With the All-Star Game now in the can, it’s time to take a look back at the incredible moments that occurred this past weekend in Toronto. The very best in the NBA congregate each February to prove who is the best of the best. From the Splash Brothers trading threes like trading cards, a dunk contest to rival even the 1987 showdown and a fitting farewell to a legend, it was an All-star weekend for the ages.

Celebrity Game

In the Celebrity game, it was Canada vs. the U.S. on a basketball court this time. Just like in the 2010 Winter Olympic hockey gold medal game, Canada emerged victorious with a 74-64 win. The Canadians were coached by hip-hop star Drake and featured players such as former NBA stars Tracy McGrady and Rick Fox. Four-time Celebrity Game MVP Kevin Hart coached the American team and featured former NBA stars Chauncey Billups and Muggsy Bogues.

Rising Stars Challenge

In a matchup of the rising young stars of the league, it was Team USA vs. Team World with Team USA emerging victorious with a score of 157-154, the highest scoring game in the challenge’s history. The game pitted the young stars from the U.S. and the young stars from other countries to determine who was better.

Team World featured notable players such as New York Knicks rookie sensation Kristaps Porzingis and hometown boy Andrew Wiggins of the Minnesota Timberwolves.

Skills Challenge

The Skills Challenge featured point guards and big men as they all battled to determine who was the best ball handler between them. At the end of the day it was the Minnesota Timberwolves’ Karl Anthony-Towns who emerged victorious.

3-Point Contest

Arguably one of the most anticipated events proved to be quite a shocker to everyone watching. It came down to the two Splash Brothers Stephen Curry and Klay Thompson and it was Thompson who emerged victorious. After being just barely ahead of Curry in the first round, Thompson put the hammer down in the final round with a winning score of 27.

Dunk Contest

Oh was this a dunk contest to rival all dunk contests! In the final round, it was Minnesota’s Zach LaVine against the Orlando Magic’s Aaron Gordon. Gordon’s best dunk had to be where he leaped over the Magic’s mascot (who was rotating on a segway/swag board), took the ball from his hands, switched hands under the legs and laid it home. That one got the crowd on its feet but it was LaVine who emerged victorious with four straight perfect scores in the final round to take home the title. This was the second time in a row that LaVine has won the dunk contest.

The Game

Air Canada Centre was in a celebratory mood as they were treated to a high-scoring game for the ages. The Western All-Stars won by a whopping score of 196-173, sending Kobe Bryant out a winner in his final All-Star Game. Russell Westbrook was the leading scorer for the West as he garnered his second MVP award by scoring 31 points. Chris Paul had 16 assists, living up to his State Farm ads.

Final Thoughts

With the All-Star game going north of the border for the first time ever, there was no shortage of excitement at all. As we move forward in the season and with All-Star festivities, the rest will surely be compared to this one for years to come.