(Trent Nelson | The Salt Lake Tribune) Utah Jazz owner Ryan Smith and Karl Malone during the NBA All-Star Game in Salt Lake City on Sunday, Feb. 19, 2023.
Jayson Tatum Wins MVP As Team Giannis Beats Team LeBron
Jayson Tatum hosted a record-breaking show and made Giannis Antetokounmpo look like a genius.
Tatum scored an All-Star Game-high 55 points, and Team Giannis ended LeBron James’ hold on All-Star captain supremacy by beating Team LeBron 184-176 in the annual NBA exhibition on Sunday night.
Tatum had 27 points in the third quarter, another All-Star Game record for any span. He was Antetokounmpo’s first pick in the starters portion of the All-Star Draft, and in the end, that pick turned out to be the right one.
It was James’ first loss in six times as captain. Antetokounmpo improved to 1-2 in his All-Star captaincies.
Donovan Mitchell added 40 for Team Giannis, who got 26 points from Damian Lillard – including the game-winner to push his team past the target score.
Jaylen Brown scored 35 points and 14 rebounds for Team LeBron, while Kyrie Irving had 32 points and 15 assists and Joel Embiid finished with 32 points.
Lillard, the 3-point contest winner on All-Star Saturday Night, made eight 3s — including a half-court pull-up in the third quarter.
– The Associated Press
Charles Barkley calls Salt Lake City a ‘boring’ city
On TNT, Charles Barkley and Shaquille O’Neal were talking about their stay in Salt Lake City this weekend.
As for Barkley, he thinks Salt Lake is a “boring” town.
“These people are going to heaven,” Barkley said. “There’s nothing to do in this boring town.”
O’Neal apparently agreed, saying he had “never eaten so much room service in (his) life”.
Travis Scott, Jennifer Hudson and Spike Lee among the celebrities of the All-Star Game
Travis Scott, 21 Savage and Janelle Monáe headlined the nearly 44 celebrities who were inside Vivint Arena for the All-Star Game. Lil Baby, Post Malone and Jennifer Hudson were also present.
Several famous athletes have traveled to Salt Lake, including Naomi Osaka, Kareem Abdul-Jabbar, Lindsey Vonn and Julius Erving. Spike Lee, Simu Liu and Vin Diesel were also watching.
(Trent Nelson | The Salt Lake Tribune) Utah Jazz owner Ryan Smith and Spike Lee during the NBA All-Star Game in Salt Lake City on Sunday, Feb. 19, 2023.
Other celebrities on the list include Rick Ross, Ranveer Singh, G-Easy, DK Metcalf, Calvin Johnson, Albert Pujols, Guy Fieri, Pau Gasol, Frances Tiafoe and Tracy McGrady.
Tems, Burna Boy and Rema play at halftime
After a performance by Post Malone and 21 Savage to start the night, Tems, Burna Boy and Rema provided the halftime show.
Vivint Arena sings happy birthday to Charles Barkley
Famous TNT broadcaster Charles Barkley turned 60 on Sunday. During a television downtime, Shaquille O’Neal led Vivint Arena in a Happy Birthday rendition for Barkley. Several mascots came to present Barkely with an assortment of treats.
Post Malone and 21 Savage perform to open the All-Star game
After the first NBA All-Star Draft ended, Utah resident Post Malone took the stage for a brief concert. He was joined by rapper 21 Savage.
(Rick Egan | The Salt Lake Tribune) Post Malone performs before the NBA All-Star Game at Vivint Area, Sunday, Feb. 19, 2023.
Jewel, from Payson, performed the national anthem.
LeBron James talks about Lauri Markkanen and his connection to the jazz star
The NBA’s all-time leading scorer, LeBron James, has given his thoughts on Jazz’s first All-Star, Lauri Markkanen. According to James, Markkanen’s rapid rise this year does not surprise him.
“I think it’s more and more opportunities,” James said. “The talent has always been there since he came from Arizona. He was drafted by the Bulls and you saw the talent. Then he went to Cleveland and you saw the talent there as well. Now, “He’s the centerpiece and the focal point here in Utah. Now he’s able to not only show off his talent, but showcase it even more because they’re going through it a lot. He’s able to do that more often.”
(Trent Nelson | The Salt Lake Tribune) LeBron James speaks during a press conference ahead of the NBA All-Star Game in Salt Lake City on Sunday, Feb. 19, 2023.
Markkanen is in his sixth year in the league, but is having his best season by far. He’s averaging 24.9 points per game, down from a career high of 16.9. He shoots over 40% from the three-point line and over 50% from two. He is approaching a 50-40-90 season.
For James, there is also a little extra connection.
“I always liked him because he wore LeBron shoes,” James said. “He’s always been cool to me.”
Markkanen picked by Giannis Antetokounmpo in All-Star Game
The hometown All-Star was chosen last of the starters by Giannis Antetokounmpo.
He will debut with former Utah jazz player Donovan Mitchell, Jayson Tatum, Ja Morant and Antetokounmpo.
Protests begin outside Vivint Arena hours before tipping
A demonstration marched in front of Vivint Arena two hours before the denunciation. This is a walk designed to support the homeless in Salt Lake City.
The protesters were redirected by police and security, according to Tribune reporter Palak Jayswal.