By Jourdan Kerl and Brianna Williams
Medill Reports
LOS ANGELES – The 2018 NBA Celebrity Game pit some of the most recognizable names against one another for bragging rights and a possible MVP selection by fan vote. Late additions Justin Bieber and Quavo of the rap group Migos would play for Team Lakers and Team Clippers, respectively, and they proved to be the main attractions for the event.
“If we was on the same team, we would’ve been the greatest 1-2 punch ever,” Quavo said.
While the two would not play together in this All-Star event, other individual moments throughout the competitive game became equally as memorable for attendees as their guest appearances. In the end for many of the players, the goal was to raise money for the Thurgood Marshall College Fund, which received $20,000 from Ruffles at the event.
Here are a few of the most memorable celebrity game moments:
Quavo showed the world that he’s more than just a rapper.
A week after his group’s studio album peaked at No. 1 on the Billboard charts, he also added Celebrity All-Star MVP to his credentials with a game-high 19 points in his debut appearance. Although Team Clippers only shot 47.7 percent from the field, he had a 70 percent field goal percentage.
https://twitter.com/KarenCivil/status/964690516276404224
Justin Bieber could have sung his hit single “Sorry,” after his poor performance.
His 13 minutes was enough time for the superstar to have a couple turnovers to go along with his four points on the losing Team Lakers. His interesting color choice of a shooting sleeve was red; the same color of the opposing team’s jersey.
.@justinbieber is ready to get the show on the road!#RufflesCelebGame pic.twitter.com/jPF4aCmPi0
— NBA (@NBA) February 17, 2018
“Black Panther” star Michael B. Jordan suited up to join Team Lakers in the second half.
While he could take down King T’Challa as “Killmonger” in the blockbuster film “Black Panther,” Jordan’s late entry into the Celebrity Game would not be enough to carry his team to victory. He finished the night with only five minutes played and zero points. Sharing the same name as arguably one of the greatest basketball players of all time might have helped him enter the court, but the magic of MJ would not rub off on him.
He’s making a comeback at the half! #RufflesCelebGame pic.twitter.com/G5GyB8MliX
— #NBAAllStar 2021 (@NBAAllStar) February 17, 2018
Miles Brown, 12-year-old star of the TV series “black-ish,” boxed-out Tracy McGrady under the basket, kind of.
While his heart was in the right place, his height held him back from gaining any rebounds and stopping much larger opponents. Even though the team came out on top, Brown should probably stay in the backcourt for the future.
Miles Brown is 12 years old and already getting buckets (via @nba) pic.twitter.com/atOQ7uKwKM
— SLAM (@SLAMonline) February 17, 2018
