D League All Star Game, halftime festivities review
By Tony Heim
The D League got All Star Saturday festivities underway with an All Star game, Three Point Shootout and Dunk Contest.
If I’m being honest, All Star weekend is overrated as a whole. I love the Dunk Contest as much as anybody, but no other event ever lives up to the hype. So what happens when you take the three centerpieces of ASW and allow D League players to participate?
Exactly what you’d expect. The best shooters were just as good at shooting, the best dunkers were not as good at dunking and the best players were not as good at playing basketball. But dangit it was still fun.
It was a close contest throughout, with the West actually tying the game up with less than two minutes to go. But Game MVP and potential D League MVP Quinn Cook had other plans. He hit two clutch jumpers in the final minute to seal the game for the East, putting the final touches on a 18-12-7 statline. Cook deserves a spot in the NBA, but most knew that before this game. Today just reinforced that idea.
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The game was especially interesting for Thunder fans because we got to watch both Dakari Johnson and Reggie Williams represent OKC. Johnson and Williams, however, couldn’t be further apart in terms of their journey to the game.
For one, Johnson was the youngest All-Star selected while Williams was the oldest. Johnson has yet to make an NBA training camp while Williams has played for five NBA teams in seven seasons. The difference in experience was evident in the exhibition.
Williams played the most minutes for the West, finishing with 15 points, 6 rebounds, 3 assists and 4 steals. The 30-year old played like the vet he is: smart, controlled and steady. This may have been Williams’ last chance to convince a team he deserves a roster spot and that’s exactly how he played.
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Johnson on the other hand played like a 21-year old in his first All Star game. In 12 minutes he scored 4 points on 1-6 shooting. He grabbed three rebounds, recorded a block and tried to play point guard one possession (no really). What matters from this game is the talent that Johnson displayed.
Two years ago when Johnson was at Kentucky he would barely touch the ball on offense. But today he showcased an array of post up moves and a deadly one dribble-spin move from the perimeter. Johnson’s game is developing rapidly and that’s fantastic news for OKC.
The halftime festivities
I’m going to keep this short for one reason and one reason only. It just doesn’t require much time.
A Three Point Contest with guys you’ve barely heard of just isn’t that enticing. Scott Woods beat
The Dunk Contest should not be hurt by less talented players (case in point Derrick Jones Jr.) but it was today.
that d league dunk contest was the worst dunk contest I’ve ever seen lmao
— 💤💤💤 (@idgachuck) February 18, 2017
Out of the four dunks, this was the only noteworthy one.
https://twitter.com/NBATV/status/833056343523069952
In fact, the best dunk actually came during the game.
Ultimately, Troy Williams won the competition over John Jordan.
Now it’s time for the real events tonight.