Jeremy T. Ringfield's Blog, page 209

Oakland native Damian Lillard wants NBA All-Star Game to return to its roots

SAN FRANCISCO — While he enjoyed this year’s All-Star Game format, Milwaukee Bucks guard Damian Lillard still yearns for how the NBA All-Star Game used to be.

This year, the NBA made a radical change to the All-Star Game with a tournament-style format. Players were broken up into three different teams and played games to 40 instead of having a clock to end the game. 

Lillard, a member of Shaquille O’Neal’s OGs, won the tournament and had his moments as he hit the game-winner in the team’s first game against Candace Parker’s Rising Stars in the semifinals. 

But when asked what he would change about the format going forward, the Oakland High alum said he would prefer the game should go back to the way it was.

“I’m a fan of the original way: East versus West,” Lillard said. 

When asked what could make the game more competitive, Lillard pointed to having more incentives for players. 

“Just put more on the line,” Lillard said. “(A financial incentive) is something that I’m sure would get people going. But I’m not suggesting that. 

“Whoever wins, East or West, gets home court for the Finals, kind of like baseball (used to be). It could be anything. But I think East versus West is the best way for me.”

Lillard is no stranger to playing hard in an All-Star Game. Last year, Lillard won the All-Star MVP after knocking down 11 3-pointers and totaling 39 points. In the seven All-Star games he played in, Lillard has averaged 22.3 points on 47.5% shooting from the field. 

While Lillard acknowledged the need for the All-Star game to be competitive, he believes the timing of the game and the possibility of injuries makes it hard for players to play as hard as they can. 

“The game is faster, it’s more up and down and the pace is higher than it’s ever been,” Lillard said. “The style of play is just wearing guys’ bodies. The break is so deep into the season. We only got less than 30 games left, so our bodies are constantly breaking down over the course of a long season. 

“We’re trying to get into the playoffs healthy. I don’t think it’s a matter of guys not caring. It’s just so much pressure on you. … We want to be our best for that. You don’t want to go out there and get hurt. I think one of the things that can make it better is to move All-Star Weekend closer to the start of the season, like the actual midpoint.”

Curry enjoyed hosting 

Despite having a busy schedule, Stephen Curry didn’t mind being the Bay Area’s ambassador for the weekend. 

Curry stopped in at numerous community events, including opening the newly refurbished McClymonds High gymnasium. 

“The hosting experience was unbelievable,” Curry said. “I’m not gonna complain about the entire exhaustion. This is an honor and a blessing to be able to celebrate and share this beautiful Bay Area that’s been a part of my life for the last 60 years. The basketball history and culture that’s here, amazing fans that are here, the impact that the game being here has had on both cities, it was awesome.”

Curry said he got emotional walking into the Oracle Arena for the All-Star practice on Saturday. 

“If you have been a part of our journey, understood the highs and lows of everything we experienced, Oracle Arena is a symbol of that. It’s such a unique place, such a unique city, unique town and the idea that we had an opportunity to pay homage to the 47 years that we played in that building and the memories that we had, I got real emotional yesterday going back.”

Golden State Warriors’ Stephen Curry arrives at McClymonds High School in Oakland, Calif., before the Oakland Unified School District All-Star Basketball Game on Friday, Feb. 14, 2025. (Dai Sugano/Bay Area News Group)Local All-Stars enjoy time back in Bay

Houston Rockets guard Amen Thompson and Memphis Grizzlies wing Jaylen Wells – two players with Bay Area ties – got the chance to play on the same team tonight on the Rising Stars. 

Thompson, a San Leandro native, said he was happy to get a chance to play against Curry – a player he grew up idolizing.

“It’s crazy watching what Steph did out here,” Thompson said. “Being able to play against him when I went to some of his camps, that’s just crazy.”

Wells played two seasons at Sonoma State. He has been active in showing his support for his former school’s athletic department after Sonoma State announced it was going to cut all sports. 

“I plan on going there tomorrow, actually, and meet with a few people, and hopefully see the coach,” Wells said. “I was mostly just sad for the athletes, just knowing that they have to change schools. They probably went to a school that they chose and love, and they get to play a sport that they love, that the only way they can keep playing their sport is to change schools. 

“I wouldn’t be here without them. The first two years, I developed a lot, and I think a lot of the person I am today is from Sonoma State. They gave me such a huge role so early and I didn’t think I was ready for it.”

San Antonio Spurs’ Stephon Castle is congratulated by Jaylen Wells after making the winning shot in an opening round Rising Stars game at Chase Center in San Francisco, Calif., one of the NBA’s All -Star weekend events, Friday, Feb. 14, 2025. (Karl Mondon/Bay Area News Group)

NBA All-Stars split on new tournament format

SAN FRANCISCO — The NBA All-Star Game reached a low point in 2024.

The league’s annual showcase, once the anchor event of All-Star Weekend, had devolved to such an extent that the final score was 211-186. Players on the East team, which won, openly admitted they were chasing the first-ever 200-point total.

In 2025, the NBA reformatted the All-Star Game to a tournament. Four teams would compete in brief games to 40 points.

The new format was more successful. There was a smattering of defense here and there.

Shaq’s OGs’ Stephen Curry (30) shoots a 3-point basket Candace’s Rising Stars’ Trayce Jackson-Davis (32) during Game 2 of the NBA All-Star Game at Chase Center in San Francisco, Calif., on Sunday, Feb. 16, 2025. (Jose Carlos Fajardo/Bay Area News Group)

In the semifinal round, Shaq’s OG’s, featuring Warriors superstar Stephen Curry, narrowly beat Candace’s Rising Stars 42-35 in a game where the outcome was briefly in doubt. The other semifinal between Chuck’s Global Stars and Kenny’s Young Stars was less competitive but still relatively close. Chuck’s team won 41-32.

In the final, Shaq’s team beat Chuck’s team 41-25 in a wholly uncompetitive contest. 

So did the new structure work?

“The format was cool,” said Jayson Tatum, a member of Shaq’s team. “The toughest part was that they stopped the game to do the presentation while we were kind of halfway through it. We were sitting down for 20 minutes, whatever it was. It was tough to get back into the game. But I thought it was good.”

Shaq’s OG’s Jaylen Brown (7) steals the ball away from Candace’s Rising Stars’ Trayce Jackson-Davis (32) in Game 2 of the NBA basketball All-Star Game at the Chase Center in San Francisco, Calif., on Sunday, Feb. 16, 2025. (Nhat V. Meyer/Bay Area News Group)

Milwaukee Bucks star Giannis Antetokounmpo, who dressed out for the Global Stars but did not participate in either of their games, endorsed a United States-versus-World competition.

“The U.S. versus the World, that would be an exciting format,” Antetokounmpo said. “I feel like that would make people play hard. Hopefully we can get it back — I wasn’t there, but get it back to where it was. I remember the first couple of years that I was an All-Star, everybody was playing hard.”

Perhaps just as the Olympic gold medal game was a spirited affair between France and the U.S. at the Paris Olympics last August, a more prominent international flavor would bring increased intensity. 

“I would rather play without breaks,” said Oklahoma City’s Shai Gilgeous-Alexander, a native of Canada and member of the Global Stars team. “But I had fun nonetheless. I feel like it was a little bit more towards the competitive side tonight, which is a good feeling. Step in the right direction.”

Shaq’s OGs’ Kevin Durant (35) takes a shot against Candace’s Rising Stars’ Dalton Knecht (4) in Game 2 of the NBA basketball All-Star Game at the Chase Center in San Francisco, Calif., on Sunday, Feb. 16, 2025. (Nhat V. Meyer/Bay Area News Group)

Curry, the game’s MVP, provided input on the format to NBA commissioner Adam Silver. He left pleased with the overall results.

“I don’t want to compare it to any other era because the world has changed,” Curry said. “Life is different. The way people consume basketball is different. It’s not going to look like it used to. But it can still be fun for everybody. I had fun. Our team had fun. That’s kind of all that matters.”

Damian Lillard, an Oakland native and member of Shaq’s team who hit the game-clinching 3-pointer in the semifinal, endorsed a return to the long-tenured East-West format. The All-Star Game was East-West from its inception in 1967 to 2018.

From 2018-2023, teams were formed from a draft undertaken by the top vote-getters in each NBA conference. The league returned to East-West in 2024 before abandoning it once again.

Shaq’s OGs’ Stephen Curry (30) dribbles against Candace’s Rising Stars’ Dalton Knecht (4) in Game 2 of the NBA basketball All-Star Game at the Chase Center in San Francisco, Calif., on Sunday, Feb. 16, 2025. (Nhat V. Meyer/Bay Area News Group)

“I’m a fan of the original way,” the Bucks guard said. “Just put more on the line, heightened incentives – a financial incentive is what we’re talking about. That’s something that I’m sure would get people going.”

Lillard had lots of ideas. He also suggested putting home-court advantage in the Finals on the line, as well as creating a team of All-Star snubs to compete in the four-team tournament.

Clearly, the event is still a work in progress. But multiple players thought this year’s edition was closer to the ideal version than last year’s uncompetitive debacle.

“Kyrie (Irving), yesterday at practice when we came in right before we took the floor, he’s like, ‘Yo, we playing this year?’ I was like, ‘Yeah,’ and he’s like, ‘All right.’” Curry said. 

“You saw him, he was guarding Donovan Mitchell physical, he was in short spurts playing, keeping the intensity going and all that. So it all mattered. Everybody was professional tonight. Everybody showed up, did their job and did right by the game.”

Shaq’s OGs’ Kyrie Irving (11) fights for the ball against Chuck’s Global Stars’ Donovan Mitchell (45) in championship game of the NBA basketball All-Star Game at the Chase Center in San Francisco, Calif., on Sunday, Feb. 16, 2025. (Nhat V. Meyer/Bay Area News Group)

Kevin Durant teams up with Steph, feels Bay Area love in NBA All-Star Game

SAN FRANCISCO — Rebound, Durant. Outlet pass to Curry. Pull up.

Clank.

OK, so it wasn’t quite the Team USA reunion we were promised. LeBron James watched in street clothes. But Steph Curry and Kevin Durant, winners of two NBA championships and Olympic gold together, proved to be a winning combo once again Sunday night at the NBA All-Star Game.

Leading Shaquille O’Neal’s OGs over Candace Parker’s Rising Stars in the inaugural four-team format, it was just like old times. Almost.

Durant grabbed four rebounds and assisted on three buckets but was mostly a nonfactor in the scoring column, finishing the night’s two games with a combined four points on 3-of-9 shooting — none in the final — while ceding MVP honors to the hometown hero, unlike during their 2017 and 2018 NBA Finals runs.

Curry couldn’t connect on the long feed from Durant but finished with 16 points while attempting more shots than anyone else, including one from the halfcourt line that swished through the net.

“It was dope, man. The whole weekend was cool,” Durant said afterward. “It’s always good to reunite with some of my former teammates, James (Harden), Kyrie (Irving), Steph. It was good to be on the floor with them. And it was cool Steph got the MVP back here at home.”

More than just a one-off reunion seemed to be in the cards as recently as a month ago, when the NBA trade deadline was heating up and the Warriors reportedly expressed interest in acquiring their former star from the Phoenix Suns. Other rumors speculated potentially adding James to the mix, too.

The teams weren’t able to work out a deal, however, and the Warriors moved on to create a new one-two duo, pairing Curry with Jimmy Butler.

According to reports, it was Durant who nixed the deal, wary about a second go-around with Golden State. But asked Sunday night whether he was ever approached about the possibility of rejoining the Warriors, Durant offered a single word in response.

“Nah,” he said.

Only weeks later, the trio of old-guard stars were teaming up inside Chase Center after all.

“It’s just so easy to play with Steph,” Durant said. “He doesn’t demand the ball. He doesn’t have a demanding personality. He just plays within the flow of the game. And those are the types of players that are easy to play with.”

Durant could only watch with the same amazement as the rest of the arena as Curry provided the flourish only he could, casually dribbling the ball up the court only to suddenly pull up from the halfcourt line and sink one of his six 3-pointers on the night.

He was asked if he ever gets tired seeing those types of shots from Curry.

“Do you?” he responded.

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Besides Curry — and the other guy who sank a halfcourt heave, a young fan who walked away with $100,000 — among the warmest receptions of the evening were reserved for Durant, whom owner Joe Lacob has said will have a statue erected in his honor outside the arena one day.

While Durant made time to chat with Lacob on the sideline before tipoff, he heard the crowd’s reaction, too.

“I always feel the love from the fans in the Bay Area,” Durant said. “I never thought for a second that I ain’t get no love out here. I heard people saying that I might not have felt that love or that I didn’t know it was this much love. But everywhere I go, all over the world, the country, there’s Warriors fans, and they show me love.

“So of course I heard it. Especially Oracle, this is my home. You know what I’m saying? A lot of great memories here in the Bay Area. So we have a tight relationship, the fans and myself.”

Steph Curry can’t save All-Star Game, but he can win it

SAN FRANCISCO — In an All-Star championship game already out of hand, Steph Curry decided to put a jolt into a dead Chase Center crowd.

Ever the showman, Curry pulled up from halfcourt and drained it. Finally, the crowd that sat through brutal stoppages and nonsensical basketball, had something to get out of their seats for.

Curry stamped a blowout victory with a trademark lookaway 3-pointer and by hoisting the Kobe Bryant All-Star Game MVP trophy.

For 16 years, Curry has sensed the moment and delivered, inspiring crowds and expanding the basketball imagination.

In Sunday night’s All-Star Game at Chase Center, there wasn’t a moment for him to rise to. He did so anyway.

Lifeless for almost the entire night, sitting through a commercialized production of performance smorgasbord, mostly uninspired basketball, long stoppages and gimmicks, the Chase Center crowd at least headed for the exits with a memory of their franchise player in mind.

“I think it was a good step in the right direction to reinvigorate the game in some way, and then you tinker with it again next year and see what changes you can make,” Curry said diplomatically. “I had fun. Our team had fun.”

Shaq’s OGs’ Stephen Curry (30) scores a basket against Chuck’s Global Stars’ Pascal Siakam(43) in championship game of the NBA basketball All-Star Game at the Chase Center in San Francisco, Calif., on Sunday, Feb. 16, 2025. (Nhat V. Meyer/Bay Area News Group)

Curry scored 12 points in the championship, helping his Shaq’s OGs team to a 41-25 victory in the championship to win the first tournament-style All-Star Game by reaching the target score. He’s now the fourth player in league history with at least two league MVPs, two All-Star MVPs, and a Finals MVP, joining LeBron James, Michael Jordan and Magic Johnson.

Before Curry’s closing flurry, the most exciting action of the night was when a fan won $100,000 from Youtube star MrBeast for beating Damian Lillard in a 3-point shooting contest.

For Curry’s franchise-record 11th All-Star Game, he had a hand in tweaking the format. The league divided the selected All-Stars into three teams, with the Rising Stars champion joining them for a miniature tournament with games to 40 points. The changes were designed to revive an All-Star Game that had devolved because players stopped trying.

It was Curry’s weekend, and he ended it with a win. This was the Bay Area’s event for the first time in 25 years, and he’s its greatest son.

Shaq’s OGs including Shaq’s OGs’ Stephen Curry (30) and Shaq’s OGs’ Kevin Durant (35) check out the trophy next to Kevin Hart after beating Chuck’s Global Stars 41-25 in the championship game of the NBA basketball All-Star Game at the Chase Center in San Francisco, Calif., on Sunday, Feb. 16, 2025. (Nhat V. Meyer/Bay Area News Group)

Curry strolled down memory lane at old Oracle Arena for Saturday morning practice, visions of gold and blue confetti falling for championships flooding back. There, he drilled a backwards halfcourt shot, igniting what had become one of the iconic NBA crowds of the century.

“(I) got real emotional yesterday going back,” Curry said. “I’ve been back a couple times before but not with a crowd and not with a basketball floor on the ground and being able to reminisce. It was very special for sure. I know there’s a lot of talk like, we should play a game there. I like that idea. Oracle holds a special place in my heart.”

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He hosted a party at the new Splash bar at Thrive City, dropped new Bay Area-themed sneakers and visited some of the playgrounds his Eat.Learn.Play. foundation has refurbished in Oakland.

An hour before tipoff of the miniature tournament, Curry warmed up with Kevin Durant and Lillard. Without a real game to play, he didn’t need to go through his typical routine. Nothing was typical around him — the upcoming target-score game against the Rising Stars champs, the swaths of fans overflowing onto the court, his Shaq’s OGs teammates.

On a roster full of future Hall of Famers, including LeBron James — who sat out — Curry got announced last. This was his party, and everyone knew it.

Shaq’s OGs’ Stephen Curry (30) shoots a 3-point basket while playing the Candace’s Rising Stars during Game 2 of the NBA All-Star Game at Chase Center in San Francisco, Calif., on Sunday, Feb. 16, 2025. (Jose Carlos Fajardo/Bay Area News Group)

For much of the first game, a 41-32 Global Stars victory over the Young Guns, you could hear a pin drop in Chase Center. A subdued silence was only interrupted by Kevin Hart on the loudspeaker complaining about the game and a pickup-style emcee.

That certainly didn’t hype up the crowd. Could Curry?

The two-time MVP was immediately aggressive, sinking an effortless floater from the elbow on the first possession and then flipping in a 30-footer. Even still, there was nary a reaction from the crowd. Stoppages for various in-game entertainment activations interrupted whatever flow could’ve developed from a game that waxed and waned in intensity.

Curry scored eight points and Oakland native Lillard sank the game-winning 3 to lift Team OG to the finals, avoiding humiliation at the hands of the Rising Stars. Lillard later suggested returning the All-Star format to East vs. West and said he’d be open to putting home court advantage in the NBA Finals on the line, like MLB used to.

Shaq’s OGs’ Stephen Curry (30) poses with the MVP trophy after winning the championship game against Chuck’s Global Stars 41-25 for the NBA basketball All-Star Game at the Chase Center in San Francisco, Calif., on Sunday, Feb. 16, 2025. (Nhat V. Meyer/Bay Area News Group)

The All-Star championship tipped off after what seemed like endless commercial breaks and miscellaneous on-court performances. When play finally resumed, Curry opened the championship game with a one-handed 3-pointer, igniting an 11-0 Team OG run.

TNT staged a 20-minute, farewell tour-style presentation for the Inside The NBA Crew, abruptly halting the championship. Much of the lowest moments of the event had nothing to do with the new format, but rather the interminable commercialization of the game.

“That was definitely not ideal,” Jaylen Brown said of the stoppage.

Jayson Tatum, trying slightly harder than almost everyone else on the court, drilled three 3-pointers and ended the game with a dunk.

On a low-energy night, Curry had the most aura. He’s still a box-office draw, even if the movie bombs.

“Everything kind of went exactly as it should,” Curry said of his weekend. “It was a 10 out of 10 experience for sure hosting the game here.”

Shaq’s OGs’ Stephen Curry (30) is introduced before the start of the NBA All-Star Game at Chase Center in San Francisco, Calif., on Sunday, Feb. 16, 2025. (Jose Carlos Fajardo/Bay Area News Group)

NBA All-Star Game: Roll call of celebrities who flocked to Chase Center

SAN FRANCISCO — Chase Center’s first NBA All-Star Game attracted more than just the 25 official All-Stars and another cadre of rising stars. Actors, singers, influencers and more also gathered Sunday night inside the Warriors’ $1.4 billion, 6-year-old, state-of-the-art gymnasium.

Actor and comedian Kevin Hart tried to ham it up as the event’s emcee, and ultimately it was Steph Curry who would awaken the masses by hitting a half-court shot in a championship game win to help clinch MVP honors.

Fans gave only light applause earlier to Warriors legends Rick Barry, Chris Mullin, Mitch Richmond and Tim Hardaway.

Here are others in the celebrity roll call, as provided by the NBA:

Shaq’s OGs’ Stephen Curry (30) greets Julius “Dr. J” Erving while sitting courtside before the start of the NBA All-Star Game at Chase Center in San Francisco, Calif., on Sunday, Feb. 16, 2025. (Jose Carlos Fajardo/Bay Area News Group)

Gabriella Sarmiento Wilson or also known as H.E.R. sits courtside during Game 1 of the NBA All-Star Game at Chase Center in San Francisco, Calif., on Sunday, Feb. 16, 2025. (Jose Carlos Fajardo/Bay Area News Group)

Shaq’s OGs’ Kevin Durant (35) greets Shaq’s OGs head coach Shaquille O’Neal before the start of the NBA All-Star Game at Chase Center in San Francisco, Calif., on Sunday, Feb. 16, 2025. (Jose Carlos Fajardo/Bay Area News Group)

Liam Charles points while sitting with his father Chuck’s Global Stars’ Giannis Antetokounmpo (34) and his younger brother Maverick Shai while sitting on the bench during Game 1 of the NBA All-Star Game at Chase Center in San Francisco, Calif., on Sunday, Feb. 16, 2025. (Jose Carlos Fajardo/Bay Area News Group)

Guy Fieri sits courtside during Game 1 of the NBA All-Star Game at Chase Center in San Francisco, Calif., on Sunday, Feb. 16, 2025. (Jose Carlos Fajardo/Bay Area News Group)

Shaq’s OGs’ Lebron James (23) sits courtside in street clothes during Game 2 of the NBA All-Star Game at Chase Center in San Francisco, Calif., on Sunday, Feb. 16, 2025. (Jose Carlos Fajardo/Bay Area News Group)

Former San Francisco Giants player Barry Bonds sits courtside during Game 1 of the NBA All-Star Game at Chase Center in San Francisco, Calif., on Sunday, Feb. 16, 2025. (Jose Carlos Fajardo/Bay Area News Group)

Spike Lee sits courtside during Game 1 of the NBA All-Star Game at Chase Center in San Francisco, Calif., on Sunday, Feb. 16, 2025. (Jose Carlos Fajardo/Bay Area News Group)

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Shaq’s OGs’ Stephen Curry (30) greets Julius “Dr. J” Erving while sitting courtside before the start of the NBA All-Star Game at Chase Center in San Francisco, Calif., on Sunday, Feb. 16, 2025. (Jose Carlos Fajardo/Bay Area News Group)

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ACTORS, COMEDIANS, INFLUENCERS

Cam Wilder (influencer)

Chris Tucker (comedian/actor)

Danny Ramirez (actor)

Donald Faison (actor)

Druski (comedian/influencer)

Dylan Wang (Chinese actor)

Guy Fieri (celebrity chef)

Jesser (influencer)

Mr. Beast (influencer/host)

Pablo Schreiber (actor)

Rome Flynn (actor/NBA celebrity game MVP)

Spike Lee (director/producer)

ATHLETES

A’Ja Wilson (WNBA MVP)

Allen Iverson (NBA legend)

Baron Davis (Warriors legend)

Barry Bonds (Giants legend)

Bayley (WWE Superstar)

Chris Mullin (Warriors legend)

Gary Payton (Warriors legend)

Jamal Crawford (NBA legend)

Jason Richardson (Warriors legend)

Jerry Rice (49ers/Raiders legend)

Joakim Noah (NBA legend)

Julius Erving (NBA legend)

Marshawn Lynch (NBA legend)

Maxx Crosby (Raiders player)

Metta World Peace (NBA legend)

Mitch Richmond (Warriors legend)

Muggsy Bogues (NBA legend)

Oscar Robertson (NBA legend)

Pau Gasol (NBA legend)

Rick Barry (Warriors legend)

Terrell Owens (49ers legend)

Tim Hardaway (Warriors legend)

Tracy McGrady (NBA legend)

MUSICAL ARTISTS

2 Chainz (rapper)

Alessia Cara (Canadian singer)

AP Dhillon (Indian musician)

Chance The Rapper (rapper)

DJ Cassidy (DJ/producer)

D-Nice (DJ/producer)

E-40 (rapper)

En Vogue (recording artist)

Fabulous (rapper)

G-Eazy (rapper)

GloRilla (rapper)

Goapele (singer)

H.E.R. (musical artist/actress)

Jadakiss (rapper)

Jennifer Hudson (singer/host)

GELO (rapper)

Mickey Guyton (singer)

NLE Choppa (rapper)

Noah Kahan (singer)

P-Lo (rapper)

Raphael Saadiq (musical artist)

Run D.M.C. (rappers)

Saweetie (singer/rapper)

Shaboozey (singer)

Too $hort (rapper)

Walker Hayes (singer)

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NOTE: The Warriors (28-27) have 13 regular-season home games remaining, with their next coming on Sunday against the eighth-place Dallas Mavericks, who are two weeks removed from trading Luka Doncic to the Los Angeles Lakers. The Warriors are tied for ninth place in the Western Conference with the Sacramento Kings, whose players were not represented in any All-Star Weekend festivities.

Draymond Green makes bold prediction about Warriors’ season

SAN FRANCISCO — Never one to shy away from bold statements, Draymond Green may have set a new bar on Sunday outside Chase Center.

The Warriors’ outspoken forward, a four-time All-Star, was broadcasting outside the NBA All-Star Game when he made a proclamation that will follow Golden State around the rest of this season and potentially longer.

“We are going to win the championship,” Green said on TNT as he addressed the trade that brought Jimmy Butler from Miami to Golden State.

The Warriors are currently 10th in the Western Conference with a 28-27 record. If the season ended today, they would occupy the final spot in the NBA play-in tournament.

Fellow TNT panelists Adam Lefkoe, Jalen Rose and Vince Carter were stunned and asked Green to repeat himself.

He did, with pleasure, while looking directly into the camera.

Green attributed his newfound confidence to the addition of Butler.

“We were kind of headed in the wrong direction,” Green said. “I think we were figuring it out and now we’ve figured it out this year, throughout the course of this year. And since he’s been here, we’ve walked into every game thinking and believing that we’re going to win that game. And that goes a long way in this league.”

LeBron James to miss NBA All-Star game with an injury

SAN FRANCISCO — Los Angeles Lakers superstar forward LeBron James announced late Sunday afternoon that he will not play in the NBA All-Star Game at Chase Center on Sunday night.

The forward, in his 22nd season in the NBA, divulged the news during his scheduled press conference two hours before tipoff, telling the assembled media that he is fighting pain in his foot and ankle area.

James’ record streak of 20 consecutive All-Star starts will thus come to an end.

“I was hoping that it would feel a lot better this morning, but it’s not where I wanted to be,” James said.

James’ team, Shaq’s OG’s, will not be able to add a replacement All-Star player on such short notice. Stephen Curry, Kevin Durant and James Harden are among James’ teammates that will have to pick up the slack in his absence.

James said he needed to prioritize the Lakers’ push for the playoffs and be smart with his body with the NBA’s stretch run approaching. He played against the Utah Jazz on Wednesday, and the Lakers will play at home against Charlotte on Wednesday.

“Trying to make a playoff push in the wild, wild west, it’s very important for me to take care of myself,” James said. “I have to look out for myself when it comes to this injury I’ve been dealing with for years.”

Horoscopes Feb. 15, 2025: Jane Seymour, don’t wait for things to happen

CELEBRITIES BORN ON THIS DAY: Amber Riley, 39; Matt Groening, 71; Melissa Manchester, 74; Jane Seymour, 74.

[image error] Amber Riley

Happy Birthday: You are in a better position than you realize. Don’t wait for things to happen; jump in, trust and believe in yourself, and expand your goals. Emotions and money won’t mix well. Look for bargains, use your bartering capabilities and take control during negotiations. You have a much higher value than you give yourself credit for. Play to win this year, and success will find you. Your numbers are 3, 9, 23, 27, 32, 35, 44.

ARIES (March 21-April 19): Do something constructive. Helping others can be gratifying, but you must take time to nurture yourself if you want to maintain a positive attitude. Participating in something you believe in will connect you to someone you want to get to know better. Fix up your surroundings and enjoy the comforts of home. 3 stars

TAURUS (April 20-May 20): Distance yourself from those trying to exploit you. Address your needs and put together a plan to market your attributes, skills and qualifications to fit what’s needed most in your community. It’s up to you to sell what you have to offer and present yourself confidently. 3 stars

GEMINI (May 21-June 20): Simplify matters by keeping your thoughts to yourself, going about your business and staying out of trouble. Concentrate on personal gains, looking your best and staying healthy. Look for unique uses for your talents and skills, and you will discover a niche that suits you perfectly. Romance is in the stars. 5 stars

CANCER (June 21-July 22): Pick up momentum and finish what you start. Refuse to let emotional issues slow you down. Putting in extra hours will take your mind off situations you cannot control. Focus on using your skills, experience and knowledge to bring in extra cash or invest in something you want to pursue. 2 stars

LEO (July 23-Aug. 22): Use your charm to get ahead. A kind gesture will give you the leverage to gain support and ensure you come out on top. A partnership will go through a learning experience, but in the end, it will bring you closer together and help you lay down the necessary ground rules. 4 stars

VIRGO (Aug. 23-Sept. 22): Stick to the truth and question anything you hear that sounds far-fetched. Set boundaries, take precautions and follow the most comfortable path. Use your intelligence to stretch your money and lower your overhead. Embrace change, learn something new and restructure your resume to suit job availability. 3 stars

LIBRA (Sept. 23-Oct. 22): Put yourself out there and engage in functions that connect you to the movers and shakers who can offer insight into prospects that fit your expertise. Changing the dynamics of your relationship with someone will encourage a lifestyle adjustment that eases emotional and financial stress. 3 stars

SCORPIO (Oct. 23-Nov. 21): Head out and seek intellectual and creative stimulation that helps you broaden your awareness and vision regarding something or someone you want to pursue. An interest in something unique or in someone from a different background will be enlightening. Don’t spend to impress; you can’t buy love. 3 stars

SAGITTARIUS (Nov. 22-Dec. 21): Emotional mayhem is likely if you believe everything you hear or share too much personal information with others. Be a good listener but only commit to something after scrutinizing the pros, cons and possible consequences before participating. Say no to anything that doesn’t fit your schedule or budget. 2 stars

CAPRICORN (Dec. 22-Jan. 19): Protect your health, secrets and ideas from someone poking and prodding into your thoughts and affairs. When uncertainty sets in, it’s time for you to take a pass and move along. Different surroundings and learning or trying something new and exciting will help you gain perspective regarding your goals. 5 stars

AQUARIUS (Jan. 20-Feb. 18): You are in the zone and ready to act. Say what’s on your mind and find out where you stand. Life, love and happiness can all be yours to enjoy if you are straightforward regarding what you want and need. Express yourself, make promises and follow through with your plans. 5 stars

PISCES (Feb. 19-March 20): Choose minimalism over hoarding and reduce debt. Too much of anything will become a burden. Set your sights on decluttering, making extra cash or making someone happy by paying it forward. Share your thoughts, and you’ll gain the support and help you require to achieve peace of mind. 3 stars

Birthday Baby: You are intuitive, enthusiastic and dedicated. You are artistic and mindful.

1 star: Avoid conflicts; work behind the scenes. 2 stars: You can accomplish, but don’t rely on others. 3 stars: Focus and you’ll reach your goals. 4 stars: Aim high; start new projects. 5 stars: Nothing can stop you; go for gold.

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Rising Stars Game provides test case of new All-Star format

SAN FRANCISCO — The first test run of the new, truncated All-Star weekend format produced mixed results.

One of the three Rising Stars games, each played to a target score, was competitive. Intensity was scarce and hundreds of Chase Center seats were empty, but there were still some memorable moments.

Rising Stars MVP Steph Castle hit a game-winner. So did Rip City Remix’s Bryce McGowens, lifting the G League team to an upset victory. And Warriors center Trayce Jackson-Davis got bragging rights over his teammates Brandin Podziemski and Pat Spencer.

Utah Jazz’ Keyonte George hugs Team C coach Chris Mullin after hitting the winning shot, Friday, Feb. 14, 2025, in the Rising Stars final game at Chase Center in San Francisco, Calif.,The night’s games featured the top NBA rookies and second-year players and kicked off the NBA’s All-Star weekend. (Karl Mondon/Bay Area News Group)

By winning the miniature tournament, Jackson-Davis, Castle and Chris Mullin’s team of rookies and sophomores gets to play Steph Curry, LeBron James and Kevin Durant’s team in an All-Star semifinal game Sunday night.

“I like our team a lot, I like our chances,” Jackson-Davis said postgame.

Warriors legends Mitch Richmond, Tim Hardaway and Mullin coached the three teams of first and second-year players, and Bay Area native Jeremy Lin led the G League standouts. The new format featured a three-game tournament, with semifinals played to 40 points and the championship to 25. The semis games took about 30 minutes and the championship about 20.

It’s the same general configuration the signature event on Sunday will take as the league tries to inspire more intensity in its midseason showcase.

The Rising Stars tournament represented a trial run.

Count Spencer as a critic who wants the games to have a more game-like feel.

“Everybody’s switching one-through-five, just turns into isolation basketball,” Spencer said. “Very tough to make it competitive. But hopefully the fans had a good time.

Golden State Warriors’ Patrick Spencer drives on Stephon Castle during the Rising Stars final at Chase Center in San Francisco, Calif., one of the NBA’s All -Star weekend events, Friday, Feb. 14, 2025. The game features the top NBA rookies and second-year players. (Karl Mondon/Bay Area News Group)

For much of the three games, players moved a half speed, not quite reaching open-gym levels of energy. There were missed dunks, airballs and botched alley-oop lobs. Not a box-out in sight. Jackson-Davis described the defensive speed as about 75%, but that was generous.

Players don’t want to get hurt in a meaningless exhibition with a stretch-run of regular season games on the horizon, so the All-Star festivities are never going to be pure basketball.

The closest the Rising Stars game got was during G League’s upset over Richmond’s squad featuring the Thompson twins. 

Team M had chances to reach the 40-point target score, but a slew of missed foul shots allowed the G Leaguers to hang in. They’d gone back-and-forth, with the rookies and sophomores playing with pride, hoping to avoid humiliation of losing to G Leaguers.

But McGowens rose up for the game-winning 3.

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The biggest reactions from the crowd — besides the Red Panda performance — were in the pregame introductions for Podziemski and Jackson-Davis , the Warriors who squared off in the opening game.

Jackson-Davis scored six points, including a one-handed alley oop in a rare instance of exciting athleticism in the matchup. Podziemski dished three assists.

In the title game, Team C needed to fall behind early before raising their effort level. But once they did, Castle took over, leading a 17-2 closing run by scoring 12 of his team’s 25 points.

After the win, Jackson-Davis caught up briefly with his Warriors teammates, who gave him a vote of confidence in Sunday’s All-Star matchup.

“They said, ‘Might as well win the whole thing,’” Jackson-Davis said. “So, coming back Sunday, we might as well win it….I’m curious to see how we come out Sunday and how they come out Sunday, because I think we’re going to come out and run-and-gun. Got to use those young legs.”

Leonard Miller drives on Daulton Knecht during the Rising Stars game at Chase Center in San Francisco, Calif., one of the NBA’s All -Star weekend events, Friday, Feb. 14, 2025. The game features the top NBA rookies and second-year players. (Karl Mondon/Bay Area News Group)Memphis Grizzlies’ Jaylen Wells and Golden State Warriors’ Brandin Podziemski batlle for a loose ball in a Rising Stars game at Chase Center in San Francisco, Calif., Friday, Feb. 14, 2025. The game features the top NBA rookies and second-year players and kicks off the NBA’s All-Star weekend. (Karl Mondon/Bay Area News Group)Cheerleaders dance during player introductions for the Rising Stars game at Chase Center in San Francisco, Calif., as the NBA’s All -Star weekend kicks off, Friday, Feb. 14, 2025. The game features the top NBA rookies and second-year players. (Karl Mondon/Bay Area News Group)Basketball fans line up for the Rising Stars game at Chase Center in San Francisco, Calif., as the NBA’s All -Star weekend kicks off, Friday, Feb. 14, 2025. The game features the top NBA rookies and second-year players. (Karl Mondon/Bay Area News Group)

With help of Steph Curry and other celebs, McClymonds opens new Bill Russell Gymnasium

OAKLAND — It was a joyous day for a small high school in West Oakland.

For just a few hours on Friday afternoon, McClymonds High was packed with local and national celebrities for the opening of its newly refurbished basketball gym.

Oakland royalty including former NFL running back Marshawn Lynch and rapper Mistah F.A.B. sat courtside. Cal alum Jaylen Brown made an appearance as did former NBA point guard Brandon Jennings. Los Angeles Sparks guard Kelsey Plum and YouTubers MrBeast and Jesser were present as the Oakland school opened its doors to the new Bill Russell Gymnasium, named after the Boston Celtics legend and McClymonds’ most famous graduate.

And who better to introduce McClymonds’ new gym than the man who won three NBA titles for The Town?

Golden State Warriors point guard Stephen Curry presented the upgraded McClymonds gym as a part of apparel company Under Armour’s push to refurbish courts across America. It’s the 20th court that the sneaker brand has refurbished since Curry signed with UA in 2013.

For Curry, completing this project was about honoring McClymonds and Russell’s rich history.

“So many legends have come through here, so many championships were won here,” Curry told the crowd filled with OUSD parents, alums and students. “But it’s more so about the people that have been nurtured and grown by the spirit of this place from the teachers to the students to the faculty and administration.

“We want to celebrate the beautiful Russell family name. Bill Russell came from this gym and went on to do amazing things, not just for the game of basketball but in life.”

Russell, a 1952 graduate from McClymonds considered one of the best players in NBA history, died in 2022 and would have turned 91 earlier this week. The Hall of Famer’s widow, Jeannine Russell, cried tears of joy as she gave a heartfelt speech to the packed gymnasium. Wearing an oversized beige long-sleeve sweater worn by her late husband, Jeannine thanked Curry and the community for honoring Russell and his accomplishments on the court and as a civil rights pioneer.

“I see today more than a tribute or a gift,” Jeannine said. “It’s a chance for McClymonds to gain insight into what made Bill a champion. It wasn’t just his rebounding or his defense, but his unwavering belief in the power of education, leadership and standard for something greater than himself.”

Curry came out to roars and screams as he entered the Oakland gym. But he wasn’t the only celebrity that the young kids cheered for.

Attendees watch Golden State Warriors’ Stephen Curry and YouTuber Jimmy Donaldson, better known as MrBeast, at McClymonds High School in Oakland, Calif., before the Oakland Unified School District All-Star Basketball Game on Friday, Feb. 14, 2025. (Dai Sugano/Bay Area News Group)To the surprise of many in attendance, Curry brought out famed YouTuber MrBeast to shoot a new YouTube video featuring Curry and McClymonds senior basketball player Demarrion Gardner.

The premise of the video was for Curry and Gardner to compete in a 3-point contest with the winner receiving $100,000 from MrBeast himself. When asked if he was nervous to go up against the greatest shooter of all time, Gardner said, “Nah.”

Curry would go on to make 14 3s to Gardner’s nine, but it was all in good fun. With the win, Curry donated $100,000 to the Eat.Learn.Play. Foundation – a charity set up by Curry and his wife Ayesha to support young children’s health and learning.

YouTuber Jimmy Donaldson, better known as MrBeast, greets attendees at McClymonds High School in Oakland, Calif., before the Oakland Unified School District All-Star Basketball Game on Friday, Feb. 14, 2025. (Dai Sugano/Bay Area News Group)

But the highlight of the night was the Oakland Unified School District All-Star Game.

The co-ed game featured some of the best high school basketball players from the Oakland Athletic League, which included Ardarius Grayson (Oakland Tech), Dasean Armstrong (Oakland), Deyonte Spears (Fremont-Oakland), Brandon Davis (McClymonds), Jhai Johnson (Oakland Tech) and Terri’A Russell (Oakland Tech).

The teams were coached by Jennings and Plum, who enthusiastically cheered on their players.

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Johnson and Spears took home the game MVPs as each put up bucket after bucket for their respective teams, scoring 15 points each.

While the competitive rivalries of the OAL make the league as competitive as it is, Grayson cherished the fact that he was able to play alongside players who wear different uniforms during the school week.

“I never thought I would play with some of these guys,” Grayson said. “It was fun playing with and against them today. It was just a lot of fun.”

The historic day hit home for OAL commissioner Frankie Navarro. Navarro was an athlete at Castlemont, later working as a coach and administrator in the OUSD and was proud to see the rich history of Oakland high school sports be honored.

“It’s always great for me to be able to see the things that we envision to come true,” Navarro said. “The Bill Russell legacy, the school of champions legacy, will continue no matter what people say about it. … It’s good for these kids to see there’s positive things happening in Oakland.”

Former football player Marshawn Lynch attends the Oakland Unified School District All-Star Basketball Game at McClymonds High School in Oakland, Calif., on Friday, Feb. 14, 2025. (Dai Sugano/Bay Area News Group)