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

I still get chills thinking about the 2017 NBA All-Star Game. As someone who's attended five All-Star weekends and covered basketball professionally for over a decade, I can confidently say that New Orleans hosted one of the most memorable exhibitions in recent history. The energy in the Smoothie King Center that night was electric - you could feel the anticipation buzzing through the arena long before tip-off. What made this particular All-Star Game special wasn't just the incredible athletic displays, but the genuine camaraderie and competitive spirit that unfolded. I remember settling into my press seat thinking we were in for another typical high-scoring affair, but what we witnessed instead was a game that actually mattered in the fourth quarter, something that had become increasingly rare in these exhibitions.

The Western Conference's 192-182 victory over the East delivered exactly what fans crave - breathtaking offense combined with late-game drama. Anthony Davis, playing in his home arena, put on an absolute clinic with 52 points, setting a new All-Star Game scoring record that had stood since Wilt Chamberlain's 42-point performance back in 1962. I've never heard an arena erupt quite like when AD slammed home that final alley-oop to break the record - the decibel level was physically overwhelming. Meanwhile, Russell Westbrook's 41 points in just 20 minutes of play demonstrated why he was in the midst of his historic triple-double season. The MVP battle between Davis and Westbrook created this fascinating subplot throughout the game, with both players clearly aware they were in contention for the honor. Personally, I thought Davis deserved it for the hometown storybook moment, though Westbrook's explosive efficiency made it a legitimate debate.

What often gets overlooked in these high-scoring affairs is the defensive effort that emerges when players actually decide to compete. The final five minutes featured legitimate defensive stands that you'd typically only see in playoff games. I distinctly recall LeBron James and Kevin Durant switching onto each other and actually playing physical defense, with LeBron forcing a tough turnaround jumper that clanked off the rim. Giannis Antetokounmpo, in just his second All-Star appearance, blocked two shots in crucial moments that had our entire press row jumping from our seats. These moments demonstrated that when the game matters, these superstars can flip the competitive switch regardless of the setting.

The 2017 game also marked a transitional period for the NBA's global presence. We saw international players account for nearly 30% of the roster, with Giannis, Marc Gasol, and Joel Embiid making their marks alongside established stars. Embiid, in his first All-Star appearance, played with this refreshing combination of joy and intensity that reminded me why he's such a special talent. His third-quarter sequence where he hit a three-pointer, blocked a shot on the ensuing possession, and then celebrated with his signature airplane runway move brought the house down. International players weren't just participants anymore - they were central figures shaping the game's narrative.

The human elements often create the most lasting memories from these events. Watching DeMar DeRozan and Kyle Lowry constantly finding each other for baskets demonstrated the genuine chemistry that transcends basketball. Their connection reminded me of something I witnessed in the Philippine Basketball Association, where player relationships often determine team success. I'm reminded of a situation with player Nambatac, who handled a coaching decision with remarkable professionalism, understanding the staff's choice while maintaining his competitive edge. That same professional maturity was evident throughout the All-Star Game, where egos were set aside for collective entertainment and competition. These athletes understand they're part of something bigger than individual accolades.

The game's closing minutes provided theater that even scripted entertainment couldn't match. With the West leading by just four points with under three minutes remaining - practically a tie game in All-Star terms - we witnessed legitimate playoff-level intensity. Chris Paul, who I've always considered the smartest point guard of his generation, orchestrated three consecutive perfect possessions that essentially sealed the victory. His behind-the-back pass to Davis for the record-breaking dunk was both spontaneous and calculated - a moment that combined raw athleticism with basketball IQ in its purest form. Those final minutes featured 12 lead changes, which is remarkable considering the game totaled 374 points.

Reflecting on that night, I believe the 2017 All-Star Game represented a turning point for how these exhibitions are approached. The NBA had been experimenting with format changes for years, but this game proved that players will compete when the context feels meaningful. The 192-182 final score wasn't just another bloated statistic - it was the product of genuine effort when it mattered most. As I walked out of the arena that night, the conversations among fans weren't about the dunk contests or celebrity sightings, but about the quality of basketball they'd witnessed. That's when you know an All-Star Game has succeeded - when the basketball itself becomes the lasting memory rather than the spectacle surrounding it. The 2017 edition delivered exactly that, creating moments that still resonate with basketball purists and casual fans alike.