All-Star Game Running Blog

7:53 pm: Welcome to my first annual All-Star Game running diary! Sorry to be copping Sports Guy's style, but someone's gonna have to be ready to fill his shoes. And as such, I just cracked my first beer. I've spent my day procrastinating my spanish essay (finished it in about 30 minutes), because all day I've been watching old All Star Games. Earlier was the 1988, currently I'm watching the 1998. In games full of the best players in the world, Jordan really stands out. Especially in 1988, Jordan was everywhere. It reminded me of Dwyane Wade in the Olympics, only he wasn't being guarded by the 8th player on the Portland Trailblazers, he was being guarded by Clyde Drexler and a young Kobe Bryant.

7:57: In a couple minutes, I'll be switching to the TNT broadcast, just want to comment that Bill Walton and Isiah Thomas did the color commentary for the 1998 game. I think that just about says it.

7:58: Isiah and Walton are all over Kobe. Just all over him. They're already crowning him the next Jordan. By the way, Antoine Walker and MJ were on the floor at the same time. Toine running his point forward routine that he would for those Celtics teams, walks up to the 3 point line and chucks it up. Clank. Grimace.

8:00: Time to switch to the TNT coverage of this year's ASG.

8:00: If you don't want to read about Kevin Durant, you might not want to continue reading from here on in.

8:03: Here comes the pregame show. The past two nights I've watched the NBA festivities, and both nights the girls I am with were constantly questioning why DWade was wearing the "WADE" bandaid under his eye. Wanna hear a joke? The WNBA.

8:04: Decent pregame show. CWebb has proven himself to be awesome. Kenny Smith, nahhht so much. Ernie Johnson is a very good pregame host, largely due to his experience handling Sir Charles.

8:05: Aaaaaaaaaand I'm already done with Craig Sager for the night. But the first interview of the night reminds me to post this amazing clip from Letterman.

8:06: As an externality to my enjoyment to Durant's game, if he turns out to be the player I hope, maybe I won't have to see as many LBJ interviews.

8:07: Two big underlying themes for the night: Amare's last game as a Phoenix sun? Will Shaq stop the game to talk about his relationship with Kobe?

8:09: The only difference between David Stern in 1988 and 2009 is the color of his hair.

8:11: First commercial break, here's a time for my predictions: Kobe and LBJ, although both claiming they will take it easy, really push themselves and we have a great game. Kobe takes down the MVP as the West wins 131-128.

8:12: DWade is talking about how all weekend Kevin Garnett "cutting up" everyone. The only cutting up I can see KG doing is taking axes to locker room furniture. That's my mental image.

8:14: Shaq has the demeanor of someone who is either already out or on his way out.

8:14: Sager's bright red alligator skin shoes are burned into my brain.

8:15: Iverson without the cornrows for the first time in 13 years might actually be the biggest shame of the night. That or the fact that he's in the game...

8:16: Shaq: Kobe! Kobe! How you doing my ex-student???
Kobe: Um...oh hey Shaq.
Shaq: It's so good to see you young padawan hahahaha. What are you up to after the game?!?
Kobe: Oh...Actually I think I'm coming down with...uh...a cold I think I'll probably just head back to my room.
Shaq: That's awful, Kobelaughagus, let me know...(notices Kobe walking away)...wait Kobe where are you going? KOBE! KOBE! I NEEEEEEEEED YOU!

8:19: Great we have Reggie "nobody has ever enjoyed doing commentary with me" Miller in the booth.

8:22: Kobe looks incredibly loose. LBJ looks incredibly tense.

8:22: I watched the new Star Wars show last night. Gotta say it wasn't bad. I probably won't make a habit of reading it, but you'll know I'm really drunk if I'm watching it at the end of the night.

8:29: Tony Parker has that constant "yeah I'm married to Eva Longoria and you're not" smirk on his face.

8:30: And Pau Gasol walks on stage brushing his hair back. I thought they said he improved his toughness.

8:30: I officially take back everything bad I ever said about Shaq. That man can move.

8:33: Amare Stoudemire made the all star game over Al Jefferson and Kevin Durant. Just a reminder.

8:34: DId I mention how much I love NBA players awkwardly moving around on stage? If only Rasheed Wallace was there.

8:39: While I'm being tortured with more pregame nonsense, I'll take this moment to acknowledge this article about Daryl Morey and Shane Battier by Michael Lewis. It is absolutely, definetly, positively, etc. worth a read for anyone who is remotely interested in basketball. (Note: if you're not a NYTimes.com member, you'll need to sign up, which only takes a second)

8:42: Duncan and Kobe, the two guys who vie for the "Best since Jordan" crown, have been doing this all-star thing together for a decade.

8:45: For the record, I cannot believe that Houston is letting Yao play in this.

8:46: Someone please tell DWade that the 3 point contest was last night and no one is going to mind if he actually attacks the rim. Please. Thank you.

8:48: Dwight Howard already with a dunk more impressive than any from the dunk contest, then making his presence felt defensively with a beautiful block on Chris Paul.

8:51: I can't give better accolades to Chris Paul other than that he reminds me of Jordan. Not so much their game because CP3 is a PG and MJ was a SG, but their overall tenacity and attitude towards the game. I say this as Paul steals a ball from KG's clutches penetrates then sets up Kobe for the flyind dunk.

8:52: East up an easy 20-10. Here's to hoping this doesn't get out of hand.

8:54: The Jim Beam girl is a dream.

8:58: Kobe knocks down a 3, LBJ? Bricks one next possession.

8:59: Is it too late to change my MVP vote to Chris Paul?

9:00: Nevermind I'll stick with Kobe.

9:01: Dough Collins is telling us that Shaq is a bad match up for Rashard Lewis. Thanks Doug. Do you think this makes Danny Ferry question Mike Brown's coaching ability?

9:05: How much is Phoenix loving Shaq playing with complete rejuvenation right now?

9:07: This is shaping up to be a very good game. 32-25 West is up. Great, great passing so far.

9:09: The girl watching the game with me just commented that she'd "be up to (Pau Gasol)'s hips."

9:11: Here's to not understanding the G commercials.

9:14: East playing that lineup with Rashard Lewis at center again. I think Mike Brown is trying to kill this game. I will kill him.

9:15: My friend Pat wants me to remind you all that Rondo would be tearing this game up.

9:17: As Pierce single handedly keeps this game alive. Did I mention that I don't like Mike Brown?

9:18: Pierce blowing up right now reminds me, Kevin Durant should be in the game right now, matching him shot for shot. :(

9:21: Time after time........

9:23: Just a reminder, Kevin Durant is awesome. He's been the only highlight so far this weekend, until this game which has turned out to be spectacular.

9:24: Any time the Jim Beam girl comes on tv, we're doing a shot of JB.

9:24: As David West bricks a shot. Where is DURANT!??!?!?!

9:30: I think I'm gonna hate the Jim Beam girl....

9:33: Upon watching the Craig Sager-Dirk Nowitzki interview about the Make-a-Wish foundation, my friend Dave says "I want to hear him say Schniza," and I think it would be about as meaningful as the rest of that interview.

9:36: Pat: how many fake behind the backs will rondo use when he finally makes the asg?

9:37: Those new Microsoft commercials reaaaaaally excite girls. College girls want kids? Who would've thought.

9:41: Bathroom break and I'm back. I was thinking a big reason I like the all-star game is that it's a break from the usual monotony and grinding that has become most NBA games. Don't get me wrong, "the NBA, it's faaaaaaaantastic," but I like a change of pace.

9:45: Paul Pierce and Chris Paul are my first half MVPs. For the record I'm wrong to assign Mike Brown the blame for playing Rashard Lewis at center. Here are the big men for the East: Kevin Garnett, Dwight Howard. I know they lost Bosh, but great job NBA coaches.

9:51: And now I'll be taking rum shots for the G commercials. Depending on NBA commercial contracting, tonight could get sloppy.

9:54: Barack joining in on the half-time festivities.

9:55: I cannot tell you how happy it makes me that the halftime show is John Legend and Juanes as opposed to Corbin Bleu who shamed Durant's brilliant game in the rookie-sophomore game with that halftime "performance." He single-handedly interested millions of teenage girls in Durant though, so I can't complain. For the record, on my 21st birthday, I sang "A Dios Le Pido" by Juanes and "Time after Time" by Cyndi Lauper. So I guess the NBA does care...about me.

10:05: Half-time discussion has revolved around the new waffle sandwich at Dunkin' Donuts. Which brings up the McGriddle, which is amazing (note: cannot eat anymore because I'm a vegetarian). But all of you who aren't vegetarians, please eat one for me.

10:07: Luis Scola- my friend from Argentina

10:10: Here's to the Olympic basketball team and the great game they played in the finals against Spain.

10:13: I was in the bathroom for the initial cake presentation to Bill Russell. Now that I've seen it, just want to comment on a couple things:
1) Bill Russell finally getting his due from the NBA with the award.
2) The Big 3 is awesome. It's a great time to be a Celtics fan.
3) Any time that KG and Bill Russell get together it's really awkward.

10:18: Chris Bosh in a NBA Cares commercial. Just want to make it official that I think he's going to go Vince Carter on us. I hope I'm wrong, but anyways, I don't think Toronto can support a franchise.

10:20: Minute of silence to the snubbery of Kevin Durant and Al Jefferson.

10:21: Iverson throwing the ball over the backboard...I can see Pat right now boiling with rage as someone consoles him that Rondo will make the all star game next year.

10:23: For the record, this year's rookie class is going to be stacked with future borderline all-stars...all of whom will run into the greatness that is Kevin Durant.


10:28: This game is going to get very out of hand once the subs come in and Rashard takes his spot at center again.

10:34: The site of the Jim Beam girl makes me cringe at this point. And it's only been 3 shots of JB. I'll admit I've gone a little soft.

10:38: This game is officially out of hand. GG East.

10:41: The Big Cactus!!! I missed both the original and the replay of the great the pass through Dwight's legs and Shaq's finish. Pat's reaction? "wekjrhfwiwejhrf???"

10:46: Everyone, including me, seems to be mailing the rest of this game in. I promise to you, my sparing readers, that I will not be going Vince Carter like the rest.

10:47: While they're talking about Joe Johnson, my brother DB said that he thinks that JJ is the closest to LBJ in the league. I'm not sure about that, but he's a very complete player.

10:53: I just noticed that my friend Moe was wearing her Steve Smith Blazers jersey, so I threw my Sabonis jersey on. Microcosm of this all-star weekend.

10:55: There's not really much to say about this game any more, except at this point it looks like I'll be right about my MVP vote. Not that important, but it's always nice to beat Pat, whose probably the only person I'm competitive with.

10:59: Just got off the phone with DB,
"The East isn't trying...Mike Brown has done a bad job coaching...Not enough big men in the East...Shaq's the MVP" Gist of the conversation.

11:01: FWIW, I wouldn't be surprised if Shaq won MVP, but I think CP3 deserves it and that Kobe will get it.

11:03: In response to LBJ's huge travel (took 4.5 steps), I got an IM from Pat and a text from DB about it. So I'll post this.

11:04: Awww at the clip of Shaq and Kobe fooling around before the game. It's honestly heart-warming.

11:05: I haven't commented on this new BK commercial, but uh...yeah. One of the girls called it an "annoying commercial." I think that totally validates how great a commercial that is. Or maybe I'm a little drunk at this time.

11:09: The All-Star Game does a really good job of seperating all-stars from superstars. Kobe, LBJ, DWade, Shaq, CP3, PP. Those guys have stood out. Devin Harris, Granger, Joe Johnson, Brandon Roy. Those guys seem just happy to be there. A little disappointed Ray didn't bring back another big game.

11:12: Another G commercial...and I'm not sure if I give CP3 or Kobe the award at this point.

11:16: Terrell Owens with those um.....sunglasses. I wonder what watching an NBA game through red tint looks like.

11:17: Amare potentially capping off his career in Phoenix with a thunderous dunk.

11:19: West 146-East 119. Game over. Awards wrap-up then I'm going to get some pancakes.

11:23: Both Shaq and Kobe are there for the MVP presentation...co-MVP. To quote Pat "the epitome of CUTE..." The NBA: Where CUTE happens.

11:25: You know, for a kinda disappointing all-star weekend, we take two great things away. 1) Durant's official arrival. 2) The end of the Shaq-Kobe saga (hopefully).

Anyways, thanks for keeping up with tonight's running diary, as always if you have any suggestions or anything at all, leave a comment and I'll be sure to take a look and get back to you.