Dwayne Wade All-Star Weekend Interview

Dwayne Wade of the Miami Heat did more over All-Star Weekend than just score 24 points, corral 10 rebounds, and dish out 10 assists and one bloody nose during Sunday's All-Star Game. Over the weekend Wade also donated two new basketball courts to Tangelo Park Elementary and hosted the "All-Star Luncheon" with chairperson Harris Rosen (President and COO of Rosen Hotels & Resorts) through his Wade's World Foundation.

It was Wade's fifth straight year hosting his "All-Star Luncheon," and this year the proceeds went to support the Tangelo Park Program, a community-based education non-profit to benefit children and and families living in the Tangelo Park neighborhood. The luncheon also featured performances by Grammy-winning artist Estelle, and was emceed by Channel 9 News anchor Lauren Rowe.

Wade caught up with SB Nation Tampa Bay after the event for an exclusive interview about the importance of having Florida so well-represented in the All-Star Game.

Dwayne Wade All-Star Interview

Kevin Durant Wins 2012 NBA All-Star Game MVP

Oklahoma City Thunder forward Kevin Durant is your 2012 NBA All-Star Game MVP winner. Durant ended the night scoring 36 points and picking up 7 rebounds with 3 assists and 3 steals. Durant even had this dazzling dunk in the game, flying right through the lane for the dunk. This was just one of many dunks for Durant on the night.

Durant hit on just three of his eight three-point attempts, but the Durantula just scored points in bunches to help the West win the game. Had the West lost, it's likely the MVP award would have gone to Miami Heat's LeBron James, who also finished with 36 points, which including some late impress three-point shots to put the East in position to win or tie.

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VIDEO: LeBron James And Dwayne Wade Turn The Ball Over To Lose

At halftime the West team led the East team by nearly 20 points and looked like they were going to keep building they're lead. LeBron James however want to win the game and rallied back the East team by hitting a trio of ridiculous three-point shots, two of which were from five-point range territory.

Thanks to the scoring of LeBron, the East was able to pull within just two points with seconds left in the game, but in the final possession Dwayne Wade and LeBron James turned the ball over in the clutch, sealing the West's 152-149 victory.

James ended the game leading the East in scoring with 36 points, hitting on six of his eight three-point shots. Dwayne Wade ended with a triple-double, scoring 24 points and picking up 10 rebounds and 10 assists while Deron Williams added 20 points.

For the West, they built their big lead early on thanks to the shooting of Kobe Bryant, Kevin Durant, and Russell Westbrook. Durant led the West in scoring with 36 points while Bryant finished up with 27 points. Blake Griffin also picked up 22 points and some nifty dunks off passes from Chris Paul, who ended the night with 12 assists.

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2012 NBA All-Star Game: LeBron James Putting On A Dunk Show

After what was called a halftime show, the third quarter got started with the West team extending their lead over the East team. Apparently, Dwayne Wade was tired of Kobe Bryant scoring points... so he hacked him on the way to the basket bloodying Bryant's nose.

LeBron James continued laying down the ridiculous dunks in the third quarter, showing off his neon shoes with this latest jam.

Los Angeles Lakes guard set the NBA All-Star Game career scoring record in the game with this dunk and free throw, passing Michael Jordan on the list:

And still in the third quarter, LeBron James continues to put on a dazzling display of dunks, but he still won't comete in the dunk competition.

With all his dunks, LeBron leads the East in scoring currently with 28 points as the East have cut the West lead to just 12 points as the West still lead 124-112.

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NBA All-Star Game 2012 Halftime Show: Pitbull, Chris Brown Perform

The 2012 NBA All-Star Halftime Show must have lost out on top talent because it was competing with the Oscars for performances. While the Oscars got the likes of Jennifer Lopez, etc. the NBA All-Star game was happy to treat the crowd to the likes of... of... whatever this is:

That's R&B singer Chris Brown doing... doing.. well, something. He's definitely doing something. Then you have Pitbull coming out, looking like he's performing the Kris Kross 1992 classic "Jump". He does look like he's having a real good time, though. They should have just held the dunk competition during halftime, since guys like LeBron James who won't compete in it but they'll make dunks like this during the game.

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NBA All-Star Game 2012: Russell Westbrook Takes 11 Shots In 12 Minutes

The spectacular dunks continued in the second quarter of the 2012 NBA All-Star game. Here we have Philadelphia 76ers Andre Iguodala stealing the ball and then taking it in for the dunk.

Without getting much action in the first quarter, the scoring machine known as Russell Westbrook picked up the pace in the second quarter with more playing time, scoring more points than minutes played. Two of Westbrook's points came from this neat pass from West guard Steve Nash.

As you can see, Nash sent the bounce pass from half court where Westbrook picked it up for the lay in. Westbrook has nearly as many shot attempts as he has minutes played in the first half, which is totally expected from Westbrook in a game where the goal is to just flat out score.

And here's a video of Westbrook trying to throw himself an ally-oop, messing it up, but still being able to lay it in for points.

Then of course, Westbrook finally got his dunk:

So far in the game, Westbrook is second on the West in scoring with 17 points in just 12 minutes on 11 shots. As for the score at halftime, the West are blowing the doors off the East, 88-69.

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2012 NBA All-Star Game: West Takes Control Early

After the first quarter of the 2012 NBA All-Star Game the West team holds the early lead 39-28. The West jumped out to a big lead, but the East came right back into it. Early in the game, LeBron James sent a behind the back pass to his teammate, then his teammate lobbed the ball in the air for LeBron to dunk the ball to tie the game. James ended the first quarter leading the East in scoring with 11 points already.

The West hold the lead, thanks to some crazy plays like the one in the video below. As you can see, Chris Paul dumps the ball behind him under his legs to his Los Angeles Clippers teammate Blake Griffin for the big dunk.

Kevin Durant leads the West team in scoring with 13 points while Kobe Bryant has 11 points already. Look for more scoring in the second quarter and more dunks.

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ANIMATED: LeBron James Just Having A Good Time

2012 NBA All-Star Game Time, TV Schedule And More

After a weekend full of festivities, the 61st NBA All-Star Game will finally tip off on Sunday night in Orlando. The Miami Heat and Orlando Magic have four players in the game, including three starters voted in by the fans. Tip is set for 7:30 PM and the game is a good alternative for sports fans not interested in the Oscars and looking for a fix after the Daytona 500 was postponed.

Event: Eastern Conference Vs. Western Conference - 2012 NBA All-Star Game.

Date/Time: Sunday, February 26, 2012 - 7:30 P.M. EST

Location: Amway Center, Orlando, Florida.

TV Broadcast: The game will be televised nationally on TNT. Marv Albert, Steve Kerr and Reggie Miller have the call.

Eastern Conference All Stars: Starters - Derrick Rose, Dwyane Wade, LeBron James, Carmelo Anthony, Dwight Howard: Reserves - Chris Bosh, Luol Deng, Roy Hibbert, Andre Iguodala, Joe Johnson (injured), Paul Pierce, Rajon Rondo (replaces Johnson), Deron Williams. Head Coach: Tom Thibodeau.

Western Conference All Stars: Starters - Chris Paul, Kobe Bryant, Kevin Durant, Blake Griffin, Andrew Bynum. Reserves - LaMarcus Aldridge, Marc Gasol, Kevin Love, Steve Nash, Dirk Nowitzki, Tony Parker, Russell Westbrook. Head Coach: Scott Brooks.

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Slam Dunk Contest 2012 Results: Jeremy Evans Captures Dunk Title

Round Three of The 2012 NBA Slam Dunk Contest progressed with more thunderous dunks to go along with some trickery from the contestants in front of a lively crowd at at the Amway Arena in Orlando. This year's contest was judged in a different formant than in in previous years, as their were no judges and for the first time fans controlled the voting results by selecting their favorite contestant on Twitter.

Participants were Paul George of the Indiana Pacers, Derrick Williams of the Minnesota Timberwolves, Chase Budinger of the Houston Rockets and Jeremy Evans of the Utah Jazz. Evans, serving as a late replacement for Iman Shumpert of the New York Knicks, ended up winning the fan voting and capturing his first dunk crown. Check out below for the final around action as the players continued to try and push the limits of their athletic talent and win the crowd over to obtain the votes needed to win this year's contest.

Chase Budinger of the Houston Rockets

Jeremy Evans of the Utah Jazz

Paul George of the Indiana Pacers

Derrick Williams of the Minnesota Timberwolves

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Slam Dunk Contest 2012: Round Two

Round Two of The 2012 NBA Slam Dunk Contest continued with more rim rattling dunks from the contestants that electrified the crowd at at the Amway Arena in Orlando. There is a different format for this year's contest, as their will be no judges and for the first time fans will control the voting results by selecting their favorite contestant on Twitter.

Participants are Paul George of the Indiana Pacers, Derrick Williams of the Minnesota Timberwolves, Chase Budinger of the Houston Rockets and Jeremy Evans of the Utah Jazz. Evans replaced Iman Shumpert of the New York Knicks, who suffered a late injury. Check out below for the Round 2 action as the competitors took their dunks to another level in an attempt to bring out reactions from the fans and garner the votes needed to win.

Chase Budinger of the Houston Rockets

Jeremy Evans of the Utah Jazz

Paul George of the Indiana Pacers

Slam Dunk Contest 2012

Round One of The 2012 NBA Slam Dunk Contest got under way with a number of impressive dunks from the contestants. There is a different format for this year's contest, as their will be no judges and for the first time fans will control the voting results by selecting their favorite contestant on Twitter.

Participants are Paul George of the Indiana Pacers, Derrick Williams of the Minnesota Timberwolves, Chase Budinger of the Houston Rockets and Jeremy Evans of the Utah Jazz. Evans replaced Iman Shumpert of the New York Knicks, who suffered a late injury.

Chase Budinger of the Houston Rockets

Jeremy Evans of the Utah Jazz

Paul George of the Indiana Pacers.

Derrick Williams of the Minnesota Timberwolves,

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NBA Three-Point Shootout 2012: Kevin Love Defeats Kevin Durant To Win

Kevin Love of the Minnesota Timberwolves defeated Kevin Durant in a sudden death shootout to capture the 2012 NBA Three-Point Shootout crown during the All-Star Saturday night festivities at the Amway Arena in Orlando. Love and Durant tied with scores of 16 after their initial shooting displays, causing them to go another round. In the shootout, Love managed to bury enough 3's to finish with a score of 17. Oklahoma City's Durant stumbled towards the end, managing a score of only 14 and allowing love to win this contest for the first time.

Defending contest winner James Jones of the Miami Heat failed in his attempt to win the contest in consecutive years, as he was uncharacteristically off the mark and scored only a total of 11 in the second round. Jones' performance was to the disappointment of his Heat teammates LeBron James and Dwyane Wade, who were cheering him on with great enthusiasm from the crowd.

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2012 NBA Three-Point Shootout: James Jones Advances To Second Round

James Jones of the Miami Heat advanced to the second round of the 2012 NBA Three-Point Shootout on All-Star Saturday night at the Amway Arena in Orlando. Jones, who won this competition last year, had the highest total of any players in the first round with 22 and at point hit seven consecutive shots. Kevin Love of the Minnesota Timberwolves defeated Jones' teammate Mario Chalmers in a playoff to advance to the second round. They had both scored 18 points on their first go through, which led to a sudden death shoot off that Love won by a scoring 5 points to only 4 for Chalmers.

Kevin Durant of the Oklahoma City Thunder got some redemption for his poor performance in last year, working his way to a score of 19 in the first round. Hometown favorite Ryan Anderson of the Orlando Magic fell short of advancing, scoring 17 points when he needed 18 to move on, while Anthony Morrow of the New Jersey Nets was eliminated with a score of 14.

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NBA Shooting Stars Competition 2012: Team New York Defeats Team Texas

Led by former New York Knicks star Allan Houston, Team New York defeated Team Texas in the final round to win the 2012 NBA Haier Shooting Stars Title.

The hometown Team Orlando put up a poor performance in front of the home crowd at the Amway Arena, as the tandem of Jameer Nelson, Marie Ferdinand-Harris and Dennis Scott struggled and ended up with a total time of 1:04. Team Atlanta was also eliminated after the round of action, scoring a time of a little over 50 seconds and failing to defend the event they captured last year.

Team Texas was able to advance to the final thanks to Kenny Smith's burying the half court shot to give his team a total time of 42.7 seconds. Team New York got off to a fast start from the field as Landry Fields, Cappie Pondexter and Allan Houston were able make the early shots without much difficulty. Houston finished it for New York as he buried the half court bomb, giving Team New York a time of 38.7 seconds in the first round.

Team Texas and Team New York squared off in the final round, with Kenny Smith again drilling the half court shot to give the Texas squad a time of 47.6. Team New York responded by with a textbook final round, hitting their shots with ease and providing enough time for Allen Houston to once again sink the half court shot with a time of 37.3 seconds, capturing the Haier Shooting Stars Title.

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NBA Skills Challenge 2012: Preview And Participants

The 2012 Taco Bell Skills Competition will be the 2nd event of the All-Star Game Saturday festivities in Orlando, and as always it consists of a strong field of containing some of the NBA's best. This will be the first year that the field has expanded from five participants to six, as the two players with the fastest times from the first round advance will advance and square off in a final round of competition.

This year's field includes Kyrie Irving of the Cleveland Cavaliers, Tony Parker of the San Antonio Spurs, John Wall of the Washington Wizards, Russell Westbrook of the Oklahoma City Thunder, and Deron Williams of the New Jersey Nets, and Rajon Rondo of the Boston Celtics. Rondo is taking the place of the injured Stephen Curry of the Golden State Warriors, who will not be able to defend his Taco Bell Skills Challenge title from a year ago.

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2012 NBA Shooting Stars Competition: Preview And Participants

Team Orlando looks to win the Haier Shooting Starts Competition at 8:30 p.m. today at the Amway Center in Orlando. The Haier Shooting Stars contest features one current NBA player, one current WNBA player and one TNT on-air talent/NBA legend on each team.

Representing Team Orlando will be the Magic's Jameer Nelson, Florida native and three-time WNBA All-Star Marie Ferdinand-Harris, and former Magic sharp shooter Dennis Scott. They will face off against representatives from Team Atlanta, Team New York, and Team Texas. Team Atlanta will attempt to become the first repeat Haier Shooting Stars champion.

Team Atlanta participants include the Atlanta Hawks' Jerry Stackhouse, Lindsey Harding of the reigning WNBA Eastern Conference champion Atlanta Dream; and NBA TV analyst and former Hawk Steve Smith.

Team New York is comprised of the New York Knicks' Landry Fields, the New York Liberty's Cappie Pondexter, a four-time WNBA All-Star and one of the league's top scorers; and former Knicks great Allan Houston.

Team Texas is represented by the Houston Rockets' Chandler Parsons, the San Antonio Silver Stars' Sophia Young, and TNT analyst former Houston Rocket Kenny Smith.

For more on All-Star Weekend, stay tuned on this StoryStream. For all news and information regarding the Slam Dunk Contest and the All-Star Weekend in general, please stay tuned to SB Nation's dedicated NBA hub.

2012 NBA Slam Dunk Contest Preview And Participants: Paul George Leads All-New Field

The 2012 NBA Slam Dunk Contest will have a completely new field when it takes place as the culmination of All-Star Saturday Night from Amway Arena in Orlando. Defending champion Blake Griffin and top challenger JaVale McGee are out, with a new field of four being led by Paul George of the Indiana Pacers.

George will be joined by three other young high-flyers -- Derrick Williams of the Minnesota Timberwolves, Chase Budinger of the Houston Rockets and Jeremy Evans of the Utah Jazz. Evans replaced Iman Shumpert of the New York Knicks, who suffered a late injury.

The Slam Dunk Contest will have a new format that allows fans to vote on the winner on Twitter. Click here for more on how to vote.

For more on All-Star Weekend, stay tuned on this StoryStream. For all news and information regarding the Slam Dunk Contest and the All-Star Weekend in general, please stay tuned to SB Nation's dedicated NBA hub.

2012 NBA Three-Point Shootout Preview And Participants: James Jones Looks To Defend Title

James Jones of the Miami Heat will take on a field of five others in the 2012 NBA Three-Point Shootout on All-Star Saturday night from Amway Arena in Orlando. Jones won the competition last year, and will now take on a field of five others than include two other Floridians.

Ryan Anderson of the Orlando Magic will be the hometown favorite after putting together a season where he is shooting 43 percent from three-point range. Jones' teammate, Mario Chalmers, will also be participating in the competition. The other three participants are Kevin Love of the Minnesota Timberwolves, Anthony Morrow of the New Jersey Nets and Kevin Durant of the Oklahoma City Thunder. Durant replaced Joe Johnson of the Atlanta Hawks, who had to pull out with an injury.

For more on All-Star Weekend, stay tuned on this StoryStream. For all news and information regarding the Slam Dunk Contest and the All-Star Weekend in general, please stay tuned to SB Nation's dedicated NBA hub.

NBA Rising Stars Challenge 2012: Kyrie Irving Three-Pointers, John Wall Dunks Lead Team Chuck To Win

The NBA's Rising Stars Challenge was a great way to start off NBA All Star Weekend in Orlando. The game's youngest stars put on a thrilling show, full of highlight reel dunks and alley-oops. But in the end, it was the outside shooting of Kyrie Irving which was the difference, as the No. 1 picked led Team Chuck to a 146-133 win over Team Shaq. Irving was a remarkable eight for eight from behind the arc, and finished with a game-high 34 points in one of the best performances ever in this game. Irving's 34 points came on just 13 shots. Irving's teammate, Tristan Thompson, led Team Shaq with 20 points.

In addition to Irving, Team Chuck was led by John Wall - the reigning MVP of this game. Wall went on a run of uncontested dunks to finish off the game, putting on one highlight after another. They were uncontested until Greg Monroe decided he had enough and pulled a fast one on the Washington Wizards' sophomore.

The second half was highlighted by Ricky Rubio nutmeg of Demarcus Cousins, as the Spaniard went right between the legs of Cousins as he started a run out.

And, as always, the game was highlight by a wide array of dunks. The NBA's reigning slam dunk champion of course got in on the action.

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NBA Rising Stars Challenge 2012: Kyrie Irving Leads Team Chuck To 11-Point Lead At Halftime

Team Chuck leads Team Shaq after the first half of the NBA's Rising Stars Challenge in Orlando. It was sure to be a game full of highlights and little defense, and the first half did not disappoint. Cleveland's Kyrie Irving leads all scorers with 18 points, hitting four of four three-pointers. Irving's teammate, Tristan Thompson, had a solid performance on the other side for Team Shaq with ten points.

But this game is all about the highlight dunks. DeMarcus Cousins feasted on easy buckets at the rim and finished with 14 points, including a monster one-handed alley-oop from Philadelphia's Evan Turner. An animated gif of the Cousins slam below :

Another highlight of the first half came at the expense of Miami's Norris Cole. John Wall, fresh into the game and looking to make an impact, chased Cole from behind and swatted his fingeroll attempt into the stands. Video of the block:

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NBA All-Star Celebrity Game 2012: Arne Duncan And Kevin Hart Lead Dwight Howard's Team

The NBA All-Star Celebrity game kicked off the festivities in Orlando this weekend, with a host of former NBA stars and celebrities playing in a very relaxed exhibition setting at the convention center. Dwight Howard coached one set of celebrities while Oklahoma City's Kevin Durant coached the other team. In the end, it was the Magic's Howard and his team who cruised to a 86-54 win.

Howard's East squad was lead by Secretary of Education Arne Duncan and comedian Kevin Hart - who certainly grabbed everyone's attention with his on-court antics. Duncan, who regularly plays with President Obama, finished with 17 points and eight rebounds - good enough for the MVP of the game. One highlight of the game was a no-look pass Duncan fired with one hand on a breakaway for the East squad. Hart, on the other hand, had his night end prematurely when, as part of his act, he lost it and was unceremoniously run from the floor. Hart removed his jersey and threw his shoes into the air as part of the tirade.

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2012 NBA BBVA Rising Stars Game Time, TV Schedule And More

Right after the celebrity game ends, the action of All-Star Weekend shifts back to the Amway Center in Orlando for the BBVA Rising Stars Game. This game had a new wrinkle added to it this year when Charles Barkley and Shaquille O'Neal chose the two teams that will play Friday evening.

For Team Shaq

Blake Griffin, Los Angeles Clippers
Jeremy Lin, New York Knicks
Ricky Rubio, Minnesota Timberwolves
Markieff Morris, Phoenix Suns
Kemba Walker, Charlotte Bobcats
Landry Fields, New York Knicks
Norris Cole, Miami Heat
Brandon Knight, Detroit Pistons
Tristan Thompson, Cleveland Cavaliers
Greg Monroe, Detroit Pistons

For Team Chuck

Kyrie Irving, Cleveland Cavaliers
DeMarcus Cousins, Sacramento Kings
Derrick Williams, Minnesota Timberwolves
Paul George, Indiana Pacers
MarShon Brooks, New Jersey Nets
John Wall, Washington Wizards
Tiago Splitter, San Antonio Spurs (out with injury)
Evan Turner, Philadelphia 76ers
Gordon Hayward, Utah Jazz
Kawhi Leonard, San Antonio Spurs
Derrick Favors, Utah Jazz

Both Norris Cole and Jeremy Lin were added to the pool of players for the game during the rising stars draft Feb. 16. The game will be broadcast live on TNT at 9 p.m.

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NBA All Star Weekend 2012: Sprite Celebrity Game Roster

The first event of All-Star Weekend 2012 is the Sprite Celebrity game, held at the Orange County Convention Center with tip-off scheduled for 7 p.m. The game will be broadcast live on ESPN as well as streaming live on ESPN3.com.

The list of celebrities that are participating in this game areNe-Yo (R&B/pop)

Common (Just Wright)

J.B. Smoove (Curb Your Enthusiasm)

Vinny Guadagnino (Jersey Shore)

Kevin Hart (Laugh At My Pain)

Javier Colon (The Voice)

Drew and Jonathan Scott (Property Brothers)

Jesse Williams (Grey's Anatomy)

Mitch Richmond (six-time NBA All-Star)

Penny Hardaway (four-time NBA All-Star)

Nick Anderson (NBA legend)

Tamika Catchings (WNBA, Indiana Fever)

Doug Gottlieb (ESPN, The Doug Gottlieb Show)

The two teams that the celebrities will be playing for will be coached by Dwight Howard for the East and Kevin Durant for the West. This game could be entertaining or a bore depending on who you talk to but it should be worth a watch of at least a few moments at least.

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Ricky Rubio and Evan Turner Battle For World Record in BBVA Rising Stars Challenge Practice

The NBA All-Star Weekend got off to a hot start Friday morning in the BBVA Rising Stars Challenge practice when Evan Turner, the Philadelphia 76ers’ second-year swingman, shattered the Guinness World Record for most behind the back the backboard shots in a minute, finishing with 14 made shots. Turner, who was assigned to Charles Barkley’s team after not being selected by either Charles Barkley or Shaq despite being the number two overall pick in the 2010 NBA draft, will play with Kyrie Irving, DeMarcus Cousins, Derrick Williams, Paul George, MarShon Brooks, John Wall, Tiago Splitter, Gordon Hayward, and Kawhi Leonard in the BBVA Rising Stars Challenge tonight at 9 PM.

But the friendly shoot-around and media event immediately took on an air of friendly competition after Turner’s recording-breaking feat, as other NBA rookies and sophomores attempted to overtake his lead. Eventually Rick Rubio, the Timberwolves rookie point guard and passing sensation, was able to do so crushing Turner’s 14 behind the background shots by sinking 18 of his own. Rubio, who will be able to hang the Guinness World Record plaque next to his Olympic silver medal from 2008, will take the court for Team Shaq alongside Blake Griffin, Jeremy Lin, Markieff Morris, Kemba Walker, Landry Fields, Norris Cole, Brandon Knight, Tristan Thompson, and Greg Monroe.

We’ll see if the competitive fever carries over to the BBVA Rising Stars game.

NBA All-Star Weekend 2012: Complete Schedule Of Events

The Magic will be hosting the rest of the NBA and the world as the All-Star festivities come to Orlando an the new Amway Center this weekend. Here is the complete schedule of events.

Friday, February 24th

7 pm: Celebrity All-Star Game: Justin Beiber won the MVP of this game last year, so I think it's fair to say you can go ahead and skip this one if you have something else more important going on; like anything.

9 pm: Rising Stars Challenge: The top rookies and sophomores play a pick-up All-Star game of their own. A goo chance to see Norris Cole of the Heat, but more importantly, Blake Griffin, John Wall, Kyrie Irving, Ricky Rubio and Jeremy Lin.

Saturday February 25th

8 pm: NBA All-Stat Saturday Night: This used to be the best event of the whole weekend, but it has been watered down a little bit in the last few years. But depending on how the Dunk contest goes, it could return to it's old glory any year now. No Blake Griffin certainly helps. Other events include the three-point shootout and the Skills Challenge.

Sunday February 26th

7 pm: NBA All-Star Game: This is the big show. We get three quarters of alley-oops and highlight real plays then get to watch Kobe jack up a bunch of shots in crush time to ensure he wins MVP if the West wins.

For more on the Heat, head over to our Miami blog Peninsula is Mightier. Our Orlando Magic blog Orlando Pinstriped Post will have more on the entire weekend.

NBA All Star Weekend 2012: Jameer Nelson To Lead Orlando Team In Shooting Stars Competition

The Shooting Stars competition at All Star Weekend has teams that are made up of a current NBA player, a WNBA player and a retired NBA player representing a team in a shooting competition. For the hosting Orlando team, their participants were just announced recently.

The current NBA player to be on the Orlando team is guard Jameer Nelson. Nelson was an all star pick for Orlando in 2009 and this season is averaging 9.1 points per game, down from his career average of 12.3 points per game. Despite his lower production he is having a good February, averaging his career points per game.

The WNBA representative is Marie Ferdinand-Harris of the Phoenix Mercury, a resident of Florida. This past season she averaged 6.8 points per game. The retired NBA representative for team Orlando is Dennis Scott, picked No. 4 overall by Orlando in the 1990 NBA Draft. In seven seasons with the Magic, he never averaged less than 12 points per game in a season.

For more on the Heat, head over to our Miami blog Peninsula is Mightier. Our Orlando Magic blog Orlando Pinstriped Post will have more on the entire weekend.

NBA All Star Weekend 2012: Norris Cole Added To Rising Stars Game

Miami Heat rookie point guard Norris Cole will now have a role in All-Star Weekend, due to a late twist in the NBA's Rising Stars game roster selection. The selection process consisted of TNT's Charles Barkley and Shaquille O'Neal picking from 18 sophomores and rookies. But, in a late turn, the neutral Kenny Smith added Jeremy Lin - the number one story heading into the break. To balance things out, Smith added Cole to make the numbers even.

Visit SB Nation for more on the Rising Stars game and NBA All-Star weekend.

The final teams shook out as follows:

Team Chuck: Wall, Irving, Cousins, George, Williams, Brooks, Hayward, Splitter,Leonard, Turner

Team Shaq: Griffin, Lin, Rubio, Monroe, Morris, Walker, Fields, Cole, Knight, Thompson

Cole joins five other Heat players participating in the weekend, with LeBron James, Dwyane Wade, and Chris Bosh in the game with James Jones and Mario Chalmers participating in the three-point contest.

For more on the Heat, head over to our Miami blog Peninsula is Mightier. Our Orlando Magic blog Orlando Pinstriped Post will have more on the entire weekend.

NBA All-Star Weekend: James Jones, Mario Chalmers, And Ryan Anderson To Participate In Three-Point Contest

Mario Chalmers, James Jones and Ryan Anderson will represent the state of Florida during the 3 Point Shootout at NBA All-Star weekend.