East 141, West 139

It’s amazing how much defense can make a game better.

For three quarters, the game was filled with lack less D, nice alley oops, a three by Dwight Howard, which actually looked pretty smooth I might add, but never in those first 32 minutes I was truly into the game. Shooter and I watched it together and we were both enthralled by a few plays, but again never were truly into the game.

However, there were a few things that did catch my interest before we got to the fun-filled and tightly played 4th quarter:

1.The Mascots were awesome: From watching Burnie jump around during the Alicia Keys/Shakira Concert to Benny the Bull shooting love arrows at Lebron James and from the Raptor doing the Crypt Walk to Sly messing with the West’s bench, it excited me greatly. I found myself using the DVR constantly just to enjoy the comedic value of all the mascots.

2.Deron Williams, Pau Gasol, Al Horford, and Kevin Durant playing like the game matters: Shooter said it best while we were watching the game, “The reserves always play hard because they have something to prove.” He couldn’t have been more right. The listed players played D all game, hustled, and did what they could to help their respected teams win. Hats off to those guys.

3.Shakira’s Hips and Alicia’s Lips: No explanation needed

Back to the game

The East controlled the game for the most part of three quarters due to Dwyane Wade and Lebron James’ stellar play on both sides of the court. They both combined for 9 steals and 53 points. A possible prelude for future opponents.

Then, the West woke up. They starting playing Defense, fouling hard, getting low, and making a statement. The whole crowd was shocked when Wade took a tumble after Amare Stoudemire fouled him, but that’s what this game needs. Something at stake, not just a competitive edge, a team has to lose more than a number in the loss column. It just gets erased anyway. The transformation of the West D ignited a spark. They went on a run lead by none other Mr Big Shot himself, Chauncey Billups. I just want to say I hate Billups, but man, do I respect his game. He was coming up big, and just when you thought the East were going to pull away, Billups would not only respond with a big bucket, but a stop on the other end. It was awesome to watch, and you could feel it. The whole crowd was getting into it and my attention was magnified as well.

The game was close and the 14 point lead the East once had was gone. However, the East were up 7 with 2:02 to go, and looked like they were in total control. Enter Home Team Hero. Dirk Nowitzki responded with six points, including two free throws that tied up the game with 7 seconds to go. It looked like the game was going into overtime, which would have been awesome, but the East had other ideas.

The East came out of the timeout desperately trying to get the ball to Lebron James, which is the last thing I wanted to happen, but knew it was going to happen; however, the West did a great job denying him the ball and Chris Bosh ended up with it. Bosh drove to the lane with Deron Williams guarding him and drew the foul. Bosh calmly went to the line and drained both of the free throws.

Now, George Karl is a mastermind with coming up with big play ideas in key moments of games. I mean, he has done it throughout his entire career. It was apparent with the play design he drew up for the last play opportunity to pull out the game. Carmelo Anthony came off a plethora of screens to end up with the ball 33 feet away from the basket. Anthony threw up a desperation trey to try and win the game, but it came up way short. Game over, the East win.

The MVP race was between Lebron James and D-Wade. It was close, but Wade’s defense and distribution of the ball put him on top and the fans got it right. I was pleased to see him win. Wade finished with 28 points, 11 assists, 6 rebounds and 5 steals compared to James 25 points, 6 assists, and 4 steals. Wade also had bigger plays in bigger moments. He had a steal that ended a quick 8-0 run with 5:00 left to play that switched the momentum back to the East. It was a huge play and might get overlooked.

All and all, congratulations D-Wade and to all of 108,713 that attended the game. It was a good one and now, is a part of history. I know Mark Cuban and Jerry Jones were pleased and why shouldn’t they, they made more dough this weekend than I will, my entire life. But in all seriousness, it just shows you how good the NBA is now. This is the best talent pool since the mid 90s. Every team has a star and with the draft classes always containing TRUE future prospects, it will only continue. I am happy to witness this as not only an analyst but a fan.

This is The Ref signaling I’m out until next time and remember: We miss calls, you miss layups.