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The 2023 NBA All-Star game is scheduled to take place in Utah on February 19. Vivint Arena will play host to all of the weekend's festivities, including Sunday's game between Team LeBron James and Team Giannis Antetokounmpo.
Before the 2023 NBA All-Star festivities begin, let's examine what makes this host city unique.
1) NBA legends
Numerous Hall of Famers have suited up for the Utah Jazz over the years. One of the first names that comes to mind is John Stockton. To this day, he is regarded as one of the top point guards in NBA history.
Stockton was selected 16th overall by the Jazz in the 1984 NBA Draft. He went on to spend 19 years with the franchise. He was a ten-time NBA All-Star and led the league in assists nine times. Stockton eventually became the NBA's all-time leader in assists (15,806).
Another famous guard to suit up for the Jazz is "Pistol" Pete Maravich. While his time with the franchise was short, he is still one of the greatest ever to put on their uniform.
2) NBA history
The city of Utah has seen some of the most memorable basketball moments in history. During the 1990's, the Utah Jazz faced off against Michael Jordan and the Chicago Bulls numerous times during the playoffs.
The Bulls and Jazz played against each other twice in the NBA Finals. Michael Jordan had some of his greatest performances in Utah. His iconic "flu game" in Game 6 of the 1997 NBA Finals is something that still gets praised to this day.
The "flu game" was not MJ's only memorable moment in Utah. He hit an iconic game-winning shot during Game 6 of the the 1998 NBA Finals. It won the series and clinched a second three-peat for the Bulls.
3) 2023 NBA All-Star game is a Milestone anniversary
The 2023 NBA All-Star game will coincide with a big anniversary for the city of Utah. It will mark the 30-year anniversary of when Utah last hosted the All-Star game.
Back in 1993, the NBA All-Star game featured some of the game's greatest talents. It was Michael Jordan's last All-Star game before his first retirement. Hall of Fame center Shaquille O'Neal was also selected to his first NBA All-Star Game that year. Karl Malone and John Stockton both won ASG MVP awards, which put the finishing touches on Utah hosting that All-Star game.
Guess the Lakers players!
