2019 NBA All-Star Game
The 2019 NBA All-Star Game was the 68th edition of the National Basketball Association's annual mid-season exhibition game, held on February 17, 2019, at the Spectrum Center in Charlotte, North Carolina, featuring a matchup between Team LeBron, captained by LeBron James of the Cleveland Cavaliers (later traded to the Los Angeles Lakers), and Team Giannis, captained by Giannis Antetokounmpo of the Milwaukee Bucks, selected via the league's player draft format introduced the previous year; Team LeBron rallied from a 20-point second-half deficit to defeat Team Giannis 178–164, with Kevin Durant of the Golden State Warriors earning most valuable player honors for his 31 points, 7 rebounds, and 6 assists.[1][2] The event represented Charlotte's return as All-Star host after the NBA relocated the 2017 game to New Orleans in response to objections from league officials and players regarding North Carolina's House Bill 2, enacted in 2016 to mandate use of public restrooms and changing facilities corresponding to an individual's biological sex as indicated on their birth certificate, thereby overriding local anti-discrimination ordinances; partial repeal of the law later that year facilitated the awarding of the 2019 All-Star Weekend to the city, which included the Rising Stars Challenge, skills competitions, and three-point contest alongside the main game.[3][4] Notable for high-scoring play and standout performances from Golden State Warriors stars—Durant as MVP, alongside Stephen Curry's 26 points including a barrage of three-pointers and Klay Thompson's contributions— the game underscored the defensive laxity typical of All-Star exhibitions while highlighting the draft format's emphasis on star power over traditional conference rivalries; attendance reached 18,359, with global broadcast reaching fans in 215 countries.[5][2][6]Host Selection and Background
Venue, Date, and Selection Process
The 2019 NBA All-Star Game took place on Sunday, February 17, 2019, at the Spectrum Center, the home arena of the Charlotte Hornets in Charlotte, North Carolina.[1][7] The event marked the 68th edition of the league's midseason showcase.[7] Charlotte was originally awarded the 2017 All-Star Game in 2015, but the NBA relocated it to New Orleans in 2016 amid concerns over North Carolina's House Bill 2, a state law restricting local nondiscrimination ordinances and bathroom access based on biological sex.[8] Following a 2017 legislative compromise that partially repealed HB2 and restored Charlotte's eligibility, the NBA announced on May 24, 2017, that the city would host the 2019 event at Spectrum Center.[9][8] The selection reflected the league's evaluation of venue facilities, local infrastructure, and market appeal, with Spectrum Center—opened in 2005 and renovated in 2016—meeting technical requirements for the game and associated weekend events.[9] This decision came after the NBA's typical host selection process, which involves internal review by league executives and the Board of Governors, prioritizing cities with NBA franchises, modern arenas, and capacity for large-scale fan and media operations.[8]Political and Social Controversies in Host Selection
The selection process for the 2019 NBA All-Star Game was intertwined with the league's prior relocation of the 2017 event from Charlotte, North Carolina, originally awarded in 2015, due to House Bill 2 (HB2). Enacted on March 23, 2016, HB2 mandated that individuals use public restrooms and changing facilities corresponding to their biological sex as indicated on their birth certificates, while also preempting local governments from enacting broader anti-discrimination ordinances covering sexual orientation and gender identity.[4][10] The legislation responded to a February 2016 Charlotte city ordinance that permitted transgender individuals to access facilities aligning with their gender identity rather than biological sex, prompting state lawmakers to standardize regulations statewide amid concerns over privacy and safety in sex-segregated spaces.[11] NBA Commissioner Adam Silver announced the 2017 game's relocation to New Orleans on July 21, 2016, stating that HB2 "challenges the values of inclusion... and does not reflect the league’s belief in providing a safe, comfortable and welcoming environment for all."[12][13] The decision followed months of dialogue with North Carolina officials and drew praise from LGBTQ advocacy groups like the Human Rights Campaign for prioritizing inclusivity, but criticism from conservatives who viewed it as corporate overreach into state legislative matters and an infringement on democratic processes.[14][15] Former Governor Pat McCrory, who signed HB2, argued the NBA's stance ignored the bill's intent to protect women and children from potential risks associated with self-identified access to opposite-sex facilities, and he later highlighted the league's selective activism by contrasting it with its operations in China, where human rights issues including restrictions on gender expression persisted without similar boycotts.[15] In March 2017, North Carolina's legislature repealed HB2 through House Bill 142, effective March 30, removing the bathroom provision but retaining preemption of local LGBTQ-specific ordinances until January 1, 2021, and deferring broader protections to the state level.[16] The NBA subsequently announced on May 24, 2017, that Charlotte's Spectrum Center would host the 2019 All-Star Game on February 17, citing "meaningful progress" in addressing the prior concerns.[17][18] This return sparked renewed debate: LGBTQ organizations such as Equality NC condemned it as premature, asserting the compromise enshrined discrimination by blocking municipal protections and failing to ban discrimination based on sexual orientation or gender identity statewide.[19] Conversely, business leaders in Charlotte welcomed the economic boost—estimated at over $100 million from the 2017 relocation's absence—while some critics, including McCrory, decried the NBA's reversal as opportunistic, yielding to partial changes driven by economic pressure rather than principled resolution.[20][15] Silver defended the decision by emphasizing ongoing monitoring of state developments, though detractors pointed to the league's inconsistent application of social standards, as evidenced by its continued engagement with international markets lacking equivalent protections.[11]All-Star Game Format and Preparation
Draft Process and Televised Innovation
The NBA introduced a new All-Star Game format in 2018, replacing traditional East-West conference teams with a draft system where the two highest fan vote-getters in each conference served as captains to select mixed rosters, aiming to foster greater competitiveness and player engagement. For the 2019 event, this draft process marked the first time it was televised live, following an agreement between the NBA and the National Basketball Players Association announced on November 7, 2018, to broadcast the selections for increased fan interest and transparency.[21][22][23] The 2019 draft occurred on February 7, 2019, during a special edition of TNT's Inside the NBA program, featuring captains LeBron James (Cleveland Cavaliers, Eastern Conference leading vote-getter with 5,680,678 fan votes) and Giannis Antetokounmpo (Milwaukee Bucks, Western Conference leading vote-getter with 4,602,029 fan votes).[24][25] James, as the incumbent captain from the previous year, received the first overall pick via a predetermined rule favoring the prior season's host conference representative, selecting Kevin Durant (Golden State Warriors) to start Team LeBron.[26][27] Antetokounmpo then chose Stephen Curry (Golden State Warriors) first for Team Giannis, initiating an alternating selection process that continued with on-air banter and analysis from hosts Shaquille O'Neal, Charles Barkley, Ernie Johnson, and Kenny Smith.[28][29] The structured draft prioritized balance by requiring the first four picks to come from the pool of eight other elected starters (excluding the captains), followed by selections from the 14 reserves, with each captain ultimately assembling a 12-player roster including themselves.[27][25] This televised format, broadcast nationally on TNT and available via streaming on NBA League Pass, generated real-time excitement and minor controversies, such as Barkley's playful criticism of certain picks, while revealing player preferences and team-building dynamics not visible in prior secret drafts.[30][31] The innovation extended the All-Star Weekend's entertainment value, drawing an estimated audience to the live event and setting a precedent for future broadcasts, though some players and analysts noted potential awkwardness in public selections.[32][30]Rosters, Coaches, and Player Selections
The selection of players for the 2019 NBA All-Star Game followed the league's updated format introduced in 2018, eliminating traditional East-West conferences in favor of a draft system. Starters were determined by a weighted voting process: 50% from fan votes, 25% from current NBA players, and 25% from a media panel, with the top vote-getter in each conference serving as a captain alongside the overall top vote-getter.[33] The starter pool consisted of eight players—two guards and three frontcourt players per conference—announced on January 24, 2019, with LeBron James (Los Angeles Lakers) and Giannis Antetokounmpo (Milwaukee Bucks) named captains due to receiving the highest votes overall and in their respective conferences.[33] Reserves—seven players per conference, comprising two guards, three frontcourt players, and two wild cards—were selected by NBA head coaches, who could not vote for their own players, and announced on January 31, 2019.[34] This group included repeat All-Stars like Russell Westbrook and newcomers such as Trae Young, though some selections drew debate over omissions like Luka Dončić.[34] Captains James and Antetokounmpo then drafted teams on February 7, 2019, in a televised event, selecting from the full pool of 22 players (excluding themselves initially) in a serpentine order, with the first eight picks designated as starters; a post-draft trade swapped Ben Simmons to Team LeBron for Westbrook to Team Giannis.[25] Due to injuries, the NBA added retiring veterans Dwyane Wade (Miami Heat) to Team LeBron and Dirk Nowitzki (Dallas Mavericks) to Team Giannis as special selections.[25]| Team LeBron Starters | Position | Team |
|---|---|---|
| LeBron James (Captain) | Forward | Los Angeles Lakers |
| Kevin Durant | Forward | Golden State Warriors |
| Kawhi Leonard | Forward | Toronto Raptors |
| Kyrie Irving | Guard | Boston Celtics |
| Anthony Davis | Center | New Orleans Pelicans |
| Team LeBron Reserves | Position | Team |
|---|---|---|
| James Harden | Guard | Houston Rockets |
| Damian Lillard | Guard | Portland Trail Blazers |
| Klay Thompson | Guard | Golden State Warriors |
| Kyle Lowry | Guard | Toronto Raptors |
| Ben Simmons (via trade) | Guard | Philadelphia 76ers |
| LaMarcus Aldridge | Forward | San Antonio Spurs |
| Karl-Anthony Towns | Center | Minnesota Timberwolves |
| Dwyane Wade (special) | Guard | Miami Heat |
| Team Giannis Starters | Position | Team |
|---|---|---|
| Giannis Antetokounmpo (Captain) | Forward | Milwaukee Bucks |
| Stephen Curry | Guard | Golden State Warriors |
| Joel Embiid | Center | Philadelphia 76ers |
| Paul George | Forward | Oklahoma City Thunder |
| Kemba Walker | Guard | Charlotte Hornets |
| Team Giannis Reserves | Position | Team |
|---|---|---|
| Russell Westbrook (via trade) | Guard | Oklahoma City Thunder |
| Bradley Beal | Guard | Washington Wizards |
| Khris Middleton | Forward | Milwaukee Bucks |
| Blake Griffin | Forward | Detroit Pistons |
| Nikola Jokić | Center | Denver Nuggets |
| Nikola Vučević | Center | Orlando Magic |
| Dirk Nowitzki (special) | Forward | Dallas Mavericks |
Starting Lineups and Game Rules
The starting lineup for Team LeBron, coached by Steve Kerr of the Golden State Warriors, featured guards Kyrie Irving and James Harden, along with forwards LeBron James, Kevin Durant, and Kawhi Leonard.[1] The starting lineup for Team Giannis, coached by Mike Budenholzer of the Milwaukee Bucks, included guards Stephen Curry and Kemba Walker, forward Giannis Antetokounmpo, forward Paul George, and center Joel Embiid.[1]| Team | Guards | Forwards/Centers |
|---|---|---|
| Team LeBron | Kyrie Irving, James Harden | LeBron James, Kevin Durant, Kawhi Leonard |
| Team Giannis | Stephen Curry, Kemba Walker | Giannis Antetokounmpo, Paul George, Joel Embiid |
All-Star Game Summary
First Half and Early Deficit
Team Giannis opened the 2019 NBA All-Star Game on February 17 in Charlotte, North Carolina, with a dominant first quarter, outscoring Team LeBron 53–37 to establish an early double-digit advantage.[1] Giannis Antetokounmpo anchored the surge with aggressive drives and alley-oop dunks, including finishes assisted by Stephen Curry and Kemba Walker, while Khris Middleton contributed multiple three-pointers from deep range, such as 28-foot and 31-foot attempts set up by Antetokounmpo and Kyle Lowry.[36] This offensive efficiency, marked by strong interior play and perimeter shooting, allowed Team Giannis to build momentum through frequent assists and transition scoring.[36] In the second quarter, Team LeBron mounted a partial response, outscoring their opponents 45–42, but Team Giannis extended their lead to a maximum of 20 points at one point before entering halftime ahead 95–82.[2] Antetokounmpo's continued scoring inside, combined with Paul George's perimeter contributions, sustained the deficit despite efforts from LeBron James and Kevin Durant, who struggled to match the early rhythm.[37] The first-half disparity highlighted Team Giannis's superior ball movement and shot selection, setting the stage for Team LeBron's eventual second-half rally.[2]Comeback and Final Score
In the third quarter, Team LeBron began to mount a comeback, outscoring Team Giannis 58-37 to narrow the deficit to single digits.[38] This surge was fueled by improved shooting efficiency, including multiple three-pointers from Kevin Durant, who finished the quarter with key contributions leading into the fourth.[2] Team LeBron completed the rally in the fourth quarter, outscoring Team Giannis 38-32 to secure the victory.[37] Overall, Team LeBron overcame a halftime deficit of 13 points—and a maximum disadvantage of 20 points earlier in the second half—by dominating the second half with a 96-69 scoring edge, resulting in a final score of 178-164.[36][1] This marked the first All-Star Game win for captain LeBron James in the new draft format.[2]Statistical Highlights and MVP Award
Team LeBron's victory over Team Giannis by a score of 178–164 marked the highest combined point total (342) in NBA All-Star Game history at the time, reflecting the event's emphasis on offensive play with minimal defensive resistance.[2] [1] Team Giannis opened aggressively, scoring 53 points in the first quarter—a tie for the All-Star single-quarter record—and making 23 field goals, establishing a new benchmark for most field goals in a quarter.[2] The game's pace contributed to elevated scoring, with both teams exceeding 160 points for the first time in All-Star history, though Team LeBron's second-half surge, including 96 points across the final two quarters, secured the win after trailing by as much as 20.[36] [2] Leading performers underscored the offensive fireworks, as detailed in the box score summary:| Category | Team LeBron Leader | Stat | Team Giannis Leader | Stat |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Points | Kevin Durant (Golden State Warriors) | 31 | Giannis Antetokounmpo (Milwaukee Bucks) | 38 |
| Rebounds | Kyrie Irving (Boston Celtics) | 9 | Joel Embiid (Philadelphia 76ers) | 12 |
| Assists | Ben Simmons (Philadelphia 76ers) | 7 | Stephen Curry (Golden State Warriors) | 7 |
All-Star Weekend Events
Celebrity All-Star Game
The 2019 NBA All-Star Celebrity Game, presented by Ruffles, took place on February 15, 2019, at Bojangles' Coliseum in Charlotte, North Carolina, kicking off the All-Star Weekend events.[39] The exhibition featured two teams of celebrities, entertainers, athletes, and former NBA players, divided into a Home team representing those with ties to the Carolinas and an Away team of national figures.[39] Coached by WNBA legends Dawn Staley for the Home team and Sue Bird for the Away team, the game emphasized fun and charity, with proceeds benefiting local organizations.[39] Broadcast exclusively on ESPN, it showcased a mix of basketball skills and entertainment value from non-professional players.[39] The Home team roster included actors Mike Colter and Terrence J, musicians Chris Daughtry, Rapsody, and Bo Rinehart, comedian JB Smoove, television personality Dr. Oz, social media personality Famous Los, former NBA player Steve Smith, ESPN analyst Jay Williams, WNBA rookie A'ja Wilson, and local participant Jason Weinmann.[39] The Away team featured video game executive Ronnie 2K, Hall of Famer Ray Allen, actors AJ Buckley and Adam Ray, rapper Bad Bunny, comedian Hasan Minhaj, WNBA player Stefanie Dolson, rapper Quavo (defending MVP from 2018), Milwaukee Bucks co-owner Marc Lasry, comedian Amanda Seales, hero James Shaw Jr., and comedian Brad Williams.[39] In a close contest, the Home team edged out the Away team 82–80, securing victory for the local squad.[40] Comedian Famous Los earned MVP honors with 22 points, 2 rebounds, and 3 assists, providing standout plays that energized the crowd and contributed to the narrow win.[40] Quavo led all scorers with 27 points for the Away team, demonstrating sharp shooting despite the loss, while Ray Allen added veteran presence with defensive efforts and scoring.[41] The game's competitive finish highlighted the participants' enthusiasm, though the emphasis remained on entertainment rather than professional-level play.[41]Rising Stars Challenge
The 2019 Mtn Dew Ice Rising Stars Challenge, held on February 15, 2019, at Spectrum Center in Charlotte, North Carolina, featured a matchup between Team USA and Team World, comprising first- and second-year NBA players.[42] This marked the fifth consecutive year of the international format, with rosters selected by NBA assistant coaches submitting ballots that included at least three rookies and three sophomores per team, excluding their own players.[42] Honorary coaches were Kyrie Irving for Team USA and Dirk Nowitzki for Team World, while actual bench coaching duties were handled by Darvin Ham and Wes Unseld Jr., respectively.[43] The game emphasized offensive showcases over defense, aligning with the exhibition's tradition of highlighting young talent.[44] Team USA's roster included:- Jarrett Allen (C, Brooklyn Nets)
- Lonzo Ball (G, Los Angeles Lakers)
- Marvin Bagley III (F, Sacramento Kings)
- John Collins (F/C, Atlanta Hawks)
- De'Aaron Fox (G, Sacramento Kings)
- Jaren Jackson Jr. (F/C, Memphis Grizzlies)
- Kyle Kuzma (F, Los Angeles Lakers)
- Donovan Mitchell (G, Utah Jazz)
- Jayson Tatum (F, Boston Celtics)
- Trae Young (G, Atlanta Hawks)
- OG Anunoby (F, Toronto Raptors, United Kingdom)
- Deandre Ayton (C, Phoenix Suns, Bahamas)
- Bogdan Bogdanović (G, Sacramento Kings, Serbia)
- Luka Dončić (G/F, Dallas Mavericks, Slovenia)
- Shai Gilgeous-Alexander (G, Los Angeles Clippers, Canada)
- Rodions Kurucs (F, Brooklyn Nets, Latvia)
- Lauri Markkanen (F, Chicago Bulls, Finland)
- Josh Okogie (G, Minnesota Timberwolves, Nigeria)
- Cedi Osman (F, Cleveland Cavaliers, Turkey)
- Ben Simmons (G/F, Philadelphia 76ers, Australia)
Skills Challenge
The 2019 Taco Bell Skills Challenge featured eight NBA players competing in a head-to-head, bracket-style tournament consisting of three rounds focused on an obstacle course that tested dribbling, passing, agility, and shooting skills, including three-point shots.[45] The event took place on February 16, 2019, at Spectrum Center in Charlotte, North Carolina, as the opening competition of State Farm All-Star Saturday Night.[45] Participants included:- Mike Conley (Memphis Grizzlies)
- Luka Dončić (Dallas Mavericks)
- De'Aaron Fox (Sacramento Kings)
- Nikola Jokić (Denver Nuggets)
- Kyle Kuzma (Los Angeles Lakers)
- Jayson Tatum (Boston Celtics)
- Nikola Vučević (Orlando Magic)
- Trae Young (Atlanta Hawks)
Three-Point Contest
The 2019 MTN DEW Three-Point Contest took place on February 16 at the Spectrum Center in Charlotte, North Carolina, as part of NBA All-Star Saturday Night.[51] The event featured 10 participants, including five current All-Stars and past champions, in a timed shooting competition designed to test long-range accuracy under pressure.[51] Brooklyn Nets forward Joe Harris emerged as the winner, defeating Golden State Warriors guard Stephen Curry in the final round and securing his first title in the event.[52][53] Participants included Devin Booker (Phoenix Suns), Seth Curry (Portland Trail Blazers), Stephen Curry (Golden State Warriors), Danny Green (Toronto Raptors), Joe Harris (Brooklyn Nets), Buddy Hield (Sacramento Kings), Damian Lillard (Portland Trail Blazers), Khris Middleton (Milwaukee Bucks), Dirk Nowitzki (Dallas Mavericks), and Kemba Walker (Charlotte Hornets).[51] The format consisted of two rounds: a first round with all 10 shooters, where the top three scores advanced to the championship round based on total points from made shots.[51] Each competitor had one minute to shoot 25 balls from five racks positioned around the three-point arc—four racks with four standard one-point shots and one two-point "money" ball each, plus a fifth "streak" rack of five two-point money balls.[51] In the first round, Stephen Curry led with 27 points, followed closely by Joe Harris at 25 points and Buddy Hield, who advanced in third place.[53][54] Defending champion Devin Booker scored lower and was eliminated early, as were other notables like Lillard and Nowitzki.[54] The final round saw Harris shoot 26 points, highlighted by a perfect money-ball rack, while Hield managed 19 points to finish third and Curry scored 24 points, falling just short.[53][54] Harris's victory, achieved with efficient shooting from deep (entering the event second in NBA three-point percentage at 47.2%), marked the first win for a Nets player in the contest's history.[53]Slam Dunk Contest
The AT&T Slam Dunk Contest featured four competitors: Hamidou Diallo of the Oklahoma City Thunder, Dennis Smith Jr. of the New York Knicks, Miles Bridges of the Charlotte Hornets, and John Collins of the Atlanta Hawks.[55] The event followed a standard two-round format, with each participant attempting two dunks in the first round, scored on a scale of 0 to 10 by a panel of five judges (maximum 50 points per dunk). The two highest combined scores advanced to the final round for two additional dunks, where the highest total score determined the winner.[55] [56] In the first round, Diallo posted the highest score of 98 points, highlighted by a perfect 50 for leaping over 7-foot-1 Shaquille O'Neal seated courtside, grabbing the ball mid-air, and hanging on the rim by his elbow while wearing a Superman shirt.[57] [56] Smith Jr. advanced with 95 points, including a 50 for dunking over rapper J. Cole. Bridges scored 83, with a 50 on a 360-degree windmill lob off the backboard, while Collins totaled 82 on dunks over an airplane propeller and a between-the-legs reverse.[56]| Participant | Dunk 1 Score | Dunk 2 Score | Total |
|---|---|---|---|
| Hamidou Diallo | 48 | 50 | 98 |
| Dennis Smith Jr. | 45 | 50 | 95 |
| Miles Bridges | 33 | 50 | 83 |
| John Collins | 40 | 42 | 82 |