Becoming an All-Star is probably every player’s dream, and some are able to make it a reality as they climb the ranks in the league. This year, Jalen Johnson put himself in that position, averaging 23.3 points, 10.6 rebounds, and 8.2 assists per game midway through the season. Not only was he selected to the All-Star Game, but he was right in his hometown, taking in the moment.
The league made sure to keep Johnson busy throughout the week, and the content was flowing from Friday morning to Sunday
night.
Day 1: Touching down in LA, Dunk Contest manifestation?
Starting off when he landed in Los Angeles, and he got the first look at his All-Star jersey.
He already had a pair of shoes in mind, and they matched his jersey.
“This is fire. This is dope,” Johnson said.
Johnson seemed to be getting a scope of everything on Day 1, and he happened to run into another Hawks’ faithful, Dominique Wilkins.
Later on in the day, Johnson met up with some young fans to take some pictures and sign autographs. One of the young kids spoke highly of the Hawks’ star, saying he believed in him since he was drafted.
That night is when the festivities began, and Johnson pulled up to the celebrity game to catch some of the world’s stars go up against each other.
Johnson was interviewed by Monica McNutt during the game, and during the segment, Richard Jefferson called him out by saying he doesn’t think he has enough bounce to participate in the dunk contest. In that same breath, Johnson said that he would be in the dunk contest one day.
That was definitely the highlight of the Day 1 for Johnson, and people will remember those words of him putting in a bid for a future dunk contest appearance.
Day 2: Media Day/ Shooting Stars with Team Cameron
Johnson got Day 2 started with pictures, and meeting up with the other All-Stars on the court.
Here was a sneak peak of Johnson’s team.
After pictures, Johnson sat down for Media Day and answered a few questions, talking about his journey into becoming an All-Star, and how the G-League helped him to get where he is today.
The next event on Day 2 for Johnson was the Shooting Stars challenge, where he was a part of Team Cameron that included Kon Knueppel and Corey Maggette.
The team was able to advance to the final round, where they faced off against Team Knicks.
Unfortunately, their score in the final round was not enough to defeat Team Knicks. After the competition, Johnson spoke with the media. He didn’t seem to be happy with his performance.
Day 3: All-Star Game
Day 3 was All-Star Game time, and Johnson came through clean.
Johnson got another feel for his All-Star jersey, but he would be playing in it this time instead of taking pictures.
It was time to put the jerseys on, and Johnson was introduced for his first All-Star Game.
Johnson’s team was first up, and they faced off against Team World. Johnson was the first player to come off the bench for Team Stars.
Johnson was able to do what he does best to get his first points as an All-Star, and that’s filling the lane and getting a dunk.
Johnson created his own opportunity on this one, getting a two-handed flush over Karl-Anthony Towns.
Johnson made plays on the other end as well, getting a big block.
Both teams ended up tying at the end of regulation, and overtime was the first to five points. Team Stars advanced after a Scottie Barnes three-pointer, and their next challenge was against Team Stripes. Johnson finished Game 1 with four points, one assist, and one block.
In Game 2, Johnson knocked a three-pointer, played some defense, and got a dunk.
Anthony Edwards threw up a lob for Johnson.
It was another game that came down to the final possession, and a buzzer-beater three-pointer from Team Stripes led them to victory. Johnson finished Game 2 with five points, one rebound, one assist, and one steal.
Team Stars was still able to advance to the championship, and they were up against Team Stripes once again.
Johnson only got this dunk with a minute remaining, but his team was already up big.
Team Stars walked away with bragging rights, and it was a great way to end the weekend for Johnson in his first time as an All-Star.
