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2020 All-Star Weekend --- NBA takes Chicago by storm (PHOTOS)
By Homer D. Sayson
PhilBoxing.com
Sat, 15 Feb 2020
CHICAGO -- A blast of below zero degrees wind chill enveloped this city on Friday but it could not freeze the excitement of the NBA All-Star weekend that landed here for the first time since 1988.
PhilBoxing.com received one of the 450 international media credentials that were issued to 54 countries. And we sure did make good use of the all-access pass.
The Friday festivities began with the opening of the Basketball Without Borders (BWB) Camp where Filipino sensation and NBA hopeful Kai Sotto showcased his vastly-improved skills.
An attempt to interview him was politely pushed back by the NBA, which stated in an email that the former Ateneo star will only conduct a media availability session at the conclusion of camp on Sunday afternoon (early Monday morning RP time).
The Celebrity Game dribbled away at Windtrust arena before a modest but enthusiastic crowd. Team Wilbom beat Tea, Stephen A. Smith, 62-47, and Chicago rapper Common bagged MVP honors with 20 points.
Hours before tip-off at Windtrust, PhilBoxing.com was able to interview former two-time MVP Steve Nash who spoke effusively about his one-time visit to the Philippines.
"I had an amazing time. Beautiful country. Thanks for the support," he said.
Meanwhile at the United Center, Team USA clobbered Team World, 151-131, in the Rising Stars Challenge.
The fans got the bang for their big bucks on this one as the contest featured a combined 41 dunks, including a rim-bending rim-rattler by New Orleans Pelicans rookie Zion Williamson.
In the end, Miles Bridges of Team USA, annexed MVP honors with 20 points.
Photos: Steve Nash enjoys a light moment with the author. Chris Paul was at the United Center cheering on Team USA. Zion Williamson, a mountain of a man, strides pass the arena hallways after the event while a giant mural of Luca Doncic looms over the United Center.
Click here to view a list of other articles written by Homer D. Sayson.
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