A testament to the incredible skill sets of our hoops heroes, the annual NBA All-Star Game is thought of as a glorified pickup game, always chock-full of high-flying dunks and highlight-reel triples, with as many celebrities as fans gracing the grandstands. But whether it was the impending retirement of Kobe Bryant or the brotherly love of neighbor country Canada, the 2016 All-Star Game seemed more than ever to mix jaw-dropping play with tear-jerking moments, as former teammates reunited, records were shattered and a legend was given one last shining moment.
For years, the NBA has said that this league is “where amazing happens.” And while that’s surely always been case on the hardwood itself, Sunday proved that what makes the NBA special is the off-court bonds that these players form, in a way that is truly unique to this league. So here are 11 moments from Sunday’s All-Star game that reminded us exactly why we love the NBA.
In Kobe’s final All-Star appearance, he was rightly given the royal treatment.
After getting introduced last and receiving the loudest ovation of the night …
Bryant looked up to the Jumbotron to see this video montage commemorating his career. Magical? We agree, and so did Magic himself, as he was the next to honor Kobe, showering him with praise and wrapping him up in a hug at half court.
Former Miami Heat teammates LeBron James and Dwyane Wade reunited, giving South Beach fans déjà vu with this perfectly timed, predictably acrobatic transition alley-oop.
Everyone wanted a piece of the Mamba, even his West Coast rivals -- and their kids.
Reigning league MVP Stephen Curry made sure to get an autograph ...
... and you had to know that Lil’ Chris Paul was going to get on the hardwood at some point:
Kevin Durant put on a show, and Gregg Popovich did not care -- giving us a glimpse of why he’s our favorite stoic sideline man.
Man of the hour Bryant shared a handful of heartwarming moments with one of his favorite teammates from his golden gold-and-purple days: Pau Gasol.
“Brother” and good friend Gasol spoke before the game about how important it was for him to be at Bryant’s final All-Star appearance. And the former teammates were able to exchange both some love and some light trash talk all throughout Sunday’s contest, despite playing for opposite squads.
ANTHONY DAVIS, MY GOODNESS!
Not to be outdone by duo Bryant and Gasol, Oklahoma City Thunder teammates Russell Westbrook and Durant showcased their own brotherly love with this hand jive for the ages.
Anyone for a 360? The Toronto Raptors’ DeMar DeRozan welcomed the rest of the All-Stars to his club's city with this highlight-reel slam.
Two of the best ever -- the Mamba and the King -- made us laugh, cry and everything in between.
First …
And then …
Naturally, Stephen Curry had to put his mark on the night too, with just ticks remaining on the clock.
In an All-Star game that set a bevy of three-point records, Curry, of course, gave us one more long-range highlight at Sunday’s buzzer. We should’ve known that this was coming.
And when all was said and done for Kobe Bean Bryant, one of the greatest ever was given his props.
All-Star 2016: Where amazing happened.
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