Tuesday, February 3rd, 2009 at 4:39 pm  |  96 responses

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TNT Adds H-O-R-S-E to All-Star Weekend

by Marcel Mutoni

For years, NBA fans have clamored for the League to add new events to All-Star weekend, with H-O-R-S-E being a leading candidate. And for years, the League has responded by adding inexplicably crappy events to its showcase weekend. Not sure if you noticed or not, but there’s a lot of change happening in our world, and that change apparently includes the mid-season gala.

H-O-R-S-E won’t “officially” be part of the NBA All-Star Weekend in Phoenix in a couple of weeks, but thanks to TNT, NBA stars will take part in the event. From TNT PR (Via: AA):

The game will take place on a 45′ X 50’ court alongside the network’s new NBA on TNT Rig (photo attached) at the NBA All-Star Block Party presented by Right Guard, the NBA’s new outdoor All-Star event. The NBA on TNT Rig will also serve as the host set for other studio shows on TNT and NBA TV throughout the weekend. The rig can rise up to 14 feet off the ground and rotate to show views of the arena, downtown area and NBA All-Star Block Party presented by Right Guard, can seat up to 117 guests and will be open to the public on select days. Calling the action from the rig will be Ernie Johnson, along with analysts Kenny Smith and Chris Webber.

The game will use a traditional format in which three players will establish the playing order. Once a shot is made, the next player in the predetermined order will attempt the same shot. If that player misses, he is assigned a letter (ex. H for the first miss, O for the second, etc.). The player following the miss can pick a new shot with which to challenge his competitors. There is no dunking allowed and players will have 24 seconds each to create and mimic shots. Players remain in the game until they have missed five shots following made baskets, thus spelling the word H-O-R-S-E. An NBA referee will be assigned to authenticate the new shots (that the player executed what he announced) and any mimic shot.

Though the network has yet to announce who will take part in this, it has a lot of potential, obviously. I just hope whoever they convince to participate will put on a good enough show for this to become a staple.

Feel free to nominate your candidates in the comments below.