Everything really is bigger in Texas. Dallas and Arlington hosted the biggest and baddest All-Star Game to date despite historically horrific weather and road conditions. Sunday’s NBA All-Star Game drew 108,713 fans to Cowboys Stadium to set a new basketball record. That figure was announced by Mark Cuban at midcourt, with Jones standing by his side. The most credit should go to Jerry Jones, who has single-handedly put the DFW area back into the national spotlight as the premier place to host the biggest events in the world. The $1.2 billion Cowboys Stadium has become a national monument that leaves visitors’ mouths open wide with amazement with its groundbreaking technology and innovation. Credit Mark Cuban, who stuck to his guns against displacing his season-ticket holders seats to celebrities and their entourages. Cuban had no interest in hosting the game at American Airlines Center, a stance commissioner David Stern said he understood. Cuban suggested to the league the idea of staging this year’s weekend at two venues. Stern praised the collaboration between Cuban and Jones, saying it will produce a “combination of celebration, family reunion and making North Texas the basketball capital of the world for several days.” The end result was something that Texas will not forget and injected an economic boost that any city in the country would be salivating at. Cuban added the attendance and party scene would “make the Super Bowl look like a bar mitzvah.” It was pulled off brilliantly and despite any rants that may go on in this space; we are lucky to have two of the most passionate and dedicated owners in all of professional sports. Say what you want about their methods, but Mark Cuban and Jerry Jones can never be accused of not putting their heart and souls into their team year in and year out. That dedication to the fans and their franchises was the reason this All-Star Game came to fruition.
Celebrity Game:
Mark Cuban went 0-7, but showed some hustle chasing a loose ball, but couldn’t handle the stifling defense of Chris Tucker. And you know this man!
All-Star Saturday Night:
Texas wins the All-Star Shooting Stars challenge on a half-court shot from Dirk Nowitzki. The (adopted) hometown hero comes up big to beat Team LA. The 2010 Dunk completion was easily the worst in NBA All-Star history. No big names besides Gerald Wallace, who appeared to be ready for a nap. Nate Robinson won the contest, but only because someone had to.
The 2010 All-Star Game:
The historic game was filled with highlight dunks and sick alley-oop passes that have made the game famous. It’s the greatest pick-up game in the world and it delivered. The MVP honors went to Dwyane Wade, but a few players could have made a case for the award. The biggest outcome of the game is that DFW has put itself on the NBA map for repeat All-Star site appearances. The people of the DFW areas really stepped up and delivered one of professional sport’s biggest events despite challenging odds.
