While names for the Dunk Contest and 3-Point Shootout had been leaking for weeks, the NBA waited until the relative last minute — five days before the event — to name the participants in the All-Star Saturday, they did it Tuesday night.
Headlining the Skills Challenge will be Giannis Antetokounmpo and his brothers, Thanasis and Alex, who form one of the three teams in the contest, along with Team Jazz and Team Rookies.
Your 2023 #KiaSkills Challenge participants! ⭐️️
— NBA TV (@NBATV) February 15, 2023
TEAM ANTETOKOUNMPOS:
Alex Antetokounmpo
Giannis Antetokounmpo
Thanasis Antetokounmpo
TEAM JAZZ:
Jordan Clarkson
Walker Kessler
Collin Sexton
TEAM ROOKS:
Paolo Banchero
Jaden Ivey
Jabari Smith Jr. pic.twitter.com/7Z4PzqGWRO
Next up is the highlight of the night — the 3-Point Shootout. The one event the stars still turn out for, and there are big names again this season:
• Jayson Tatum (Celticis)
• Damian Lillard (Trail Blazers)
• Lauri Markkanen (Jazz)
• Kevin Huerter (Kings)
• Tyler Herro (Heat)
• Tyrese Haliburton (Pacers)
• Buddy Hield (Pacers)
• Anfernee Simons (Trail Blazers)
Your 2023 #Starry3PT Contest participants! ☔️
— NBA TV (@NBATV) February 15, 2023
️
Tyrese Haliburton
Tyler Herro
Buddy Hield
Kevin Huerter
Damian Lillard
Lauri Markkanen
Anfernee Simons
Jayson Tatum pic.twitter.com/ZgfgJwlzis
The Dunk Contest caps off the night, and there were no surprises in the foursome:
• Kevin Martin Jr. (Rockets)
• Mac McClung (76ers — he just signed a two-way deal today)
• Trey Murphy III (Pelicans)
• Jericho Sims (Knicks)
Your 2023 #ATTSlamDunk Contest participants! 🔨
— NBA TV (@NBATV) February 15, 2023
Kenyon Martin Jr.
Mac McClung
Trey Murphy III
Jericho Sims pic.twitter.com/53U7qY9kUm
All-Star Saturday night has surpassed the actual All-Star Game on Sunday in terms of watchability. It’s still more prestigious to be an All-Star, players want the honor, but Saturday night is more entertaining, more fun, and the one fans get up for. This year there’s a pretty stacked list of participants, it should have Vivint Arena in Salt Lake City rocking.
All-Star Saturday night festivities begin at 8 Eastern and are broadcast on TNT.