The NBA All-Star Weekend in 2024 was full of excitement and entertainment for the fans, also the best players in the league showcased their talents in various events. The All-Star Saturday Night featured four events this year: the traditional trio of the Skills Challenge, 3-point Contest, and Slam Dunk Contest, also a new event where Steph Curry and Sabrina Ionescu went head-to-head in a battle for shooting supremacy.
All-Star Skills Challenge: Pacers Dominate with Haliburton’s Heroics
The Skills Challenge was won by the Indiana Pacers’ three-man team, who beat the number-one pick team of Anthony Edwards, Victor Wembemyama, and Palo Banchero in the final round. The Pacers’ team consisted of Tyrese Haliburton, Ben Mathurin, and Myles Turner, who displayed their passing, dribbling, and shooting skills in the obstacle course. Haliburton was the star of the show, as he finished off his run with a self-alley-oop dunk that brought the home crowd to their feet. Mathurin also shined in his All-Star debut e winning the Rising Stars MVP as well.
3-point Contest: Lillard Defends His Crown in a Tight Contest
The 3-point Contest was a thrilling affair which was also arguably the best part of the night. Damian Lillard successfully defended his title in a close competition. To start the competition Lillard faced a field that featured Jalen Brunson, Donovan Mitchell, Trae Young, Karl-Anthony Towns, and hometown star Tyrese Haliburton of the Pacers. In the first round, four players tied at 26 points. The lowest score was 20, as they were shooting the lights out. Then Lillard, Young, Towns, and Haliburton advanced to the second round. They split the time in half for 30 seconds. Lillard and Young tied at 16 points, while Towns and Haliburton were eliminated with 15 and 14 points, respectively.
In the final round, Lillard edged out Young by two points, 26 to 24, to win the 3-point championship. The magic number throughout the 3-point contest was 26, as Lillard scored 26 points in both rounds. Also, Lillard said he is eager to defend his title next year at the All-Star Weekend in his hometown of Oakland.
Shooting Showdown: Curry Beats Ionescu in a Historic All-Star Event
The new event of the All-Star Saturday Night was a shooting showdown between two of the best shooters in the world. Steph Curry and Sabrina Ionescu. Curry, the two-time MVP and three-time champion of the Golden State Warriors, and Ionescu, the reigning MVP and champion of the New York Liberty, faced off in a one-round contest. They had to make as many shots as possible from five different spots on the court, including one from half-court. Ionescu put the pressure on Curry with a 26-point round. However, Curry responded with a score of 29 to win the first-of-its-kind event. Curry scored more than anyone else on the night. He beat Lillard by three points. Maybe we could also see the two superstars compete next year at the All-Star 3-point shootout.
All-Star Slam Dunk Contest: McClung Repeats as Champion
The Slam Dunk Contest was the finale of the All-Star Saturday Night. It had a boost in star power led by Boston Celtics forward Jaylen Brown. Two participants were G League players, which is great for the G League. But one of them might be in the NBA soon. Mac McClung, a member of the G League’s Osceola Magic, successfully defended his title in a four-player field. It included Miami Heat guard Jamie Jawuez and Knicks forward Jacob Toppin. Brown was the first All-Star to appear in the Dunk Contest since 2018. He also made the finals with some impressive dunks.
However, McClung was simply too good, as he won his second straight Dunk Contest title with some spectacular slams, including one where he jumped over Shaquille O’Neal. McClung has won as many NBA Dunk Contests as he has dunks in actual NBA games. The Dunk Contest lacked the same electricity as in past years, but there were some impressive dunks, nonetheless.
The All-Star Saturday Night was a night of skills, shooters, and slams, and is always an entertaining and thrilling showcase. Some of the best players set the stage for the main event. The All-Star Game on Sunday should be just as entertaining as the warm-up is now over as the big game approaches.
About The Author
Drew is a sports enthusiast and has a passion for sports. Also, he has previously written for Stadium Rant and Prep Hoops. For more great content, check us out on X @TotalApexSports. Remember to subscribe to our YouTube channel, where we do several shows daily. Make sure you follow us on NewsBreak as well.