Image via Richard Mackson for USA Today Sports
Tonight, the NBA presented an all-time awful 40+ minute player intros skit and an abomination of the National Anthem, which they finally decided to follow with a basketball contest between the world's greatest players, also known as the 2018 All-Star Game.
Once the horror show was over, fans were treated to what ended up being one of the more entertaining All-Star Games in recent memory. This year, the league ditched the traditional East vs. West format, opting for team captains based on the fan vote in each conference. So, it was Team LeBron James vs. Team Stephen Curry, much like the last three NBA Finals.
The defensive effort wasn't world class, but it was pretty "intense" for an All-Star Game and noticeably better than the last few outings. There were blocked shots, physical plays, traps, half court presses and even an out-of-bounds call that required official review. In the end, it was Team LeBron that battled its way back and pulled out a 148-145 victory. James, named All-Star MVP for the third time, finished with 29 points, 10 rebounds and 8 assists.
It's crazy to think that Ronnie Fieg, who we once knew as the guy who colored up Asics for David Z, will now forever be known as the designer of a sneaker that was worn by an All-Star MVP. James racked up his numbers in the black floral Kith x Nike LeBron 15 from the "Long Live the King" Collection, which released this weekend. Additionally, DeMar DeRozan debuted his own Undefeated x Nike Zoom Kobe 1 Protro, Damian Lillard balled in Bape and James Harden rocked two colorways of his new signature sneaker.
See what all of this year's All-Stars played in by checking out a special edition of #SoleWatch below.
LaMarcus Aldridge
Shoe: Air Jordan 32 Low "Free Throw Line"
Giannis Antetokounmpo
Shoe: Nike Kobe A.D. Mid "Passion"
Shoe: Nike Kobe A.D. Mid "Greece" PE
Bradley Beal
Shoe: Nike React Hyperdunk Low PE
Jimmy Butler
Shoe: Air Jordan 32 Low "Free Throw Line"
Stephen Curry
Shoe: Under Armour Curry 4 "Flushed Pink"
Anthony Davis
Shoe: Nike Air Max Dominate PE
DeMar DeRozan
Shoe: Undefeated x Nike Zoom Kobe 1 Protro "Red Camo"
Goran Dragic
Shoe: Adidas Crazy Explosive Primeknit PE
Andre Drummond
Shoe: Air Jordan 32 Low "Free Throw Line"
Kevin Durant
Shoe: Nike KD 10 "All-Star"
Joel Embiid
Shoe: Adidas Mad Bounce PE
Paul George
Shoe: Nike PG2 "All-Star"
Draymond Green
Shoe: Nike Zoom Rev 2018 PE
James Harden
Shoe: Adidas Harden Vol. 2 "Vision"
Shoe: adidas Harden Vol. 2 "I'mma Be a Star"
Al Horford
Shoe: Nike React Hyperdunk PE
Kyrie Irving
Shoe: Nike Kyrie 4 "All-Star"
LeBron James
Shoe: Kith x Nike LeBron 15
Damian Lillard
Shoe: Bape x Adidas Dame 4
Kyle Lowry
Shoe: Adidas Crazy Explosive Primeknit PE
Victor Oladipo
Shoe: Air Jordan 32 Low "Free Throw Line"
Klay Thompson
Shoe: Anta KT3
Karl-Anthony Towns
Shoe: Nike React Hyperdunk PE
Kemba Walker
Shoe: Air Jordan 10 Retro "I'm Back"
Russell Westbrook
Shoe: Jordan Why Not Zer0.1 "City of Flight"