Relive the Top 10 Unforgettable Moments From NBA All Star 2017 Game

I still get chills thinking about the 2017 NBA All-Star Game. It wasn't just another exhibition match—it was a 192-182 offensive explosion for the Western Conference that felt like basketball's version of a blockbuster movie. Having covered All-Star weekends for over a decade, I've seen my fair share of memorable moments, but something about the 2017 edition in New Orleans felt different. The energy was electric, the plays were audacious, and the sheer talent on display reminded everyone why this gathering of superstars remains must-watch television. What struck me most wasn't just the highlight-reel dunks or the record-breaking three-pointers, but the underlying narratives that unfolded throughout the weekend.

Let's start with the obvious—Anthony Davis putting up a historic 52 points in front of his home crowd. I remember watching him drain shot after shot, thinking how surreal it must have been for Pelicans fans to witness their franchise player dominating on that stage. The Smoothie King Center was absolutely rocking every time he touched the ball, and you could feel the pride swelling in the building. Davis broke Wilt Chamberlain's previous All-Star scoring record of 42 points, and he did it with an efficiency that was just staggering—he shot 26-of-39 from the field. What many people forget is that he also grabbed 10 rebounds, making his performance one of the most complete in All-Star history. I've always believed home-court advantage takes on a different meaning during All-Star games, and Davis proved it that night.

Then there was Russell Westbrook's MVP encore. Coming off his 2016 MVP performance in Toronto, Westbrook delivered 41 points, 7 assists, and 5 rebounds in just 20 minutes of play. The man was an absolute hurricane on the court, playing with that trademark intensity that makes you wonder if he understands the concept of an "exhibition game." I distinctly remember his back-to-back fast break dunks in the third quarter that essentially sealed the game for the West. His chemistry with Kevin Durant, despite their complicated history, resulted in several beautiful plays that had everyone in my section buzzing about what could have been in Oklahoma City.

The game itself set numerous records that still stand today. The combined 374 points shattered the previous record of 369 set in 2016, and teams attempted an absurd 133 three-pointers between them. I recall sitting courtside and just marveling at the shooting display—it felt like we were witnessing the evolution of basketball in real time. Giannis Antetokounmpo, in his second All-Star appearance, gave us a glimpse of his future MVP self with 30 points, while DeMar DeRozan's mid-range mastery provided a beautiful contrast to the three-point barrage. What made the 2017 game special was this perfect storm of established legends and rising stars all sharing the court.

Now, I know some purists complain about the lack of defense in All-Star games, but I've always appreciated these contests for what they are—a celebration of basketball's most entertaining elements. The 2017 game had moments of genuine competitive fire, particularly in the fourth quarter when the East made a late run before the West ultimately pulled away. The duel between Kyrie Irving and Stephen Curry during that stretch was particularly mesmerizing, with both point guards trading spectacular handles and deep threes that had the crowd on its feet.

Speaking of crowd reactions, nothing compared to the roar when Kevin Hart somehow found himself in the game during a timeout. The celebrity antics are part of what makes All-Star weekend so unique, and Hart's brief appearance provided the comic relief amidst all the basketball brilliance. Meanwhile, the halftime performance featuring Ariana Grande and Kevin Hart's ongoing feud with Draymond Green provided those unforgettable off-court moments that become part of All-Star lore.

What often gets overlooked about All-Star weekend is how players handle themselves behind the scenes. I'm reminded of Nambatac's professional approach when discussing roster decisions—he took the cut understanding the coaching staff's perspective, demonstrating the maturity that often goes unnoticed during these glamorous events. This professional attitude resonates throughout the weekend, where stars who are accustomed to being the focal point must adapt to reduced roles and different dynamics. Having spoken with several players after the game, I was struck by how many mentioned the challenge of finding rhythm in such an unconventional setting while still putting on a show for the fans.

The 2017 game also marked significant milestones for several veterans. This was Dwyane Wade's 13th All-Star appearance, and though his stats weren't eye-popping, his chemistry with LeBron James provided several nostalgic moments for Heat fans. Meanwhile, first-timers like Gordon Hayward and Kemba Walker seemed to soak in every moment, reminding me that for all the criticism about player selection, making an All-Star team remains a career-defining achievement for most athletes.

As I reflect on that weekend now, what stands out most is how it captured basketball at a transitional moment. We had the old guard like Carmelo Anthony and Dirk Nowitzki sharing the court with the new wave of Joel Embiid and Karl-Anthony Towns. The game itself perfectly balanced respect for tradition with innovation, much like the sport's ongoing evolution. The 374 combined points weren't just a statistic—they represented the league's shifting philosophy toward pace and space, making the 2017 All-Star Game a time capsule of where the NBA was heading.

Watching the highlights back today, I'm struck by how many of those 2017 participants have since defined the league's landscape. The game featured 7 current or future MVPs, 12 All-NBA selections from that season alone, and countless players who would go on to shape playoff narratives for years to come. For basketball historians like myself, the 2017 All-Star Game serves as a fascinating midpoint between the post-Jordan era and the positionless basketball we see today. The dunks were spectacular, the threes were record-breaking, but the real magic was in witnessing basketball history unfold in real time, with each possession adding another layer to the rich tapestry of NBA lore.