There were a lot of Could Bes and Maybes in the final quarter of the 2020 National Basketball Association All-Star Game. Because of the annual spectacle’s new format, just about the only thing cast in stone the other day was the absence of Overtime. The Elan Ending had the best of the best going for a specific score representing the aggregate number of points Team Giannis put up through the first three periods plus 24 (in honor of the late Kobe Bryant, whose name was likewise carried by the trophy about to be handed to the Most Valuable Player).
As complicated as the mechanics sounded, the implementation could not have been more ideal. Every single stalwart who saw action in the First to 157 section of the match gave his all. Certainly, there were sequences even the most ardent fans of the league would not have deemed possible in an exhibition: timeouts, challenged calls, ardent defense, charging fouls, selflessness. That Team LeBron had to overcome a nine-point deficit en route to victory served only to underscore the intensity with which the outcome was forged.
If there was any negative to the proceedings, it was that the denouement proved to be a downer. Considering the protagonists’ determination, having the contest decided by a free throw was anti-climactic at best. Then again, it was what it was; Kyle Lowry did foul Anthony Davis, who then sank the second of two charities to seal the deal. And, in retrospect, perhaps the workmanlike finish was fitting for the festivities — trumpeted as a celebration of the sport AND of Bryant’s legacy.
Everything fell into place, really. Kawhi Leonard, ostensibly the most like Bryant in resolve and purpose, claimed the MVP award. Davis, a native of the host city, decided the set-to. And every single one of the All-Stars understood the extent of their participation and acted accordingly. They wanted to have a good time while giving fans a good time. More importantly, they were bent on winning. The result was nothing short of outstanding.
Anthony L. Cuaycong has been writing Courtside since BusinessWorld introduced a Sports section in 1994. He is a consultant on strategic planning, operations and Human Resources management, corporate communications, and business development.
