2007 NBA All-Star Game: Kobe Bryant Sin-sational in 153-132 West Rout of East
By Bobby Ciafardini | Feb. 20, 2007
The only sight better than Kobe Bryant dominating the 56th Annual NBA All-Star Game Sunday in Las Vegas was that of his wife making her way down the tunnel to the post-game press conference to meet her husband, the game’s Most Valuable Player.
Wearing a skimpy Bryant No. 24 jersey dress, Vanessa Bryant could have been mistaken for a Laker Girl. The stunning Latina, in my opinion, is hotter than Desperate Housewives starlit Eva Longoria, who also made the walk to the post-game press conference to meet her beau, San Antonio All-Star Tony Parker.
Don’t get me wrong Eva is unbelievable, but Vanessa got back. Kobe you may be the greatest player in the world, but you’re an idiot for ever cheating on that fine Dime piece. As Jadakiss said, “Why did Kobe have to hit that raw,” speaking of the rap case in Denver with a young white woman a couple of seasons past. “Why did he have to kiss that wh***?”
The All-Star Game was one-sided as Bryant poured in 31 points, grabbed five rebounds, dished six assists and nabbed six steals to take MVP honors. Bryant, showcasing an inner drive that rivals that of the great Michael Jordan, played with passion from the opening tip. He set the tone for the Western Conference, which set All-Star records with 69 field goals and 52 assists on its way to an emphatic 153-132 win over the East stars at the Thomas & Mack Center.
InsideHoops.com was on the scene for the wrap-up of the festivities. Some interesting notes and thoughts include Wayne Newton’s lambskin Las Vegas leather jacket, which he wore in one of his performances at the game on Sunday. From the Jeffrey Hamilton collection, the jacket retails for about $2,900. Newton…What a Playa!
The NBA’s first voyage into having an NBA All-Star Dance Team was a success. One of the hottest babes from each of the 30 teams was on the scene and done up to the nines. Something tells this reporter that some of the fine dancers won’t make it out of Las Vegas. They probably can get better jobs here in Sin City.
MJ threw an All-Star party on Saturday night. I wasn’t able to attend, but from all accounts it was one of the hottest during the weekend. Several All-Stars said the best party in town was one thrown by Nike. The NBA hosted a player’s party on Sunday night and two of the better events during the weekend included daytime affairs: the NBA’s Legends Brunch and the Media Brunch at the MGM Grand Saturday morning. The Legends Brunch was by invite only and the Media Brunch was a quiet event that brought together some of the best sportswriters the world has to offer in one room.
The All-Star Game also made history by being the first in a city that doesn’t play host to an NBA franchise and reports indicate that the NBA will strongly consider a team here in the future and perhaps another Las Vegas All-Star appearance.
Las Vegas did a remarkable job outside of the traffic woes and could very well support a team. Maybe the Indiana Pacers or Seattle Sonics will relocate.
Ron Artest, a former All-Star attended the game and sat near the press, decked out in his K1X “Tru Warrier” apparel and sneakers. Sad, but true, Artest went from being an All-Star to sitting in the stands for the games. Not a good look for one of the NBA’s elite defenders.
Boston’s Gerald Green donned special retro Reebok “The Pump” kicks for his slam dunk victory. Shockingly, the hot kicks aren’t available for resale.
The NBA Store in Las Vegas did however sell special edition sneakers, one pair representing the East and the other, the Western All-Stars. Adidas may have taken a step forward in the basketball wars with Nike, outfitting the entire All-Star game.
Celebrity row featured appearances by some of the biggest names in entertainment and truly epitomized Hollywood’s desire to be the center of attention. Stars, some of which probably have never seen an NBA game before, were among those in attendance. Great…one less seat available for a true NBA fan.
It may have been the smallest crowd to ever witness an All-Star game, with under 16,000 in attendance – the result of a smaller college arena. The Thomas & Mack Center, home of UNLV, is a classy college showcase, nonetheless, one that includes retired jersey banners for UNLV’s former greats Larry Johnson and Greg Anthony. Oh, how I miss those Runnin’ Rebels.
Great job NBA on the All-Star showdown. Let’s see what New Orleans brings in 2008.
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