Kendrick: Trash Talk, Fun, Bragging Rights Hog Saturday's Spotlight

[duncan228]

Trash talk, fun, bragging rights hog Saturday's spotlight
By David Kendrick - Express-News

The NBA's All-Star Weekend in Phoenix kicks into high gear at 7 tonight. Here's a guide to the events, all televised on TNT.

H-O-R-S-E

You get a letter if you miss a shot the previous player has made. When you get H-O-R-S-E, you lose.

PLAYER, TEAM — COMMENT

O.J. Mayo, Grizzlies — His 99 3-pointers made lead group.

Kevin Durant, Thunder — Highest FG percentage of three at 47.9

Joe Johnson, Hawks — The veteran member of the compe ion.

Shooting Stars

Each team must make shots from different locations. The team to do so in the fastest time wins.

PLAYERS — CITY

Tim Duncan, David Robinson, Becky Hammon — San Antonio
Win last year gives them all-important psychological edge.

Aaron Afflalo, Bill Laimbeer, Katie Smith — Detroit
Selection of Afflalo over Rodney Stuckey controversial.

Derek Fisher, Michael Cooper, Lisa Leslie — Los Angeles
Will Fisher beat S.A. team on a 0.4-second shot?

Leandro Barbosa, Dan Majerle, Tangela Smith — Phoenix
“Thunder Dan” helped PHX win ’05 Shooting Stars le.

Skills Challenge

Players must complete a timed obstacle course that emphasizes dribbling, passing and shooting.

PLAYER, TEAM — COMMENT

Devin Harris, Nets — Speed won’t be issue for emerging star.

Mo Williams, Cavs — Replaces injured Magic guard Jameer Nelson.

Tony Parker, Spurs — Jump shot improved since he competed in ’03.

Derrick Rose, Bulls — Rookie has great all-around talent, poise.

3-Point Shootout

Shooters try to make as many 3-pointers as possible — out of 25 available shots — in one minute.

PLAYER, TEAM — COMMENT

Mike Bibby, Hawks — Best 3-point percentage of career at 41.3.

Daequan Cook, Heat — Is he legit or stealing Matt Bonner’s spot?

Danny Granger, Pacers — Has emerged as star this season.

Jason Kapono, Raptors — Going for third-straight shootout le.

Rashard Lewis, Magic — Leads contestants with 147 threes made.

Roger Mason Jr., Spurs — Shooting 44.9 percent from long range.

Slam Dunk Contest

The dunkers have their best slams ranked by a group of judges.

PLAYER, TEAM — COMMENT

Dwight Howard, Magic — Will he be Batman this year?

Rudy Fernandez, Blazers — Fans’ votes put rookie in the contest.

J.R. Smith, Nuggets — Replaces hurt Grizzlies F Rudy Gay.

Nate Robinson, Knicks — Won the 2006 dunk contest.

[honestfool84]

lame comments.

haha.

[m33p0]

Daequan Cook, Heat — Is he legit or stealing Matt Bonner’s spot?

[pawe]

Cant wait for the 10 re-dunks with the uncomfortable crowd silence.

[coyotes_geek]

I wasn't aware there was a psychological edge to be had in the shooting stars contest. Yet apparently we have it so hooray for us.

[Chieflion]

The person who stole Bonner's spot is not Dequean Cook. It is Mike Bibby (so what if you hit 41% of threes, Matt Bonner makes 49%).