Amid a disappointing start to the 2023 NBA season, the All-Star game is just around the corner. In the lead up to All-Star Weekend fans have been voting for their starting five.

Lebron James and Giannis Antetokounmpo have been named captains for their respective divisions. This will be James’s 19th All-Star game and Antetokounmpo’s seventh.

With All-Star voting over, fans have a little less to look forward to as individual players are no longer vying for that last spot in the starting five. However, this does not mean that NBA action is over, as teams still go out every night putting on spectacular performances.

On the East Coast, the Philadelphia 76ers have been dominating, currently on a seven-game winning streak. A key contributor to this excellence is rising star Tyrese Maxey.

Maxey is averaging 21 points per game with three rebounds and assists. But the numbers don’t tell the whole story as Maxey is more than just a scorer. Maxey has become a source of energy for the team.

In late-game situations where others might give up, Maxey says no, creating dynamic plays whether it’s hitting a big three or making the pass for an explosive dunk. His don’t quit attitude revitalizes the team, helping them to win.

Occasionally, fans will be treated to something truly exciting. This time it was an overtime game featuring the Boston Celtics and the New York Knicks. Shooting guard Immanuel Quickley’s presence was felt on the floor dropping go-ahead buckets just at the right time.

Shot-for-shot and point-for-point, no team held a double-digit lead throughout the whole game. The roar of the crowd could be heard through every possession with each team giving it their best effort.

The leaders of each team did not disappoint, both putting on a show. For the Knicks it was Julius Randle scoring 37 points and for the Celtics it was Jason Tatum with 35.

From the opening tip it almost seemed as if both players came into the game targeting each other. From spin moves to mid-range to up close and personal, neither of them wanted to back down.

Randle got a big slam late in the third quarter, driving past and dunking on Jason Tatum. However, Tatum came right back at the end of the fourth quarter with a layup to tie the game, resulting in overtime.

Basketball fans have something to look forward to as they can only hope the rematch is just as good.

The season isn’t over yet, and after All-Star break both teams and fans alike will be back with a renewed energy in the lead-up to the playoffs.