| |
|
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.
Recent PhilBoxing.com In-House articles:
Weights From ‘Vazquez vs. Lugo’ Event from College Park Center in Arlington, TX, & Broadcast Live on ProBoxTV
, Fri, 05 Jun 2026SHEFFIELD FIGHT WEEK PRESS CONFERENCE QUOTES: EVERYTHING THAT WAS SAID AS JOSH PADLEY AND AQIB FIAZ FACE OFF
, Fri, 05 Jun 2026“I would not say Yoka is more dangerous.” Murat Gassiev's coach Kadushin on boxer's training camp
, Fri, 05 Jun 2026“I would not say Yoka is more dangerous.” Murat Gassiev's coach Kadushin on boxer's training camp
, Fri, 05 Jun 2026Homecoming for super middleweight prospect Elijah Garcia to be showcased June 20 on Kingsley Ibeh vs. Dante Stone card in Phoenix
, Fri, 05 Jun 2026Amateur Standout Kayla "The Truth" Gomez Set for Professional Debut on MF Pro's "Pugilist Revolution" June 19 in Long Beach
, Fri, 05 Jun 2026Tancontian to lead PH team in Sambo Asia-Oceania
By Lito delos Reyes, , Fri, 05 Jun 2026Clarion to fight for WBC Youth World super flyweight title in Japan
By Lito delos Reyes, , Thu, 04 Jun 20262026 NBA Finals: Knicks Steal Game 1 in San Antonio 105-95
By Reylan Loberternos, , Thu, 04 Jun 2026LAMONT “THE REAPER” ROACH JR. AND WILLIAM “EL CAMARÓN” ZEPEDA TO BATTLE FOR THE WBC LIGHTWEIGHT WORLD CHAMPIONSHIP
, Thu, 04 Jun 2026Ramirez vs. Richards - Weigh In Results
, Thu, 04 Jun 2026Louisville and Boxing World commemorated 10th Anniversary of Muhammad Ali death
By Gabriel F. Cordero, , Thu, 04 Jun 2026Sampson Lewkowicz: Boxing’s Picasso
By Emmanuel Rivera, RRT, , Wed, 03 Jun 2026BARRY HEARN OBE TO FUND 10 BRAND NEW APPRENTICESHIP ROLES THANKS TO MATCHROOM CHARITABLE FOUNDATION AND COACH CORE
, Wed, 03 Jun 2026Olongapo to host National Age Group Chess Championship
By Marlon Bernardino, , Wed, 03 Jun 2026JOSEPH "JOJO" DIAZ EAGER TO REVIVE CAREER AHEAD OF JUNE 19 SHOWDOWN WITH "H2O" SYLVE
, Wed, 03 Jun 2026Charly Suarez is my idol - Jhon Lowie Lastimosa
By Lito delos Reyes, , Wed, 03 Jun 2026Josh “The Hammer” Popper: From Holy Spirit to a Heavyweight Headline at the Tropicana
, Wed, 03 Jun 2026600 athletes expected in 11th Asia-Oceania Sambo tourney
By Lito delos Reyes, , Wed, 03 Jun 2026Dagestan rivalry set to ignite Moscow: Khalidov and Yallyev clash on stacked IBA PRO 19 card
, Wed, 03 Jun 2026Deep Waters rules inaugural WR Bughouse Championship
By Marlon Bernardino, , Tue, 02 Jun 2026HE TURKI ALALSHIKH: 'AJ vs PRENGA IN JEDDAH REINFORCES SAUDI ARABIA'S POSITION AS DESTINATION FOR WORLD'S LEADING EVENTS'
, Tue, 02 Jun 2026ANTHONY JOSHUA VS KRISTIAN PRENGA TO TAKE PLACE IN JEDDAH ON JULY 25 – LIVE ON DAZN – AS HEAVYWEIGHTS FACE-OFF IN LONDON
, Tue, 02 Jun 2026Ryan ‘The Bruiser’ Rozicki Gets a kick out of British sports fans
, Tue, 02 Jun 2026GUSTAVO TRUJILLO CONTINUES HEAVYWEIGHT ASCENT WITH DEVASTATING FIRST-ROUND TKO
, Mon, 01 Jun 2026 |
|
|
|
|
|
