The second night of the 2022 NBA All-Star weekend was certainly an interesting experience. After last year’s condensed format, fans got to enjoy a return to normalcy and it was refreshing to see some of the NBA’s most beloved and classic events return to their former glory.
Despite some controversy about the quality and excitement of certain moments, there was definitely a lot of fun to be had.
All-in-all, it was an exciting time for fans, and Twitter was bursting with reactions all night.
It all started with the skills challenge, which involves a variety of steps that includes dribbling, passing, and shooting. It’s by far the most controversial event, as many fans expressed a desire to see the format changed.
https://twitter.com/910Cole/status/1495205684702584836
This skills challenge isn’t entertaining man we want a 1 on 1 tournament @NBA
— KenHeLive (@KenHeLive) February 20, 2022
This skill challenge trash
— 👑ᏦɪɴᏩ💫Ꮢᴇx (@J_Wop7) February 20, 2022
@NBAonTNT skills challenge 2022 pic.twitter.com/dabeflmw5J
— Baby Bendal💚 (@Kendaleerr) February 20, 2022
Nevertheless, it was a close and hard-fought match between Team Cavs, Team Antetokounmpo, and Team Rooks.
https://twitter.com/NBAonTNT/status/1495206904166973443
Team Cavs took the win.
Team Cavs is keeping the #TacoBellSkills trophy in 'The Land' thanks to some timely half-court shooting by Evan Mobley! 🏆 pic.twitter.com/ZcKCMko4gQ
— NBA (@NBA) February 20, 2022
Next up was the three-point contest, which has grown in popularity over the years. With perimeter shooting having more importance than ever, the NBA has no shortage of talented marksmen.
This year, the All-Star shootout was between Zach LaVine, Karl-Anthony Towns, Patty Mills, Fred VanVleet, CJ McCollum, Trae Young, Luke Kennard, and Desmond Bane.
Luke Kennard won the first round with 28 points. He joined Karl-Anthony Towns and Trae Young to the final round.
Luke Kennard is the early leader in Round 1 of #MtnDew3PT with a score of 28!
4 shooters left, top 3 advance.#NBAAllStar #StateFarmSaturday pic.twitter.com/YgPWhfw3Mk
— NBA (@NBA) February 20, 2022
Karl-Anthony Towns shocked the world by winning the final round, where outscored Trae and Kennard with 29.
🚨 Karl-Anthony Towns opens the final round of #MtnDew3PT with 29! 🚨
2 shooters left on TNT. #NBAAllStar #StateFarmSaturday pic.twitter.com/lyfAOUv6Es
— NBA (@NBA) February 20, 2022
GREATEST BIG SHOOTER OF ALL TIME
— JBHOOPS (@JBHOOPSYT) February 20, 2022
https://twitter.com/dosnetadon/status/1495229393828028416https://twitter.com/davie_kingler/status/1495229699152302083
Best big man shooter ever
— Matt Olszewski⚽️ (@SVMatt14) February 20, 2022
The NBA dunk contest closed the night. Despite some claiming the quality has dropped over the years, it remains the most anticipated part of All-Star Saturday.
This year did not disappoint.
Cole Anthony opened the competition, and he brought out Timbs for his first dunk.
https://twitter.com/NBAonTNT/status/1495237461642862593
Juan Toscano-Anderson followed it up with a windmill over Andrew Wiggins.
Juan Toscano-Anderson windmills over @warriors teammate Andrew Wiggins!#StateFarmSaturday #NBAAllStar #ATTSlamDunk on TNT pic.twitter.com/AWlAozvSrW
— NBA (@NBA) February 20, 2022
Obi Toppin delivered a beautiful-looking behind-the-back slam.
The degree of difficulty here is HIGH for Obi Toppin! #ATTSlamDunk on TNT pic.twitter.com/5tWaxs9lUT
— NBA (@NBA) February 20, 2022
Then there was Jalen Green, who pulled off this masterpiece.
That was IMPRESSIVE, Jalen Green 🔥#ATTSlamDunk on TNT pic.twitter.com/BtyENlhVEw
— NBA (@NBA) February 20, 2022
Obi Toppin ended up with the win for this impressive move.
Obi Toppin goes through the legs and taps the backboard with the ball to WIN #ATTSlamDunk! 🏆#NBAAllStar #StateFarmSaturday pic.twitter.com/nsf39DHLEk
— NBA (@NBA) February 20, 2022
Unfortunately, fans couldn’t help but admit something felt off about the dunk competition this year.
Let’s never talk about that dunk contest again. It never happened.
— Bill Simmons (@BillSimmons) February 20, 2022
A dunk contest without any 50s. Im sick to my stomach.
— KENNY BEECHAM (@KOT4Q) February 20, 2022
how was Steph & Ayesha’s game show not the worst part of the night
— Rob Perez (@WorldWideWob) February 20, 2022
Man @ZachLaVine and @Double0AG yall messed it up for the rest of us 😂😂
— Donovan Mitchell (@spidadmitchell) February 20, 2022
Worst Dunk Contest ever.
— Skip Bayless (@RealSkipBayless) February 20, 2022
On paper, All-Star Saturday was perfect. It produced plenty of highlights, plenty of smiles, and a whole lot to talk about.
Behind the scenes, however, there is a sense that this year has been disappointing so far. The three events did not live up to many fans’ expectations and it has left people wondering what the NBA will do to bring back some of the excitement.
That remains to be seen. For now, we look ahead to Sunday, which should be an interesting affair.
