NBA All-Star 2023

Ryan Kostecka

In what was arguably the most prominent event the state has hosted since the 2002 Winter Olympic Games, Salt Lake City put on an absolute show for NBA All-Star Weekend. With incredible moments on the hardwood, special performances by some of the biggest names in the music industry, and an NBA Crossover event for everyone, it's safe to say that this past weekend went as well as anyone could've hoped.&nbsp;

"It was fun. … Big thanks to Salt Lake City," LeBron James said Sunday night.&nbsp;

While fans worldwide traveled to the snowcapped mountains of Salt Lake City to enjoy the festivities, the true stars of the weekend were those representing the Utah Jazz — the host city.&nbsp;

From Lauri Markkanen making his All-Star debut and serving as the de facto host, to rookie Walker Kessler emerging as a star, to a celebrity game battle between Ryan Smith and Dwyane Wade, here's everything to know following the weekend. 

1.) Smith And Wade Go Head-To-HeadFriday night at the Jon M. Huntsman Center wasn't about basketball. The Ruffles NBA All-Star Celebrity Game is never about basketball. 

Yet, don't tell that to Jazz majority owner, Smith, and minority owner, Wade.&nbsp;

In a much more competitive game than in years past, Team Dwyane took down Team Ryan 81-78 in a thrilling and exciting finish.

One of the best moments of the evening was when former Jazzman Carlos Boozer came out of the crowd to suit up for Wade, only to be matched when former NBA champion Richard Jefferson came out from behind the broadcast booth to first officiate then play in the game for Smith.&nbsp;

But the highlight of the night came when Wade and Smith faced off in a traditional three-point contest.&nbsp;

In the end, Smith knocked down 44% of his threes to take down Wade, 11-10. Because each shot was worth $3,000, the two combined to raise $63,000 for charity, while the game raised $100,000 for Howard University.

2.) Kessler Makes His All-Star Weekend DebutIn the first basketball-related action of the weekend, Kessler took part in the 2023 Jordan Rising Stars Game on Friday night. Utah's rookie center was suited up for Team Deron, getting the start and shining on the big stage. 

Although his team would get bounced in the opening game — falling 40-25 to eventual winners Team Pau (Gasol) — he finished with two points, two blocks, one rebound, and one assist, more than holding his own against the best rookie and sophomores in the league.&nbsp;

Despite cracking jokes postgame, clearly taking in and savoring the moment, Kessler had a moment of sincerity when asked about representing the Jazz in their hometown this weekend. He admitted that he got choked up when those in attendance gave him a loud and thunderous ovation when his name was introduced.&nbsp;

"I'm getting a little choked up, it's cool to hear your name called and the Salt Lake City crowd cheer," Kessler said. "I couldn't ask for a better fanbase. … super, super thankful it's here. Funny how something works like that. Hearing your name called and a whole crowd of people cheering for you."

"It's important for us to keep perspective," he added. "That's really cool, and (it's important) to be really thankful for that and to understand that we have a big stage and a platform and with a lot of responsibility."

3.) Team Jazz Wins Skill Challenge"Work smarter, not harder."

That was the plan on Saturday night for Jordan Clarkson, Walker Kessler, and Collin Sexton — Team Utah — during the 2023 Kia Skills Challenge.&nbsp;

While it didn't exactly start that way, with Clarkson "getting lost" during the team relay portion of the competition, the Jazz stuck to what they're good with and walked away with the victory over Team Antetokounmpo (Thanasis, Alex, and Jrue Holiday) and Team Rookies (Paolo Banchero, Jaden Ivey, and Jabari Smith Jr.).

Team Rookies kicked off the competition with a victory in the team relay before Team Jazz evened the score at 100 with a win in the team passing event. Surprisingly enough, Kessler led the team in passing, with Sexton finishing close behind — and Clarkson doing just enough to help the team win.&nbsp;

When asked if the passing portion was difficult given his low number, Clarkson flashed his million-dollar smile, laughed, and said, "Um, for guys like me that don't really pass much…" before trailing off.

That meant that the third round — the shooting portion of the competition — would determine the winner.

Then in their home arena and in front of Jazz Nation, Team Utah did exactly what Clarkson said they'd do — they shot the ball. Sexton and Kessler caught fire, and thanks to some smart strategy, Utah finished with 13 points to take home the victory.

"Because I came up with the strategy," Kessler said when asked why the Jazz won.

"Walk definitely came up with the strategy, and it worked," Sexton added with a laugh. "It definitely worked, and we give him credit. … But this might be the last credit we ever give you."

4.) Markkanen Takes Center Stage On Sunday NightAfter attending nearly every event throughout the weekend, including participating in the Three-Point competition on Saturday night, it was time for Markkanen to take the court and play some real basketball — sort of. 

In what amounted to a glorified scrimmage between the best basketball players in the world, Markkanen and Team Giannis took down Team LeBron 184-175 in the weekend's final event.&nbsp;

It may have been his first All-Star game, but Markkanen proved precisely why he deserved to be on the biggest stage when the lights shined brightest.

Markkanen got off to a quick start when he threw down a halfcourt alley-oop from former Jazzman Donovan Mitchell — much to the delight of Vivint Arena. After another alley-oop and a deep three, Markkanen had a quick seven points and was delivering on the show he promised to put on.

Overall, he finished with 13 points and seven rebounds on 6-of-13 shooting.

"Pretty surreal," Markkanen said about his first All-Star game. "I was excited to get out there the whole weekend. I mean, I got to participate in the 3-Point Contest, but this was what we were waiting for. … Just a great experience to be a part of. I can't wait to be here again."

While Markkanen was clearly the star for Jazz Nation on Sunday night, Donovan Mitchell got nearly as many cheers. After spending the first five years of his career in Utah, including being named a three-time All-Star, Mitchell wowed the crowd with a stunning performance throughout the night.

Taking his game to another level this season with Cleveland, Mitchell reminded Utah fans why he was so beloved with an array of offensive moves that continually wowed the crowd.

He battled with Jayson Tatum for MVP honors, barely falling short despite finishing with 40 points, 10 assists, and four rebounds.

"I grew up here as a player, as a person, as a man," Mitchell said postgame. "Then to be back here as a starter, to come back here for All-Star, it makes sense."

Tatum took home MVP honors after dropping an All-Star game record 55 points, shooting 22-of-31 from the floor and 10-for-18 from deep. He added 10 rebounds and six assists.

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"Work Smarter, Not Harder" | Everything To Know About The Jazz Following NBA All-Star Weekend

On a night that brought the stars to Salt Lake City, it was Team Giannis that stole the show.

In what amounted to a glorified scrimmage between the best basketball players in the world for the first three quarters, the final quarter delivered all the action that those at Vivint Arena came to see.

With the final score set at 182, Team Giannis needed just 24 points to pick up the win — the first for Antetokounmpo in three tries since he became captain.

However, Team LeBron didn’t go down without a fight, as a late 10-3 run made it a nine-point game. They later cut it to six, 181-175, following a Jaylen Brown three — but Damian Lillard, as he’d done all night, drilled a walk-off 30-footer for the 184-175 win.

Speaking with reporters on Saturday night, Lauri Markkanen was asked whether he cared if he was the first or last player chosen in the NBA All-Star draft on Sunday night.

Shocker, the big man from Finland didn’t — he was just happy to be representing the Jazz as a first-time All-Star. But when the lights shined brightest, Markkanen proved precisely why he deserved to be on the biggest stage.

Despite being the final starter chosen for Team Giannis, Markkanen got off to a quick start when he threw down a halfcourt alley-top from former Jazzman Donovan Mitchell — much to the delight of Vivint Arena. After another alley-oop and a deep three, Markkanen had a quick seven points and was delivering on the show he promised to put on.

“Pretty surreal,” Markkanen said about his first All-Star game. “I was excited to get out there the whole weekend. I mean, I got to participate in the 3-Point Contest, but this was what we were waiting for. … Just a great experience to be a part of. I can’t wait to be here again.”

While Markkanen was clearly the star for Jazz Nation on Sunday night, Mitchell got nearly as many cheers. After spending the first five years of his career in Utah, including being named a three-time All-Star, Mitchell wowed the crowd with a stunning performance throughout the night.

“I grew up here as a player, as a person, as a man,” Mitchell said postgame. “Then to be back here as a starter, to come back here for All-Star, it makes sense.”

Battling Mitchell and Tatum for Team LeBron were Joel Embiid and Kyrie Irving — both of whom showed why they’re considered among the elite scorers in the game.

Irving finished with 32 points, 15 assists, and seven rebounds, while Embiid added 32 points, six rebounds, and four assists.

The first quarter saw both teams feeling one another out, with runaway dunks, wide-open threes, and very little defense. But with the score close late in the first, the intensity picked up as each team wanted to win the $100,000 for their respective charity.

Pascal Siakim’s bucket gave Team Giannis a three-point lead with two minutes to go, but back-to-back buckets by Brown gave Team LeBron the one-point lead. Trailing by three late, Team Giannis responded with a 5-0 run as Jrue Holiday drilled a three to give them the lead with 27 seconds remaining — but Brown responded with a bucket on the next possession.

The score was tied at 46 after one — and each charity took home $50,000.

The second quarter remained close throughout, with each team putting together a few highlights that brought the crowd to its feet multiple times. But when it mattered most, Team Giannis got the job done.

A Kyrie Irving three gave Team LeBron a two-point lead with 1:33 to play in the half — but Mitchell and Lillard took over for Team Giannis. Mitchell scored five quick points to give them the lead, but Irving answered again as Team LeBrown regained the one-point advantage.

Fresh off his Three-Point Contest win on Saturday night, Lillard caught fire with back-to-back deep balls before a Tatum layup completed the scoring.

The third quarter belonged to Team Giannis — mainly, the three-headed monster of Mitchell, Tatum, and Lillard.

Mitchell and Tatum combined to dominate the third, scoring the first 28 points for Team Giannis to start the third. While Lillard would make another three, Mitchell and Tatum stayed hot by knocking down deep threes again. Tatum finished with 27, while Mitchell and Lillard added 14 points each, as they combined to score 56 of the team’s 59 points in the quarter.

Team Giannis led 158-141 heading to the fourth.

Lillard led all bench scorers with 26 points on 8-of-20 from deep, while Siakim chipped in 12 points for Team Giannis.

LeBron James finished with 13 points at the half but didn’t return to the game following a hand injury — which isn’t considered serious. Tyrese Halliburton added 18 points, while Anthony Edwards and Julius Randle chipped in 12 and 11, respectively.

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PHOTOS | 2023 NBA All-Star Game

In his NBA All-Star Game debut Lauri Markkanen goes for 13 points and 7 rebounds to help Team Giannis to a 184-175 win over Team LeBron in Salt Lake City. Presented by LGCY Power.

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2023 NBA All-Star Game Highlights: Lauri Markkanen – 13 points, 7 rebounds

That was the plan for Jordan Clarkson, Walker Kessler, and Collin Sexton — Team Utah — during the 2023 Kia Skills Challenge on Saturday night.

"Let's go the easy route. … We know we can pass, we know we can shoot," Clarkson said with a laugh.

Kicking off the competition was a team relay that required a long pass, dribbling through some moving objects, a floater, a corner three, and a full court sprint for a layup.

As expected, Team Antetokounmpo came out hustling, showing the same competitive spirit that led to an NBA title two years ago — only to be beaten out by the rookies next. Then came Utah's debacle with Clarkson going the wrong way, leading to Utah being down early.

However, the Jazz evened the score with the rookies when they won the passing competition, taking down Team Antetokounmpo 88-84. Surprisingly enough, Kessler led the team in passing, with Sexton finishing close behind.

That meant that the third round — the shooting portion of the competition — would determine the winner, with Team Antetokounmpo leading the way with eight points.

Although his teammates were willing to agree, they also knew to make sure it didn't go to their rookie's head.

"Walk definitely came up with the strategy, and it worked," Sexton said with a laugh. "It definitely worked, and we give him credit. … But this might be the last credit we ever give you."

While the Jazz happily celebrated their victory afterward, only Kessler and Sexton walked into the media room holding their trophies. Looking around, nobody seemed to find Clarkson. After I asked him whether he took a wrong turn or got lost in the vastly different-looking hallways of Vivint Arena, Kessler provided the perfect response.

"Just like in the first part," he said with a laugh.

Unfortunately, that's where Utah's winnings ended as All-Star starter Lauri Markkanen barely missed out on the finals of the Starry Three-Point Contest. The second-to-last shooter, he tied with Boston's Jayson Tatum for the last spot in the finals — but that was before Portland's Damian Lillard stepped up.

From that point on, it became the Lillard show.

Oakland-born, Ogden bred, Lillard received the second loudest ovation of the competition when he elected to compete in his Weber State jersey from college — a mere 32.4 miles north of Vivint Arena.

Lillard took down Indiana's backcourt duo of Buddy Hield and Tyrese Halliburton to win.

"I think anytime an All-Star Weekend is in a place where somebody connects with that place, I think it's important to pay homage and to acknowledge that," Lillard said. "The fact that I lived here for four years, went to school here, like I said, I met so many friends and so many people that I still interact with and deal with on a personal level here, and just what I've laid down in this area, on the Wasatch Front, I think it was just perfect. It was perfect to be able to do that."

Wrapping up the night was the AT&T Slam Dunk Contest — and what a way to cap it all off.

Mac McClung and Trey Murphy went head-to-head in the finals, with each throwing down some nasty dunks that ignited the contingent of NBA players sitting courtside. In the end, McClung did a 720-degree reverse dunk for a perfect 50 that won it all.

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Friday night at the Jon M. Huntsman Center wasn’t about basketball. The Ruffles NBA All-Star Celebrity Game is never about basketball.&nbsp;

Yet, don’t tell that to Ryan Smith and Dwyane Wade.&nbsp;

In a much more competitive game than in years past, it was Team Dwyane taking down Team Ryan 81-78 in a thrilling and exciting finish — one that was almost won on a buzzer-beater.&nbsp;

Michael “The Miz” Mizanin drilled a halfcourt heave — which based on the new rules, would’ve been a four-pointer — that would’ve won Team Ryan the game. But after replay, the shot was a second late, and Team Dwyane walked away with the victory.&nbsp;

Seattle Seahawks star receiver DK Metcalf took home MVP honors after posting 20 points, 10 rebounds, and four blocks on 9-of-16 shooting. It was apparent that he was the strongest athlete on the court, translating his gridiron skills to the hardwood with thunderous dunks that ignited the crowd time and time again.&nbsp;

While the action on the court was entertaining — as it always is with this game — it was the coaches who were stealing much of the spotlight.&nbsp;

Helping out Wade were the Antetokounmpo brothers (Giannis, Thanasis, and Alex) and three-time Olympic skiing medalist Lindsey Vonn, all of whom could be seen barking orders from the sidelines and smiling wider than anyone in attendance.&nbsp;

For Smith, two-time WNBA Champion Lisa Leslie, rapper and actor Fat Joe, and Houston Astros third baseman Alex Bregman brought the underdog mentality almost pulled off the near upset behind the play of actor Everett Osborne.

The game was played by a cross-section of entertainment and athletic stars, including Grammy Award-winning artist 21 Savage, Janelle Monae, and Cordae. Calvin Johnson, the retired star from the Detroit Lions, also joined Metcalf from the NFL, and recently retired slugger Albert Pujols also participated.

In the end, Smith knocked down 44% of his threes to take down Wade, 11-10. Because each shot was worth $3,000, the two combined to raise $63,000 for charity — all while the game raised $100,000 for Howard University.

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Although it may be his first time experiencing and participating in NBA All-Star Weekend, Walker Kessler already has a bone to pick with the officials.&nbsp;

“I got a goaltend. ... Who calls a goaltend in an All-Star Game?” Kessler asked incredulously and sarcastically postgame.

When asked why he didn’t signal for coach Deron Williams to challenge the call, especially when the home crowd was lobbying for it as if it were the final minutes of a playoff game.

“Man, I wanted to,” Kessler said with a laugh. “I kept saying we should challenge that. … I didn’t think it was a goaltend. If they reversed the call, the stadium would have went crazy.”

While the game had several moments of intensity, Kessler shined on the big stage. Although his team would get bounced in the opening game — falling 40-25 to eventual winners Team Pau (Gasol) — he finished with two points, two blocks, one rebound, and one assist, more than holding his own against the best rookie and sophomores in the league.&nbsp;

“I’m getting a little choked up, it’s cool to hear your name called and the Salt Lake City crowd cheer,” Kessler said. “I couldn’t ask for a better fanbase. … super, super thankful it’s here. Funny how something works like that. Hearing your name called and a whole crowd of people cheering for you."

“It’s important for us to keep perspective,” he added. “That’s really cool, and (it’s important) to be really thankful for that and to understand that we have a big stage and a platform and with a lot of responsibility.”

The good news for Jazz fans is that Kessler’s weekend isn’t over — not by a long shot.&nbsp;

He’s scheduled to compete tomorrow night in the Skills Challenge, representing team Utah alongside Jordan Clarkson and Collin Sexton, two people Kessler knows will be gunning for the victory.&nbsp;

“You know, Collin and JC, they’re going to want to compete,” Kessler said. “I think we got a real shot at winning it. … We’re teammates, we already have chemistry.”

While he’s right about the chemistry the three of them already possess, they won’t be the only team with chemistry on their side. Also taking part in the skills challenge is Team Antetokounmpo (brothers Giannis, Thanasis, and Alex) and Team Rookie (Paolo Banchero, Jaden Ivey, and Jabari Smith Jr.).

Kessler is focusing on enjoying the weekend, hoping Saturday night turns out better than Friday. He’s got his family and friends in town, meaning the party goes all weekend — even if the most competitive parts are at his home.&nbsp;

“My family is extremely competitive,” he said. “They’ll be like, ‘Hey, congratulations. … Now come get this work in ping-pong.’ But no, they don’t actually give me work in ping pong. … That’s my ping pong table for a reason.”

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"A Little Choked Up" | Kessler Enjoying His First NBA All-Star Weekend Experience

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NBA All‑Star 2023