As the Grizzlies beat writer for The New Tri-State Defender, I took in the All-Star Game festivities with a trained eye on first-time starter Ja Morant, whose he-has-arrived status as an NBA star was evident throughout the weekend.
The NBA All-Star game again proved it is one of the best of all the major sports, with the class-act observance of the association’s 75th anniversary a case in point.
This year, LeBron James and Kevin Durant selected players as team captains, with Morant drafted by Team Durant.
For the record, Team LeBron edged Team Durant 163-160, with Morant teaming up with Durant’s selections. The rules ensured that the ultimate winners would be the charities represented by the teams, with the winning team’s charity of choice reaping an additional $100,000.
Team LeBron won $450,000 for the Kent State Promise Program and Team Durant secured $300,000 for the Greater Cleveland Food Bank. With 163 the designated number of points to secure the All-Star Game championship title, “King” James hit the game-winner.
Morant scored six points and twice developed what fans (that includes players and NBA legends) most wanted to see from him – spectacular dunks.
This gallery reflects some of the myriad images I took in as I watched Morant assume his spot among the stars of the NBA past and present.
