The 2009 NBA All-Star Game takes place on February 15, 2009 in Phoenix, Arizona where NBA All-Stars and other NBA players converge for not only the NBA All-Star Game itself, but also the various events and activities of NBA All-Star Weekend. This will be the 58th NBA All-Star Game with NBA All-Star Weekend festivities starting on Friday, February 13, concluding on Sunday the weekend's main attraction - the 2009 NBA All-Star Game.
Phoenix All-Star Game History
This is the third time the city of Phoenix will have hosted the NBA All-Star Game. The first occasion happened on January 15, 1975 and was played at Veterans Memorial Coliseum. The New York Knicks Walt "Clyde" Frazier scored 30 points on his way to the MVP award, helping the East beat the West, 108-102. Other players of note that participated are Kareem Abdul-Jabbar, John Havlicek, Rick Barry, Elvin Hayes, and Nate "Tiny" Archibald.
The second go-around took place on February 12, 1995 and was played at the then-America West Arena where Sacramento Kings guard Mitch Richmond scored 23 points in 22 minutes to garner MVP honors. The West dominated the East for a 139-112 win and included players such as Charles Barkley, Shaquille O’Neal, Scottie Pippen, Patrick Ewing, Hakeem Olajuwon, David Robinson, and Karl Malone.
So, who will be this year's NBA All-Stars to lace them up and take the court at the U.S. Airways Center?
2009 NBA All-Star Game Rosters
The NBA All-Star Weekend festivities schedule below.
FRIDAY, FEBRUARY 13, 2009
Rookie Challenge Game (History)
The NBA's top rookies and second-year players square off to see which "class" of players is better.
SATURDAY, FEBRUARY 14, 2009
Shooting Stars Competition (History)
Three basketball players representing an NBA team/city - one current NBA player and WNBA player, and one NBA legend - and six spots on the basketball court. Who makes shots the fastest?
Skills Challenge Competition (History)
The NBA's top guards compete to see who can go through a series of passes, free-throws, lay-ups, and agility drills the fastest.
Three-Point Shootout Contest (History)
This contest aims to find the best NBA marksman from long-range, as well as the quickest to draw and hit their target.
Slam Dunk Contest (History)
Is there anything more exciting to watch in the NBA than seeing a stylistic, thunderous, and seemingly impossible slam dunk? I think not.
SUNDAY, FEBRUARY 15, 2009
NBA All-Star Game (2000s History; 1990s History; 1980s History; 1970s History; 1960s History; 1950s History)
The NBA All-Star Game is when the best (and, let's be honest, most popular) NBA players from a particular (mid)season get together to see which Conference (East vs. West) is the best.