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For those of us who aren't going to be out to dinner with a significant other, this year you can spend the evening with your true love, basketball.
It's All-Star Saturday night, and although the older we get the more gimmicky it seems, we still tune in each year for the entertainment and unforgettable moments that very well could happen. So, let's dive into the events:
Degree Shooting Stars
This year's Shooting Stars challenge should be a fun way to begin the night as usual, with the teams taking on a regional feel. Chris Bosh will compete with Swin Cash and Dominque Wilkins, Russell Westbrook is teamed with Penny Hardaway and Tamika Catchings, Paul Millsap (replacing Anthony Davis) will be joined by Scottie Pippen and Elene Delle Donne and finally Steph Curry is going to be with Sue Bird as well as his dad, former Raptor, Dell.
Obviously Team Curry has to be the favourite as they boast arguably two of the best ten shooters basketball has ever seen, but Team Bosh returns their trio that won the contest last season, so they can't be counted out.
Taco Bell Skills Challenge
The Skills Challenge lost some of it's star appeal with Jimmy Butler, Michael Carter-Williams and John Wall (who I had as the favourite) sitting this one out. There's still a bunch of talented players taking part, and our eyes will all be on Kyle Lowry of course. This year the event has taken on a bracketed format, so that could enhance the competitiveness and feel of what traditionally has been the most boring event of All-Star Saturday night. Other notables competing include Jeff Teague, Brandon Knight and Isaiah Thomas.
Foot Locker Three Point Contest
All things considered, the NBA should of moved this to the final event of the night since it has potential to be the BEST THREE POINT SHOOTOUT EVER. By far the deepest field this even has ever seen will be competing this year as we get to watch both Splash Brothers (Curry and Klay Thompson), James Harden, Kyrie Irving, J.J. Redick, Wes Matthews, Marco Belinelli and oh yeah, Kyle Korver, who's on pace for a ridiculous 50-50-90 shooting percentage line this season. There is a legitimate chance for every competitor to win, so all I have to say is sit back, relax and enjoy watching the best in the world dazzle us all.
Sprite Slam Dunk
Luckily this season the Slam Dunk Contest returns to its original format after the train wreck last season. This year we get a VERY youthful field of contestants to dazzle us. Zach LaVine, Victor Oladipo, Mason Plumlee and the NBA's favourite international darling, Giannis Antetokounmpo will be taking part this season. It should be fun as these young guys will likely try a bunch of new stuff to try to get the crowd hyped and put the judges in awe.
So if your Valentine's Night is going to be spent at home enjoying the All-Star festivities, join us in the comments!