Team Lebron has won the 2021 All-Star game defeating Team Durant 170-151.
What We Know:
- The 2021 NBA All-Star Game took place in Atlanta, Georgia, on March 7. This game had some distinct differences compared to All-Star Games in the past. Unlike previous All-star games, this year’s event was held on a single night instead of several days throughout the weekend. The event is experiencing some changes due to the pandemic. According to reports, Lebron James, Captain of ‘Team Lebron’, stated that having a game during a pandemic was a slap in the face.
- This is the third time the All-Star game has been held in Atlanta. The first time took place in 1978. The City of Atlanta happens to be home to several private historically Black Colleges and Universities, making it an ideal spot to raise donations for these institutions. Adam Silver, NBA Commissioner, said it was part of the reason why they chose to host the event in Atlanta. It was also noted that other figures, such as Vice President Kamala Harris, showed interest in the initiative to give back to these institutions. The Vice President is a graduate of Howard University, which is an HBCU in Washington D.C.
Vice President Kamala Harris (@VP Harris) and award-winning actor Michael B. Jordan (@michaelb4jordan) held a special conversation before tonight’s 2021 #NBAAllStar Game on TNT. pic.twitter.com/NiuAKpHUUA
— NBA (@NBA) March 8, 2021
- Despite the comments by the winning captain, historically Black Colleges and Universities proved to be the ones that were victorious in this All-star game. Reports note that both teams played in support of non-profits that aim at awarding scholarships and supporting HBCUs. The NBA generated about 3 million dollars in a donation, which was then given to entities like The United Negro College Fund and the Thurgood Marshall Fund.
- Some other symbolic acts to pay homage to HBCUs included having performances ranging from Gladys Knight to Florida A&M University’s marching band. The league also took the initiative of having the court designed by artists of HBCUs and gathered officials who were graduates from HBCUs to referee the game.
The next scheduled All-Star Game is planned to take place in “The Land”, also known as Cleveland, Ohio.
