Sports Talk with Brodes: Embiid & Simmons ASG Performances & the NBA Weekend as a Whole
Ben Simmons and Joel Embiid both participated in the NBA All-Star Game to represent the Philadelphia Sixers. Embiid was a starter for Team Giannis while Simmons came off the bench for Team Lebron.
Simmons provided a ton of spark in his 29 minutes as he finished with 17 points, 6 rebounds, 5 assists, 2 steals, and 1 block. That seems like the type of stat line we see on a consistent basis out of him. He had a scary fall where it looked like the court was wet, but he ended up being okay.
Joel Embiid recorded a double double, scoring 22 points and grabbing 10 rebounds. He had a BEAUTIFUL move on Lebron James late in the fourth quarter as he went in the post and did a little shimmy before knocking down a mid-range jump shot.
The new format left fans very happy. The first three quarters were kind of boring as no defense was being played, but the fourth was phenomenal. Kyle Lowry took charges, Giannis Antetokounmpo blocked James in crucial minutes down the stretch, fouls were being called, and plays were being challenged. The only downfall was the game being decided by an Anthony Davis free throw.
In the dunk competition, I believe Aaron Gordon got robbed with a horrible score by the judges. Derrick Jones Jr put on an unbelievable show, but Gordon should have received a "50" after dunking over Tacko Fall. Also, Buddy Hield won the three-point shooting contest with an epic last second shot.
Overall, it was an exciting game and an exciting NBA Weekend. I think the reason why the game was entertaining was because the players felt like playing hard, not so much the format. If they feel like competing in a normal 48-minute game, it would be just as fun to watch. Kawhi Leonard won the MVP award after dropping 30 points which is now dedicated to Kobe Bryant.