Tag Archive for: All-Star

Airplane Turbulence: Derrick Jones Jr. Dunk Contest Debate Rages

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He promised all 50s, no matter how many it took.

And while Derrick Jones Jr. didn’t deliver that, he did give the Heat their first Slam Dunk championship since Harold Minor in 1995, beating Aaron Gordon in the final round.

 

 

Even so, it’s clear many don’t want to give him the proper respect.

Including Gordon.

Nearly 24 hours after the completion of the contest, the dunk contest — and Jones Jr’s win — was still a top trending topic on Twitter, with many pointing to former teammate Dwyane Wade’s ruling as a judge as the reason Jones reigned. And many are saying Gordon nearly taking off the head of Celtics 7-foot-6 center Tacko Fall warranted more than a 47 out of 50. Wade gave Gordon a 9 for it.

Still, Jones Jr. isn’t giving the trophy back, or giving an inch.

Here are some of the tweets that tell the story:

Whatever the NBA world thinks, Miami won 2 of the 3 titles on All-Star Saturday night, with Jones’ buddy Bam Adebayo capturing the Skills Competition.

As we’ve said, it’s safe to hate the Heat again.

They appear to enjoy it….

Still, the Magic fans who can’t jump over a coach’s resignation letter are sending slander to Jones on social media, calling him a “fraud” and a “bum.”

Maybe this is the reason for that…

Bam Adebayo’s Breakout Weekend Continues with Skills Win

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He’s not our big little secret anymore.

Bam Adebayo, the subject of a glowing profile by ESPN’s Zach Lowe this week, has been one of the breakout stars of All-Star weekend, as media members gravitate toward his story and his sunny personality.

And now, he’s about to become even more well known.’

Adebayo was the underdog (as much as +1200) among eight participants in the Skills Challenge — because many bettors aren’t familiar with his unusual versatility. But really, the only question was whether he could make the three-pointer at the end. The dribbling? The layup? The passing? Those are easy for him.

Well, now the world knows how gifted he is.

Adebayo beat Brooklyn’s Spencer Dinwiddie, Toronto’s Pascal Siakam and Indiana’s Domantas Sabonis, converting all 3 of the passes on the first try, which gave him a sprinter’s start into the final leg. And yes, he made 3-of-6 three-pointers.

Highlights from a remarkable performance…

First, Dinwiddie…

Next, Siakam…

Finally, Sabonis…

Then he let the world know how happy he was, and how wrong they were…

With a smile, of course…

Remember that bet where Jimmy Butler has to give Bam money for threes made?…