So, to date, my favorite all-star game is still Magic's show in '92, and my favorite all-star dunk is MJ's classic take-off from the freethrow line, although Vinsanity and J Rich's were impressive for their sheer explosion and entertainment factor alone.  I've always held the highest regard for the All-Star weekend, because it's what NBA fans look forward to, the show from the best of the best. 

However, this year's presentation lacked something for me, or perhaps a few over-the-top gimmicks over-stepped my own limits.  I somehow cannot comprehend the latest designation for dual MVP, despite my allegiance to superstar players Kobe and Shaq.  What exactly is a shared MVP award?  I question whether this somehow devalues the title of all-star MVP itself.  Of course, it's supposed to give you a feel-good, warm, camaraderie type of feeling that some headlines have compared to "rekindling a long-doused flame" and even so far as "Shaq+Kobe=BFF(Best Friends Forever)".  Was this all a well-thought-out ploy to give the media a great story to write off of?  As a devoted basketball fan, who credits the best years of NBA entertainment to the 80s-90s, I find myself a little puzzled that today's panel can vote on two, rather than one.  Maybe I'm the minority on this, but I think they should implement a rule that establishes some sort of tie breaker, so that it's always THE MVP not MVP(s).   Don't get me wrong though, nothing but love for both players.  I definitely praise fantastic NBA players for the show they put on the court.  I'm just having a hard time jumping on the wagon for this force-fed Kobe-Shaq reunion of greatness. 

Not to say the West didn't have a tremendous game last night, ousting the East, 146-119.  There were good moments but I still feel a little let down by some of the theatrics and heavy marketing push from all ends.  Not sure why that would affect me, when I've come to follow the NBA and it's commercial influence.  In fact, I usually volunteer myself as a victim of NBA brainwashing.  I actually WANT most of the stuff they advertise!  Alas, I wasn't impressed much by the competitive segment on Saturday either, which is a shame because the Slam Dunk and 3-point competition have been my longstanding favorites in the past.  This is going to sound a little sad, but my favorite highlight of the All Star festivities this year, was Nate Robinson's kicks - a special pair of lime green Foamposite Lites.  Yes, it was a pair of shoes, not a spectacular play, that won my heart this weekend.  Pictured below, Krypto-nate in his mean green's and his dunk over Dwight.