils revolutionary All-Star Game format that looks to change the game forever

    In an exciting announcement that promises to revolutionize the annual showcase, the NBA and the National Basketball Players Association (NBPA) have unveiled a brand-new format for the 2025 NBA All-Star Game, set to be held in the San Francisco at the Chase Center on February 16, 2025.

    Breaking away from tradition, this year’s All-Star Game will feature a dynamic mini-tournament with four teams competing in three games, aiming to deliver unparalleled excitement and competitive spirit to the fans.

    Deron Williams builds the perfect NBA player: From Curry’s shooting to LeBron’s leadershipNacho Garca from Las Vegas

    The 24 NBA All-Star selections will be divided into three teams, each comprising eight elite players. The fourth team will emerge from the Castrol Rising Stars game, showcasing the top first- and second-year NBA players alongside standout talents from the NBA G League.

    The twist that everyone was hoping for

    Adding a unique twist to the festivities, the teams will be named after TNT NBA analysts and honorary team general managers Charles Barkley, Shaquille O’Neal, and Kenny Smith. These basketball legends will draft their respective teams live on TNT during the highly anticipated NBA All-Star Draft on February 6, 2025.

    The fourth team, affectionately dubbed Team Candace, will be led by TNT analyst and WNBA icon Candace Parker, fresh off her induction into the Basketball Hall of Fame. The tournament will consist of two high-octane semifinal games and a thrilling championship showdown.

    The winner of each game will be the first team to reach or surpass 40 points, ensuring fast-paced and intense competition. With a substantial prize pool of $1.8 million at stake, each player on the championship-winning team will receive $125,000, the second-place team players will take home $50,000 each, and the players on the third- and fourth-place teams will earn $25,000 each.

    This innovative format is designed to inject new life into the All-Star Game, fostering greater engagement and showcasing the incredible talents of the NBA’s brightest stars. Fans are eagerly awaiting the draft and the tournament, anticipating a weekend filled with unforgettable moments and electrifying performances.



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  • Fans get upset at Charles Barkley for his comments about homelesness and San Francisco

    Fans get upset at Charles Barkley for his comments about homelesness and San Francisco

    The legendary Charles Barkley stirred controversy during the NBA All-Star Game broadcast, where he mocked San Francisco in front of Golden State Warriors player Draymond Green, alluding to the large number of homeless people in the city, saying that ‘you can’t even walk around.’

    Green took it in good humor, saying, ‘you can walk around, but with a bulletproof vest.’ And it wasn’t just San Francisco that was the target of Barkley’s criticism; Reggie Miller, a legend of the Indiana Pacers, also received a comment from Charles saying, ‘This is the last time they’re going to Indiana.’

    Fans are not happy with Barkley

    Barkley’s comments have not been well received among fans, who expressed their dissatisfaction with the legendary player’s remarks on social media, as he mocks vulnerable people, with some even calling on the NBA to sanction Barkley for his insensitive comments.

    This is not the first time Barkley has ranted against San Francisco, as in 2022 during a Warriors playoff game broadcast, he also mentioned the high number of homeless people in the city and the dirtiness.

    The only bad thing about all this rain? It’s not raining in San Francisco to clean up those dirty **** streets they got there. San Francisco, it’s a great city. But all that dirtiness and homelessness, you all got to clean that off the streets.

    Charles Barkley

    Barkley is widely known for his abrasive and confrontational personality, and for these comments, he surely pissed off some people.



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  • Charles Barkley makes fun of San Francisco in front of Draymond Green

    Charles Barkley makes fun of San Francisco in front of Draymond Green

    The NBA All-Star concluded with the Eastern Conference defeating the West by a very high score of 211-186, once again sparking criticisms about the lack of competitiveness in the game and the lack of seriousness with which the players approach the gathering of the NBA’s best players.

    The truth is that the league will have to rethink the upcoming editions to make them more attractive, both in terms of events and venues, with the Indiana Pacers hosting for the first time since the 1980s, with even some commentators expressing dissatisfaction with the All-Star being in Indianapolis.

    Barkley mocks San Francisco

    During the broadcast of the All-Star this Sunday, the legendary Charles Barkley mentioned to Pacers icon Reggie Miller that ‘this should be the last one held in Indiana’ in a mocking tone, Chuck-style.

    Then, Barkley also took a jab at the city of San Francisco in a mocking tone towards his other booth companion, Golden State Warriors’ forward-center Draymond Green, saying the following.

    Hey Reggie. If you had a chance of being in the cold, or being around a bunch of homeless crooks in San Francisco, which would you take? You can’t even walk around down there

    Charles Barkley

    Casually, next year’s All Star will be held in San Francisco at Chase Field, home of the Golden State Warriors. After Barkley’s comments, Draymond Green took it with humor and said “yes you can walk around, yeah, with a bulletproof vest.”



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  • LeBron James brings up Caitlin Clark unprompted when discussing great scorers

    LeBron James brings up Caitlin Clark unprompted when discussing great scorers

    Los Angeles Lakers superstar LeBron James brought up Iowa Hawkeyes guard Caitlin Clark completely umprompted on Sunday while discussing great scorers prior to the 2024 NBA All-Star Game.

    James, 39, was discussing what it feels like when a player is “in the zone” and mentioned how Clark breaking the NCAA all-time scoring record earlier in the week is a prime example of such happening.

    “You seen Caitlin Clark the other night when she broke the record? There’s nothing you can do [defensively],” James said.

    Sabrina Ionescu puts up fight vs. Steph Curry

    The WNBA is making strides in its bid to be entertaining for NBA fans, especially with stars such as Sabrina Ionescu, who was part of All-Star Weekend.

    Ionescu, 26, went toe-to-toe with Golden State Warriors veteran Stephen Curry and looked incredible despite coming up just a bit short.



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  • Kenny Smith and Reggie Miller had a heated argument over the Curry-Ionescu showdown in the NBA All-Star

    Kenny Smith and Reggie Miller had a heated argument over the Curry-Ionescu showdown in the NBA All-Star

    The NBA All-Star gave us a pretty memorable moment with a one-on-one 3-point shooting competition between Golden State Warriors star Stephen Curry and Sabrina Ionescu, one of the best players of the WNBA and a member of the New York Liberty.

    In the end, Steph Curry won the showdown 29-26, with an outstanding performance from Ionescu, giving a great spectacle to the fans in Indiana. However, this duel between arguably the best shooters in their respective leagues sparked some controversy.

    Reggie Miller and Kenny Smith’s argument

    After the duel, Kenny Smith and Pacers legend Reggie Miller had an argument over the Curry vs Ionescu showdown on TNT that made everything a little bit awkward for the audience at home and their co-hosts.

    Here is the argument between both:

    We’ll see more of this in the future for the NBA?



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  • Jaime Jaquez Jr reflects on Slam Dunk Contest experience: “I was nervous when I saw Shaq”

    Jaime Jaquez Jr reflects on Slam Dunk Contest experience: “I was nervous when I saw Shaq”

    In a night that left Dunk Contest fans disappointed once again, Heat rookie standout Jaime Jaquez Jr. made his debut in the event, aiming to make a statement in his first NBA year. However, despite his best efforts, Jaquez fell short of clinching the title, with a daring attempt to leap over NBA legend Shaquille O’Neal ending in a less-than-ideal outcome.

    Following the event, Jaquez shared his thoughts on the experience, shedding light on the nerves and unexpected challenges he faced during the contest. “I didn’t practice jumping over Shaq,” Jaquez revealed, offering insight into the preparation leading up to the competition. “I used Bam for practice. I got nervous when I saw Shaq out there because it’s a big height difference.”

    Jaime Jaquez Jr.’s reaction after the NBA dunk duel: “I didn’t practice jumping over Shaq”Marca.com

    Jaquez used Shaq as a prop in his first dunk that didn’t go as smoothly as he’d hoped. Jaquez struggled to clear the NBA legend in a dunk that received one of the lowest scores of the night. The Heat rookie’s first dunk set the tone for the night as he struggled to get any kind of rhythm and was eliminated in the first round of the contest.

    The Dunk Contest disappointed again

    Despite the setback, Jaquez‘s is undeniably showing his potential as a rising star in the basketball world. His presence in the Slam Dunk Contest represents a significant milestone in his career, providing him with invaluable exposure on a global stage.

    Jaquez performance summed up the feelings of most fans towards tonight’s dunk contest. Mac McClung was crowned repeat champion in an underwhelming rendition of the dying event. Fans only hope that the dunk contest can be resurrected next year with the game’s biggest stars.



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