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.
Ja Morant takes in the crowd’s appreciation of his first-time All-Star status. (Photo: Terry Davis/The New Tri-State Defender)
Ja Morant is at home on a basketball floor, including the one for the All-Star Game. (Photo: Terry Davis/The New Tri-State Defender)
Ja Morant, who has ruled scoring in the paint this season, gives Milwaukee center Giannis Antetokounmpo a close up view of his soaring ability. (Photo: Terry Davis)
When Ja Morant is dribbling he is a man on a mission. (Photo: Terry Davis/The New Tri-State Defender)
Ja Morant takes his place ahead of the playing of the National Anthem. (Photo: Terry Davis/The New Tri-State Defender)
The “little” big men: Atlanta’s Trey Young and the Grizzlies’ Ja Morant. (Photo: Terry Davis/The New Tri-State Defender)
George “Iceman” Gervin was among the 75 players selected as the best in the NBA’s 75-year history. (Photo: Terry Davis/The New Tri-State Defender)
Former New York Knicks star center Patrick Ewing is one of the Top 75. (Photo: Terry Davis/The New Tri-State Defender)
Clyde “The Glide” Drexler, who won championships with Houston. (Photo: Terry Davis/The New Tri-State Defender)
Dirk Nowitzki, former Dallas Mavericks star and Hall of Famer. (Photo: Terry Davis/The New Tri-State Defender)
Stephen Curry, Dwayne Wade and Carmelo Anthony take in the appreciation for their Top 75 selections. (Photo: Terry Davis/The New Tri-State Defender)
Stephen Curry was booed throughout the weekend by the Cleveland fans, who remember how he personally ended the hometown Cavaliers’ hopes for a championship twice. (Photo: Terry Davis/The New Tri-State Defender)
Stephen Curry scored a game-high 50 points, just two points short of the All-Star Game record of 52 points by Anthony Davis, and netted the MVP trophy. (Photo: Terry Davis/The New Tri-State Defender)
LeBron James finished with 17 points, including the game winner. (Photo: Terry Davis/The New Tri-State Defender)
Charles Barkley (left) and Carmelo Anthony are among the forwards on the list of the NBA’s Top 75 players of all time. (Photo: Terry Davis/The New Tri-State Defender)
Comedian J.B. Smoove (left) introduced the forwards included among the Top 75 players in the history of the NBA. (Photo: Terry Davis/The New Tri-State Defender)
Ja Morant leaves the All-Star Game court with his signature smile. (Photo: Terry Davis/The New Tri-State Defender)