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NBA All-Star Saturday Night: Foot Locker Three-Point Contest

Kyrie Irving Tries to Repeat Previous Win; but Stephen Curry Takes Home the Prize

The NBA (National Basketball Association) as a brand is one of the best marketing machines in the world.

Few organizations know how to market their key assets as well as the NBA. It's greatest players are mostly known for their prowess as scorers, and the greatest player to ever play in the NBA had no trouble finding his shot, in Michael Jordan.

And because points sell tickets, it's only fitting that the NBA would offer a contest, detailed around who can score at a high-level, particularly from behind the arc.

The Three-Point contest is that event, and Saturday night provided one of the best field of players (shooting the three) to compete in the three-point contest for quite some time.

And what's intriguing about this year's collection of players is the fact that, stars were present.

Kyrie Irving, now a three-time All-Star and former three-point shoot-out champion (2013), suited up.

Kyrie-Irving 2015-nba-all-star-media-day Kyrie Irving, Cleveland Cavaliers guard at the 2015 NBA All-Star Media Day

The "Splash Brothers" in Golden State Warriors sniper duo, Klay Thompson, now a first-time All-Star and Stephen Curry, made an appearance.

You know they had to be there.

And completing the rest of the field featured: Marco Belinelli (San Antonio Spurs & reigning Three-Point Shoot-Out Champion), James Harden (Houston Rockets), Kyle Korver (Atlanta Hawks), Wesley Matthews (Portland Trailblazers) and J.J. Redick (Los Angeles Clippers).

There is star power here because this contest highlighted four-All-Stars surrounded by a number of individuals, known for what they happen to do best.

In terms of three-point percentage, seven of the eight contestants (Matthews-39.5 percent, Redick-43.7 percent, Harden-38.5 percent, Irving-41.3 percent, Curry-40.0 percent, Thompson-44.0 percent and Korver-50.0 percent) are all ranked among the top-50 in the league.

With the talent available, a competition was imminent, and everyone available delivered, with very few disappointments.

Matthews, scheduled to fire first, set the bar high for the first round.

The Trailblazers guard went 4-5 from the money-ball rack, connected on three more and successfully shot 8-16, 50% in one-point shots for a total score of 22.

This is the type of contest that can generate excitement and encore's from the audience if something is brewing and Matthews was able to make that happen, bringing the crowd to its feet, sinking eight of his last 10 shots, in the final two racks.

Following Matthews was Redick, who struggled at first, but ended up producing a solid first round score of 18.

Redick shot 4-10 from the first two racks, including one-made money-ball shot and then erupted for nine-straight made shots, connecting on his last three money-ball shots.

As expected, a high-number of consecutive made shots is an excuse for the crowd to get involved, and after Redick's seventh made three, you could hear the volume of the crowd rising.

After Redick, Harden stepped up to the plate, and he honestly under-performed.

I don't view Harden as a shooter, but more as a scorer.

I think Harden is most comfortable in a competitive atmosphere (NBA regular season, post-season, pick-up) in scoring where ever he chooses rather than having to deal with the pressure of doing your best out of 25 three-point shot attempts.

All in all, Harden finished with 15 total points, making five one-point shots and three money-ball shots.

Now, welcome someone who has performed on this stage before and what stage hasn't he been able to perform on?

Irving, more than capable of hitting threes at a significant rate (41.3%) was slated to shoot next, and displayed why he once held the three-point shootout trophy, once before.

He scoffed at Matthews 22 and contributed 23.

Out of 25 total shots, Irving successfully drained 17, including four of five from the money-ball rack and 11 1-point shots.

Irving's play as a guard, at some point will amaze you and this was no different.

After Irving, the last four shooters, as a group presented a competition in itself.

During Curry's course, the next shooter, TNT's Kenny Smith's voice echoed across the arena, as he asked: "Who is the best shooter in Golden State?".

This was a viable question especially when Curry would score 23 and Thompson 24, back-to-back.

And the final two contestants in Korver and Belinelli would both score 18 each, still solid shooting scores.

Unfortunately, solid numbers like 18 from Korver and Belinelli and 17 from Redick were not enough to advance to the championship round.

Even Matthews who set the bar early with an impressive 22 points was left without the opportunity.

Instead, we would get a final round featuring Curry, Thompson and Irving, pitting the teammates from Golden State against each other, for one night.

Irving began the second round on fire, sinking 8-10 from the first two racks for a score of 9, including one money-ball.

And in the next rack, from the top of the key, Irving would miss all five shots.

He rebounded on the next rack, connecting on five and went 2-5 on the money-ball, completing his championship round with a score of 17.

The championship round warrants a performance that could pressure the other two finalist, and 17 only sparked Curry to provide a shooting show for the ages.

How does a score of 27 sound?

You would think that would be enough to seal the deal because that's the performance Curry exhibited in his fourth three-point shoot-out contest.

He had never won the contest in previous years and for arguably the best shooter in the league, Curry made his case with the crowd in the palm of his hands by the second rack.

In Curry would only miss five shots, going 4-5 from the money-ball rack in addition to 13, 1-point shots.

It would be a tough task for anyone to follow up Curry's performance even for Thompson, who failed to match his teammate, or mirror his first round exploits.

With the exception of his first rack, starting out strong hitting four of his first five shots, Thompson would go 6-20 in the last four racks, solidifying Curry's win. In a contest where each participant could have walked away with the crown, Curry validated why he is the number one marksman in the league.

"I'm very happy right now," said Curry during his post-three point contest interview. "I've obviously been in it four times. So I wanted to win it and get it down. And thankfully tonight I got it, was able to accomplish that."

When asked if this contest shows who is the best three-point shooter in the NBA, Curry replied: "I want to be. There are obviously different criteria you can look at to judge that. Just being in that competitive spirit and having fun out there, I love to shoot the basketball. So that's a great place to kind of showcase that. And I have fun doing it. So I get to take this home with me."

Coming from a basketball family of shooters in father Dell Curry, a former NBA player and his brother, Seth who is currently playing in the D-league, I think it's pretty clear who the bragging rights belong to as of All-Star Saturday night.

NBA House: NBA All-Star Weekend’s Best Kept Secret

NBA House treats fans to an experience of interactive activities, video highlights, prizes, and half-court basketball

As much as the 2015 NBA All-Star Weekend, this year in New York City, revolves around a collection of the elite basketball talents the NBA has to offer, NBA House, which began on Tuesday February 10th and runs through Saturday, February 15, takes a different approach.

NBA House is pretty much the NBA's answer to what a Dave & Buster's would look like if the NBA remixed its format for a day.

And that's what it was: a basketball party.

Held at the Skylight at Moynihan Station across from Madison Square Garden in Manhattan and LIU Brooklyn's Paramount Theatre, there was NBA basketball everywhere.

In the two available rooms of fun, the second and largest room featured half-court basketball courts where fans could shoot-around and receive basketball tips from instructors.

Flat-screen televisions were positioned on the walls and pillars around the room, displaying NBA content from this season and past highlights of NBA All-Star Weekend.

PlayStation offered several video game demo kiosks, where fans could compete against one-another in the latest installment of the bestselling NBA basketball simulation in NBA 2K15, on the next gen system, PlayStation 4.

Panini America Inc., specializes in exclusive memorabilia of all the major sports leagues including the NBA, featured its best signed NBA products, such as Jerseys and shoes autographed by Cleveland Cavaliers guard Kyrie Irving and Oklahoma City Thunder forward Kevin Durant.

State Farm, another NBA partner, took fan photos and offered a basketball skills station. PlayStation, provided fans with the NBA 2K15 demos, in which they judged all participants in their total assists.

Samsung displayed its technological prowess with some of its latest gadgets. The technology and electronics giant gave visitors an opportunity to test drive its Samsung's Gear VR virtual reality headset.

And if that wasn't enough, NBA legends Horace Grant and Muggsy Bogues interacted with the game's youngest fans, by helping kids find the answers to many of the games they played in front of an audience.

NBA-legend-Horace-Grant-interacting-with-fans-at-NBA-HouseNBA legend Horace Grant interacting with fans at NBA House. Photo Credit: Gregory Alcala/ What's The 411 Networks

Muggsy-Bogues NBA House-Moynihan-Station 265x514Former NBA player Muggsy Bogues. Photo Credit: Gregory Alcala/What's The 411 Networks

The entry space featured Kia, the NBA's official car. KIA Motors exhibited some of its finest automobiles alongside, another NBA partner Sprite, which gave fans the opportunity to enter a music recording booth and freestyle over pre-selected instrumentals. I must admit it was very tempting once I heard the beat.

Although the NBA House is not the primary reason why fans love the annual NBA All-Star weekend, it prevailed in treating basketball fans to a great hands-on and sensory NBA experience.

"This event showcases a little of everything of the NBA" said Sheri Simonson, a marketing Manager at Panini America inc. to WhatsThe411TV.

"It gives everyone a hands-on experience, and it also educates everyone on the NBA, the league and its players, and its All-Stars," Simonson added.

But wait, there's more.

"This event is awesome," said David Porter also a representative of Panini America Inc. "It brings people out to showcase the NBA's best talent once a year, there's lots of events and energetic participation but it also shows all of the people behind the scenes and what they do."

So basically, what she said.

Who Should Be 2015 NBA All-Star Eastern Conference Reserves

Kobe Bryant's Injury Opens Up 2015 NBA All-Star Starting Spot 

As you all know, the 2015 NBA All-Star Starters were announced last Thursday night and there were no surprises on either side. Those who deserved to be recognized as starters earned it. This year's contest features newcomers, familiar names, and old faces in new places.

For the Eastern Conference, John Wall (2nd selection), Kyle Lowry (1st time selection), Carmelo Anthony (8th selection), Lebron James (11th selection) and Pau Gasol (5th selection) will serve as the first five on the floor at Madison Square Garden.

On the other side, Stephen Curry (2nd selection), Kobe Bryant (17th selection), Anthony Davis (2nd selection), Blake Griffin (5th selection) and Marc Gasol (2nd selection) will represent the West.

Due to Bryant's season ending injury (torn right-rotator cuff), which will require surgery and a lengthy recovery period, there will be an open spot and an extra opportunity for another deserving player to be honored. That's what this post is about.

We have been informed of who our starters will be, but who will relieve them from the bench? Who will occupy the other seven slots? Each year, this topic compels arguments and ruins friendships and here's my seven:

Eastern Conference Reserves

1. Jimmy Butler G-F, Chicago Bulls

This is a no-brainer. There aren't many two-way two-guards in the league today and Butler has developed into that kind of player. Taking on the toughest defensive assignment on a nightly basis and now having the ability and energy to contribute 20 points a game as well. Add 3 assists, 6 rebounds and almost 2 steals a game and you will have Butler's 2015 season statistics at this juncture in time.

Butler is easily the most improved player in the league, worthy of that honor at season's end because of the vast improvement he has made to his offense. Butler has increased his points per game average every year and is enjoying his greatest leap this season, from 13.6 last year to 20.1 this year, a seven point growth. He's shooting the second best shooting percentage of his career in 45% (shot 46% his sophomore season) and is shooting a career best 49% in 2-pt field-goals.

Aside from being a strong defender and a Swiss-army knife (ability to fill the stat sheet) which Butler established early in his career, what has impressed me the most in Butler's ascension, as an overall player, is his ability to create off the dribble. Butler used to be a slasher and an open-court, transition player. Now he can create for himself and his teammates without having to score via cuts to the baskets and offensive rebounds. Butler is capable of producing 25-5-5 on a nightly basis, giving Rose the perfect complement for a team with championship aspirations.

2. Jeff Teague G, Atlanta Hawks

The Atlanta Hawks have the best record in the Eastern Conference (37-8) and are challenging the Golden State Warriors for the best record in the NBA (36-7). Jeff Teague is a big reason why. The Hawks were always a team expected to make a brief appearance in the playoffs, but due to Teague's emergence as one of the better point guards in the league in addition to a solid supporting cast, the Hawks plan to soar even further. Teague is averaging career highs in points (17.1), rebounds (2.7), assists (7.5) and steals (1.8). With a supporting cast that includes Paul Millsap, Al Horford, DeMarre Carroll and Kyle Korver, the Hawks go as far as Teague can take them and this year, there is no cap on what the southern team can accomplish in a wide-open Eastern Conference. Oh, and another thing, it always seems like Teague is in every play. Active.

3. Kyrie Irving G, Cleveland Cavaliers

Even with the additions of Lebron James and Kevin Love, Kyrie Irving is still a must-see talent. Having the opportunity to play with an All-time great and another volume scorer has been an adjustment for Irving with the difficulty of being a floor-general playing alongside a 6'8" point guard as well. He likes to have the ball in his hands and for the first time in his career, he has to learn how to play off the ball and make good decisions when he has possession of it. Irving is now in a winning situation and his game will be highly criticized if the Cavaliers fail to live up to their escalated expectations, with their off-season acquisitions. Recently, the early struggles the Cavs experienced not too long ago are paying off. The Cavs are in the midst of a 7-game winning streak, which includes wins over the Los Angeles Clippers, Chicago Bulls and Oklahoma City Thunder. In the Cavs 7th straight win over the Detroit Pistons (103-95), James and Irving combined for 70 points, with Irving scoring the greater point total of the two (Irving 38, James 32). The 2014 NBA All-Star game MVP and FIBA World Cup MVP is essential to the Cavs success, now and in the immediate future. Irving is averaging 21.3 pts, 3.1 rebounds, 5.2 assists and 1.6 steals a game this season.

4. Paul Millsap F, Atlanta Hawks

The Hawks deserve to have the most amount of players on this year's East squad and Paul Millsap is a deserving player. After spending the bulk of his career in Utah, Millsap has switched conferences and is the focal point of a team that allows all of his talents to shine. One of the better stretch-4's in the league, Millsap can hurt you inside and outside. Millsap is averaging 17.0 pts and 7.9 rebounds, in addition to a career high-3.2 assists and 1.8 steals. What's great about Millsap is the fact that he is consistent. Through the first three months of the season, Millsap has averaged 17.0 pts in November, 16.8 in December and 17.5 in January. Consistent. For the Hawks to be as good as they are this season, consistency is key and Millsap has defined that this season with his play. At 29 years of age, Millsap still has time to grow and expand his game even more.

5. Al Horford C, Atlanta Hawks

The more Hawks the better. Another significant piece to the Hawks cause is Al Horford. After an injury plagued 2013-14 NBA season (right pectoral muscle tear), Horford is back and on the verge of reminding everyone why he was a 2-time All-Star coming into this season. Horford is averaging 15.2 pts, 6.7 rebounds and 3.2 assists, shooting 54% from the field (9th best in the NBA). In a win against the Philadelphia 76ers on January 13, (105-87) Horford recorded his first career triple double with 21 points, 10 rebounds and 10 assists. Along with Millsap, Horford completes one of the best front-courts in the Eastern Conference.

6. Nikola Vucevic C, Orlando Magic

I really have a problem rewarding good players on bad teams. From my perspective winners deserve to be All-stars. The best teams who boast players playing at an elite level deserve the honor. I can no longer ignore the players playing at an elite level on bad teams or teams struggling because sometimes, the ball just doesn't bounce your way. I cannot fault a player among a team that gives a 100% effort on a nightly basis just because of a poor record. This selection is a testament to my modified thoughts in what makes an All-Star. It's not Nikola Vucevic's fault that the Orlando Magic are 15-33. It's players like Nikola and the other talented youngsters on the Magic that draw your attention to a team that's a couple of years away from making an impact in the Southeast Division. The 3-year man out of USC is enjoying a career best, averaging career highs in points (19.5), rebounds (11.2) and assists (2.0) assists. This is the kind of traditional back-to-the-basket center that would make Shaquille O'Neal proud and when I watch his highlights, I see shades of the Gasol Brothers (Especially Pau). At 24 years young, Nikola has better post moves than Houston Rockets Dwight Howard, great touch and the ability to shoot from outside 10-15 feet. I can no longer dismiss the skills of this kid. He is too talented.

7. Chris Bosh F, Miami Heat

Consistent, reliable, honorable. Chris Bosh should be respected for his presence on the hardwood. He starred in Toronto in his initial years in the NBA. He changed environments for an opportunity to win in Miami, going 2-4 in championships. Bosh sacrificed his game for the benefit of a team with aspirations bigger than filling stats with two future Hall-of-Famers, and through it all, Bosh has survived. Through his first seven years in the league as a Raptor, Bosh averaged 20.3 points and 9.3 rebounds. During the big three era in Miami (Lebron James, Dwyane Wade & Chris Bosh), Bosh averaged 17.3 points and 7.4 rebounds. In his first full season without James, now the big two and two championship rings to show for it, Bosh is averaging 21.3 points and 7.5 rebounds a game. His game has never wavered. He still has it. With an increased role and more touches, Bosh is reminding the basketball world what he is capable of. He has earned his 10th NBA All-Star selection.

Cleveland Cavaliers Courting Kevin Love

 WATCH VIDEO: Cavaliers Waitng on Kevin Love

It's no secret that since the Cleveland Cavaliers acquired LeBron James from the Miami Heat that the team is looking to "conquer all" in the 2014-15 NBA season.

On the road to conquering all, the Cavaliers are trying to secure the services of Kevin Love from the Minnesota Timberwolves.

In so doing, the Cavaliers will complete its power triangle of Love, James, and Kyrie Irving.

However, it might come at the expense of losing first round NBA Draft pick, Andrew Wiggins, in the trade.

The deal can't be sealed until Saturday, August 23, 2014, because of NBA rules about trading newly acquired rookies.

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