Last night, at the BBVA Rising Stars Challenge, Team Chuck won in a 163-135 victory 
over Team Shaq. Every time Kenneth Faried of the Denver nuggets touched the ball, he got a basket. 40 points in 40 minutes, along with 10 rebounds, made him worthy of the MVP Award in the BBVA Rising Stars Challenge! It didn’t take floor seats to see that Faried is a “rising star”, but there was more to the evening than rising stars and sinking baskets. The Little Dippers, the Kiss Cam, the Dance Cam, the Rockets Power Dancers, the Mascots, the announcers, the cameramen, and the energy in the crowd all came together to create the magical event that I envisioned.
Faried was entertaining with a series of dunks and quick moves, making the anticipation for today’s event, Sprite Slam Dunk, even stronger. Sacramento’s Isaiah Thomas added 18 points and 10 assists for Barkley’s team, while Cleveland’s Kyrie Irving, last year’s MVP, scored 32 points for Shaq’s team. The last few minutes of the game devolved into a spontaneous dunk contest with players taking turns showing off their acrobatics. Faried once again drew the biggest cheers with four monster dunks. Admittedly, my favorite part of the evening was the high-flying, slam-dunk action, but there was so much more that kept the energy flowing.
The Little Dippers were beyond cute in their uniforms and they really could shake it; it was beautiful to see them with such determination! The Kiss Cam and Dance Cam always catch at least one unsuspecting spectator by surprise, and the Mascots added to the fun. If any guy in the stadium was distracted at all, which would seem impossible, their attention 
would have been quickly drawn back to the floor when the Rockets Power Dancers emerged. Can you say hot, hot, hot? I always admired the courage and positive self-image those women must have to be able to dance on the court with thousands of people watching. Everyone involved in the game, including the announcer and the cameramen, added to the energy level. They were all like the skydive instructors egging me on every time I jump.
When I left the game last night, I thought I’d be ready to sleep. I had a long day with a 4:30 am start. I flew to Texas, checked into the hotel, explored the city, and went to my first NBA game. Rather than feeling sleepy, though, I was wide-eyed. I wanted to shout from the roof-top, I wanted to yell, I wanted to tell the world that going to watch the NBA was even better than I imagined. It isn’t just the players that make it a game. There are thousands of people, including the fans, that bring the stadium alive with energy. I can’t believe I was part of it, and I can’t wait for tonight!
QuintEvents is an Official Hospitality Provider for the NBA All-Star Game and the NBA Draft. Official Ticket Packages are available through the NBA Events Program. NBA-Events.com is the website for Official Ticket Packages.
Lesley, you look like a kid in these shots: so excited and full of wonder! As a Bucket List experience should be! Congrats on fulfilling a childhood dream!
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I felt like a kid! When we were waiting for the shuttle to pick us up before the game, I couldn’t stop talking! I was a babbling child waiting to go to my version of Disneyland. Wait until you see me tonight! I’ll be even more toothy 😉
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I second that – well said 🙂
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Looks like you had the time of your life! Great stuff!
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Thanks for sharing along with the pics. Be Blessed, http://projectsbyMtetar.wordpress.com
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You are amazing.
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You have a moment caught in a picture of the unseen and a moment of fun and thrill express in your look for all to see.. go go go yepie you won
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You can see it in your eyes when you smile. Absolutely fantastic! Glad you could share this experience with us. Thank you.
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Thanks for reading and following along. Tonight was unbelievable! The excitement from the stadium could have powered the world for a night. It was amazing!
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I love the expression on your face! I can see that it was a wonderful experience! Thank you for sharing it 🙂
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So Jealous! Looks and sounds just as I would imagine. Thanks for the on-site update. Nice picture capturing the moment outside the stadium! If I had a Bucket-List this would be 1 of 3 things on it. Almost made it one year, the Tuesday after I went to L.A to see a Lakers game. Got to see Kobe and the Lakers play andThe All-Star Store was still open so worked for me. Have fun Tonight and Tomorrow night!
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What are the other two things?
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The NBA really does go all out for the All Star weekend. It is enjoyable to watch on TV, and even more so as you show in person. I love going to games, though ticket prices are beginning to become unrealistic in my area. Especially for a team that stinks. 🙂 Glad you had fun, hopefully I will see you in a crowd shot tonight!
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I’m working on getting on tv. Maybe tomorrow during the On Court Experience after the game! Stay tuned 🙂
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Wow this must have been a really exciting experience 🙂
http://sophiebowns.wordpress.com/2013/02/15/planchette-part-52/
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Great pics; another adventure. Marvelous.
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Haha, that looks just expresses what you go through. Pure excitement and wonder. I saw the game on television and I thought it was sooo good. Can only imagine what being there must be like!
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Great photos, amazing site, thanks for sharing!!!
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heeeey you were in my city! and the weather was actually mildly okay. for once. glad you had a great time here.
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