Between high-flying dunks, jaw-dropping crossovers, and the best players in the world sharing the court, NBA All-Star Weekend has always been a stage for unforgettable moments. Whether it’s an electric Slam Dunk Contest or a star-studded All-Star Game, the event delivers something special every year.
Over the past two decades, the All-Star Game has produced a ridiculous number of highlights. Sure, defense is usually optional, but that doesn’t mean the night lacks meaning. It’s a rare chance to see former rivals team up, legends get their final send-off, or even history being made right before our eyes. Some NBA moments are special, and then there are the ones that become legendary. So, let’s take a trip down memory lane and revisit five of the most legendary All-Star moments ever.
Magic Johnson’s return to the court
In NBA All-Star history, few moments have stood the test of time quite like Magic Johnson’s return in 1992. “It was a global statement,” as Magic himself would put it. Just months before the season, Magic announced his retirement after being diagnosed with HIV. At the time, the virus was considered a death sentence. Fear and misinformation were rampant, and many assumed they had seen the last of him on an NBA court.
Unknown date; Orlando, FL, USA, FILE PHOTO; Los Angeles Lakers guard (32) Magic Johnson against the Orlando Magic at the Orlando Arena. Mandatory Credit: Photo by Imagn Images
But fans refused to let Magic ride off into the sunset. Despite his retirement, he was voted into the All-Star Game, a testament to his lasting influence. And what a performance he delivered! Magic led the West to a 153-113 blowout, scoring 25 points and dishing out nine assists. He even went toe-to-toe with Michael Jordan and Isiah Thomas in the final moments. The cherry on top? A buzzer-beating three-pointer that capped off an unforgettable night.
Vince Carter shut down the dunk contest
Then came Vince Carter’s Slam Dunk Contest performance in 2000, that still has fans in awe. Even casual basketball enthusiasts have seen the highlights. Carter’s back-to-back 360 windmills set the tone, followed by a jaw-dropping between-the-legs slam. As he confidently declared, “It’s over.” And, indeed, it was. Carter’s innovative dunks raised the bar for future contestants.
TORONTO, CANADA – NOVEMBER 1: Vince Carter #15 of the Toronto Raptors poses during a photo shoot on November 1, 1999 at the Air Canada Centre in Toronto, Ontario, Canada. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and/or using this photograph, user is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. Mandatory Copyright Notice: Copyright 1999 NBAE (Photo by Nathaniel S. Butler/NBAE via Getty Images)
The crowd went wild as Carter pulled off the “honey dip,” jamming his arm through the rim. He sealed the deal with a two-handed slam from near the free-throw line, taking down Tracy McGrady and Steve Francis with a final-round score of 50-48. Carter’s legendary performance single-handedly revived the dunk contest, cementing his status as an all-time great.
Michael Jordan’s last All-Star game
Considering Michael Jordan’s legacy, his farewell to the All-Star stage in 2003 was always going to be special. After six championships and two retirements, His Airness suited up for the final time, and it looked like he’d get the perfect send-off. Late in overtime, MJ hit a clutch fadeaway to put the East up 138-136.
1990 FILE PHOTO; Orlando, FL, USA; FILE PHOTO; Chicago Bulls guard Michael Jordan wearing (12) during a game against the Orlando Magic at the Orlando Arena on a night when Jordan’s regular jersey was stolen. Mandatory Credit: Photo By Imagn Images (c) Copyright 1990 Imagn Images
However, the drama wasn’t over yet. Jermaine O’Neal’s foul on Kobe Bryant forced double overtime, and the West, led by MVP Kevin Garnett, ultimately won 155-145. Despite the loss, Jordan left his mark with 20 points, five rebounds, two assists, and two steals—a fitting reminder of his greatness.
Kobe Bryant’s bitter homecoming
Fast-forward to 2002, and Kobe Bryant had his own iconic All-Star moment. Returning to his hometown of Philadelphia, he was met with boos from the crowd still bitter about the Lakers’ NBA Finals win over the 76ers. Instead of letting it get to him, Kobe used it as motivation.
LOS ANGELES, CA – APRIL 13: Kobe Bryant #24 of the Los Angeles Lakers reacts in the first quarter against the Utah Jazz at Staples Center on April 13, 2016 in Los Angeles, California. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. (Photo by Harry How/Getty Images)
“I was pretty upset, pretty upset. Pretty hurt,” he admitted. “I just wanted to go out there and just play, just play hard.”
And he channeled those emotions into a dominant performance, dropping 31 points and dishing out five assists to lead the West to a 135-120 win. He claimed his first of four All-Star MVPs, and by the end of the night, the boos had turned to cheers.
NBA honors Kobe during All-Star
Three weeks after Kobe Bryant’s tragic passing, the NBA world came together for a tribute unlike any other. It was the 2020 All-Star Game, and the emotions in the air were impossible to ignore. To honor Kobe and his daughter Gianna, Team LeBron wore No. 2—Gianna’s jersey number—while Team Giannis donned Kobe’s legendary No. 24. But the league took it a step further. That night, they introduced the Elam Ending, setting the final target score by adding 24 points to the leading team’s total. It wasn’t just a tribute—it was a way to keep Kobe’s competitive spirit alive in the game he loved.
Feb. 20, 2012; Los Angeles, CA, USA; Los Angeles Lakers shooting guard Kobe Bryant (24) bites the basketball during the second half of the game against the Portland Trail Blazers at the Staples Center. Lakers won 103-92. Mandatory Credit: Jayne Kamin-Oncea-USA TODAY Sports
But the NBA didn’t stop there. Later, they made sure Kobe’s name would forever be linked to All-Star greatness. They renamed the All-Star Game MVP award after him, a fitting honor for someone who dominated the event year after year.
Of course, there’s no shortage of legendary All-Star moments. Jason Williams’ elbow pass? Iconic. Larry Bird calling game? Classic. And who could forget the dance-off featuring Shaquille O’Neal, LeBron James, and Dwight Howard? The All-Star Game has always been about more than just basketball. Now, with another All-Star weekend just around the corner, who knows? Maybe we’ll get another instant classic to add to the list.
The post Kobe Bryant to Magic Johnson: Top 5 Iconic NBA All-Star Moments in League’s History appeared first on EssentiallySports.
