Thunderous Intentions
Fansided

Top storylines of 2018 All-Star, Part 1

By Tamberlyn Richardson

STUDIO CITY, CA - JANUARY 25: A photo of the LeBron James and Stephen Curry Brand Jordan NBA All-Star Uniforms on January 25, 2018 at CBS Studios in Studio City, California. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. Mandatory Copyright Notice: Copyright 2018 NBAE (Photo by Adam Pantozzi/NBAE via Getty Images)
STUDIO CITY, CA - JANUARY 25: A photo of the LeBron James and Stephen Curry Brand Jordan NBA All-Star Uniforms on January 25, 2018 at CBS Studios in Studio City, California. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. Mandatory Copyright Notice: Copyright 2018 NBAE (Photo by Adam Pantozzi/NBAE via Getty Images) /
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NBA All-Star
OAKLAND, CA – FEBRUARY 6: Russell Westbrook /

Are you Team LeBron or Team Steph?

Initially when the teams were selected pundits, analysts and fans all responded overwhelmingly how Team LeBron was going to annihilate Team Steph. Much of this was due to the size and versatility of Team LeBron who had four 7′ bigs who could hit from deep: Kevin Durant, Boogie Cousins,  Anthony Davis and Kristaps Porzingis. Three of the best point guards who offere ball skills, girt and versatility in John Wall, Kyrie Irving and Russell Westbrook.  Plus Victor Oladipo and Bradley Beal who would be streaking down the wings.  Aldridge and Love offered big men talent and then the King himself.

Then Team LeBron stars started dropping like flies. In all four original members fell to injury – DeMarcus Cousins, Kevin Love, John Wall and Kristaps Porzingis fans in OKC were anxious just to hit the break

The addition of Paul George arguably made Team LeBron scarier. And, while Kemba Walker, Andre Drummond and Goran Dragic are all great talents suddenly Team Steph looked to have the edge.

Defense will play a factor:

The sheer number of perimeter sharpshooters, athleticism and defensive assets on Team Steph has seemingly given them the slight edge. My hope is it’s a more competitive game and it would be great to see Russ and PG13 do well at home and in front of their hometown.

The NBA changed the format to make it more defensive and competitive. That’s precisely what will need to happen if Team LeBron want to win. Specifically, they’ll require top notch defense both on the perimeter and in transition. Needing to stop all the three point shooters as well as Antetokounmpo, Butler and DeRozan from driving the basket is going to be a challenge.

As much as I’d like to see George and Westbrook do well, I believe the game is Team Steph’s to win or lose. Ultimately, whichever squad is more efficient from the perimeter (or mixes the perimeter and drives the best) will capture the victory. From my perspective, Team Steph has the better mix of players to make that happen.

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