The 2023 All-Star game has officially kicked off much to NBA fans’ delight. Despite having faced a few obstacles due to several injury-related issues, both teams are finally ready for yet another blockbuster matchup. There is no doubt that fans were looking forward to witnessing a thrilling game between the two teams led by captains LeBron James and Giannis Antetokounmpo. However, an unfortunate incident during the game crushed all hopes leaving NBA world in shock.
James has been leading his All-Star team as a captain since 2018 and is yet to be defeated by his opponent. The 19x NBA All-Star has appeared in all five games since then winning over Stephen Curry, Kevin Durant, and Giannis.
LeBron James will sit out the All-Star game
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After tying at 46-46 in the first quarter of the game, Team Giannis took the lead by seven points in the second quarter. By the end of the third quarter, the Greek Freak’s team was up by 158 against Team LeBron’s 141. During the third quarter, a disappointing LeBron James news emerged that only left fans infuriated. As per reports by NBA Central, the 4x NBA champion will miss the rest of the game due to a right-hand injury.
LeBron James is OUT for the rest of the game (hand)
— NBACentral (@TheNBACentral) February 20, 2023
LeBron’s pinky finger got caught on the rim while trying to block a layup following which he remained on for no more than six minutes on the court. King James scored 13 points, one rebound, and four assists before sustaining the injury.
Twitterati was rather frustrated due to the Los Angeles Lakers superstar’s repeated absence from several games. James had missed three games before finally joining his team for the game against the New Orleans Pelicans on February 15. One fan accused James of ‘running from the grind’. Whereas, another commented, “This man doing everything to not play with his new teammates.” Take a look at a few of the tweets.
Running from the grind
— 𝘑𝘢𝘺𝘘𝘶𝘢𝘥𝘴🥷🏿🗽 (@DimesJayy) February 20, 2023
This man doing everything to not play with his new teammates
— Arctic_Reigns (@Arctic_Reigns) February 20, 2023
Quitted on his all star team like he quitted on the Lakers after he broke his longevity record😭🔥😤
— NBA SUPERFAN (@nbasup3rfan) February 20, 2023
Kobe would’ve played with the pain
— kawhi fan (@KawhiNewEra) February 20, 2023
Hes resting for his next team pic.twitter.com/EbpElYAdzy
— Kyle Anderson is the best player of all time (@dosnetlive) February 20, 2023
So much for playing every game remaining this year
— Maple Bruin (@MapleBruu) February 20, 2023
LeBron just breaking all the records I see. The first player in NBA history to get injured and ruled out in the All-Star Game LOL
— JFiveKeepHopeAlive (@JohnnyMyers20) February 20, 2023
This’s why Mj is better. Jordan would be out there with 1 hand dropping 40
— NYsportsfan (@NY_sportsfan17) February 20, 2023
Lebron after the 1st half pic.twitter.com/Z32D0kIKtP
— Jimmy’s Better (@OwnedbyJimmy) February 20, 2023
Bro didn't want to see his first loss to team giannas
— Russell westbrook lover (@EthanBr82146430) February 20, 2023
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The 2023 All-Star Draft
For the first time in the history of All-Star games, captains of both teams, LeBron James and Giannis Antetokounmpo, built their respective rosters just minutes before the game began. LeBron selected Joel Embiid, Kyrie Irving, Luka Doncic, and Nikola Jokic. Whereas, Giannis chose Jayson Tatum, Donovan Mitchell, Ja Morant, and Lauri Markkanen.
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Both teams went through changes this year due to unavoidable circumstances. Stephen Curry and Kevin Durant, who was voted as All-Star players, had to miss the game due to a leg injury and an MCL sprain respectively. Consequently, this led to the inclusion of Morant and Markkanen.