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:
Madoka Wada Halts Chay Rivas in Tokyo, Retains OPBF Belt
By Carlos Costa, Thu, 26 Jun 2025Round 12 with Mauricio Sulaimàn: The Grand Prix a Grand Concept
By Mauricio Sulaimán, Thu, 26 Jun 2025PHOTOS: Pacquiao Showcases Vintage Form During Media Day Workout at Wildcard Gym
By Dong Secuya, Thu, 26 Jun 2025Press Conference Notes: Christian Mbilli & Maciej Sulecki Collide for Interim Super Middleweight World Title FRIDAY in Quebec City
Thu, 26 Jun 2025Rivas vs Wada: Battle for Women’s OPBF Supremacy Today in Japan
By Carlos Costa, Thu, 26 Jun 2025Mexican boxing icon Gilberto “Zurdo” Ramirez Respects Cuban fighters & rivalry
Thu, 26 Jun 2025Claressa Shields Partners with King Moore to Empower Detroit Youth with the “Follow Your Dreams” Program Presented by SMT Financial Partners
Thu, 26 Jun 2025Saturday’s title defense vs. Yuniel Dorticos could be prelude to mega-fight for Gilberto Ramirez against Jake Paul or Unification showdown with Jay Opetaia or Badou Jack
Wed, 25 Jun 2025THE PAST WEEK IN ACTION 25 June 2025: Norman Flattens Sasaki; Simsri Edges Araneta; Rodriguez Outpoints Yafai
By Eric Armit, Tue, 24 Jun 2025FM Daluz rules 7th AQ Prime FIDE Standard Open chess tilt
By Marlon Bernardino, Tue, 24 Jun 2025Ancajas awaits call to join card
By Joaquin Henson, Tue, 24 Jun 2025Macado fights Dulayba in Venue 88
By Lito delos Reyes, Tue, 24 Jun 2025“Showtime” Shea Willcox & Rich Allen turned in KO Performances
Tue, 24 Jun 2025Undefeated prospect Marco Romero To be showcased on Deontay Wilder PPV card this Friday night in Wichita
Tue, 24 Jun 2025Toro Promotions. Inc. to promote its First International pro boxing show in El Salvador on September 20th
Tue, 24 Jun 2025