The All-Star Weekend officially started with the NBA All-Star Celebrity Game pitting Team Walton against Team Dominique. The coaches were NBA Top 75 icons, Bill Walton and Dominique Wilkins.
The game started with yet another reason why the NBA represents as one of the most giving sports leagues in the world. Anderson Varejao and Myles Garrett squared off in the Ruffles 4-point shooting contest. With Varejao defeating Garrett 2-1, not only did his team win $4,000 to donate to the Thurgood Marshall College Fund but gave Team Walton an immediate 4-0 lead.
Anderson Varejao defeats Myles Garrett in the Ruffles 4-Point Shooting Contest, earning $4,000 for the Thurgood Marshall College Fund!
— NBA (@NBA) February 19, 2022
Every shot made from behind the RIDGE 4-point line during the #RufflesCelebGame will generate an additional $4,000 for @tmcf_hbcu. pic.twitter.com/w2BQQt8Lkr
It would be a lead that was never challenged. Team Walton defeated Team Dominique 65-51 despite a dunking exhibition led by Olympic Gold Medal high jumper Gianmarco Tamberi and Cleveland Browns defensive lineman Myles Garrett in a losing effort.
🥇 Olympic Gold Medalist @gianmarcotamber & 3x 🏈 Pro Bowler @Flash_Garrett showed off their ELITE BOUNCE throwing down HUGE dunks in the #RufflesCelebGame! pic.twitter.com/LN1Ol7llEZ
— #NBAAllStar (@NBAAllStar) February 19, 2022
But in the end, the only drama that came from Team Walton was who would pick the MVP award. Singer and songwriter Jimmie Allen got red hot knocking down long-distance shots, but Peleton instructor Josh Touissant’s 18 points were just enough to pick up MVP honors.
“I TOLD Y’ALL”
— #NBAAllStar (@NBAAllStar) February 19, 2022
Euro-steps, spin moves, deep threes, @alextoussaint25 was in his BAG earning the #RufflesCelebGame MVP! pic.twitter.com/27pBtXASbh
With celebrities such as former MVP, Quavo of the Migos, and actress comedienne Tiffany Haddish participating in the game, ESPN still took time to give a tribute to Kevin Hart. He famously retired from competition after winning three MVP awards.
Gonna miss @KevinHart4real in the #NBAAllStar celebrity game tonight 😂
— SportsCenter (@SportsCenter) February 18, 2022
(via @NBA) pic.twitter.com/q4bh4rrwoo
