The National Basketball Association put Canada on the map when it held its first All-Star game in Toronto at the Air Canada Centre on Feb. 14.
“I think everybody got the feel of the energy that we witness every single night when we play the Raptors players,” said forward DeMar DeRozan of the Toronto Raptors. “I think all the guys really got insight on how in-tune the city of Toronto and all of Canada is to basketball.”
“I think we put ourselves on the map a little bit around the world,” said Raptors Kyle Lowrey.
The West beat the East 196-173 and toppled the existing record of 163 for points scored by a team. The game also beat the existing record of 321 total points scored in a game.
“Toronto did a helluva job putting on a show,” said LeBron James.
Many-more talented NBA players attended the All-Star game such as Kevin Durant, Stephen Curry, Kawhi Leonard, and Paul George just to name a few.
Due to fan voting set up by the NBA, the starting lineups didn’t feature many big players. Despite obvious size on both benches such as Andre Drummonf, Chris Bosh, DeMarcus Cousins, and Anthony Davis, the poles kept a traditional balance on the starting lineup.
This was Kobe Bryant’s last All-Star game due to his upcoming retirement.
“I had a blast playing with those guys, laughing and joking with them on the bench,” said Bryant. “All those things are just fun. I had a great time. I had a great, great time.”
Bryant left the All-Star Game with two pregame video tributes, hugs from the players, and a final standing ovation as he left the court waving to his fans.
Bryant also surpassed the all-time points-scorer leader LeBron James by 10 points in All-Star games.
“Thanks for opening our team with open arms and warm arms,” said James. “Even though the weather wasn’t as warm, the arms and the love from everyone here has been well-received.”
“Kobe’s farewell was unbelievable,” said Houston Rockets guard James Harden. “Obviously, the competetive nature kicks in and you want to win,” he said. “We had fun but we wanted to win the game and we did.”
“It was emotional, very emotional. Growing up in Las Angeles and watching him (Bryant) in All-Star games when he was young, now it’s his finale, I was glad to be a part of it,” said Harden.
Rapper Drake was also included in the All-Star agenda and is appreciative that the game was held in Canada for its first time.
“This is the best game with the best players, finally in the best city in the world,” said Drake.
