Drake, the Toronto native, Raptors ambassador and unofficial host of the first All-Star Weekend outside of the United States, introduced the starters while wearing a custom leather jacket that read “Farewell Mamba” on the back. But Bryant and Westbrook were the only two players to step on the floor without first giving Drake a bro-hug. Bryant was too busy nodding and smiling at the raucous fans chanting his name; Westbrook was too busy doing the “hit dem folks” dance, frantically waving his arms and bobbing off the stage with a toothy grin.
Westbrook’s smile would reappear throughout the night, as he arguably had more fun than anyone else on the floor. After hitting a series of 3-pointers to start the third period, Westbrook counted them out along the sideline, then broke into another dance before embracing Bryant.
“I just wanted to go out there and enjoy my time, dance a little bit,” Westbrook said. “I know a lot of people don’t see me smile a lot during the season, so I smile a lot during the All-Star Weekend and enjoy my time having fun.”
The most remarkable aspect of Westbrook’s back-to-back All-Star MVPs is that he is only 26 months removed from having a third procedure on his right knee but has emerged from that trying period more explosive than ever.
“I don’t believe he had surgery, personally,” James said with a laugh of Westbrook. “It was like, ‘You know what? I’m just going to take a little bit of time off.’ No, but it’s been incredible, man. He hasn’t lost … he’s actually gained a step or two or three. He’s one of the most athletic guys that our league has ever seen and obviously in today’s game as well. He’s a phenomenal talent. You don’t come across these guys that often in our sport.”
Westbrook has long approached the game with an ornery, you-will-love-me-or-respect-me ferocity, and many fans have come to accept or embrace that attitude. His sometimes combative or terse postgame interviews have only cemented his reputation for being a relentless competitor.
“Ever since I was little, just trying to find ways to be consistent and focused on a goal that I want in life,” Westbrook said. “I’ve just been blessed with the talents to be able to do it. I’m just happy and trying to find ways to use it.”
The All-Star Game has been losing its way defensively for a while, as the scoring outputs have increased in each of the past three seasons. Sunday’s offensive explosion and overall lack of competitiveness seemed like an inappropriate way to send out Byrant, one of the game’s most ruthlessly competitive players.
The NBA doesn’t necessarily have to adopt a rule like baseball in which the Midseason Classic determines home-field advantage for the World Series. But the game could use a few more with Westbrook’s mentality, who don’t know how to turn off or turn down the volume of their fervor – while mixing in a good time.
“I like to have fun, but at the same time, I want to also be better, become a better player,” Westbrook said. “Any opportunity on the basketball court, I never take it for granted.”
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