The Big Legendaries

It was amazing to see Kobe and Shaq work it during today's All-Star game. That third quarter spurt with the two of them playing exactly how they did back in the 2000-2002 Lakers teams gave me a nostalgic giddiness I've never felt before. There was one play in particular when Kobe dribbled it up court, Shaq posted at the top of the foul line and started moving deeper, and Kobe gave him a perfect entry lob pass. Shaq easily overpowered his man and threw it down with authority. Straight of Phil's playbook circa 2000. I think Adande's article over at ESPN summed it up nicely.

Also, Shaq's nutmeg of Dwight Howard, to use a soccer term, has to be one of the best plays of the last few years at the All-Star game, right?

As for who played well or not--as if it matters that much anyway--it was nice to see Brandon Roy get some dunks when we're used to seeing him handle the ball and take jumpers. Chris Paul was the straw the stirred the drink for the West. What's with Yao always playing so stiff during the All-Star game when he has a billion Chinese people voting for him? Dirk and Pau working the two-man game was Euro-tastic. Iverson and Pierce were selfish as usual. What was with Joe Johnson tonight? Maybe he's still getting over that flu that kept him out of the game against the Wolves last week. LeBron had a couple great plays, but didn't really get his teammates involved and didn't get any dunks until the end. Howard looked like he was focusing too much on having fun and not enough on making it a game. The East's lack of a true point guard and lack of depth at center really killed them.

I leave you with The Big Jabbawockee's incredible dancing skills.