Advertisement

'Like NBA Jam': LED court makes debut to mixed reviews at NBA All-Star weekend's celebrity game

ayrton ostly, usa today
·2 min read
31
Feb 16, 2024; Indianapolis, IN, USA; Natasha Cloud (9) of Team Stephen A controls the ball against Team Shannon in the second quarter during the All Star Celebrity Game at Lucas Oil Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Trevor Ruszkowski-USA TODAY Sports
Feb 16, 2024; Indianapolis, IN, USA; Natasha Cloud (9) of Team Stephen A controls the ball against Team Shannon in the second quarter during the All Star Celebrity Game at Lucas Oil Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Trevor Ruszkowski-USA TODAY Sports

The 2024 NBA All-Star weekend kicked off Friday night with the Celebrity Game at Lucas Oil Stadium in Indianapolis. ESPN's "First Take" hosts Shannon Sharpe and Stephen A. Smith coached squads featuring actors, athletes, musicians, content creators, and even an Olympian in high-jump champion Gianmarco Tamberi.

But one of the biggest draws of the Celebrity Game isn't the players. It's the debut of the LED court.

The court, developed by the German company ASB GlassFloor, included design and color changes, location-based player tracking animations, and countdowns for extra point periods.

2024 NBA All-Star Game weekend: Live stream, TV, dunk contest, 3-point contest, rosters

2024 Basketball Hall of Fame class: Vince Carter, Doug Collins, Seimone Augustus lead finalists

Tristan Jass (22) of Team Stephen A controls the ball against Puka Nacua (17) and Quincy Isaiah (72) of Team Shannon in the first quarter during the All Star Celebrity Game at Lucas Oil Stadium.
Tristan Jass (22) of Team Stephen A controls the ball against Puka Nacua (17) and Quincy Isaiah (72) of Team Shannon in the first quarter during the All Star Celebrity Game at Lucas Oil Stadium.

It's the first time a fully LED court's been used for an NBA event and basketball fans took to social media to comment on it. Some of them enjoyed the unique look.

Others weren't quite so sold on it.

The LED court will be a key part of NBA All-Star weekend. Saturday night's Skills Challenge, 3-Point Contest, Stephen vs. Sabrina shooting contest, and Slam Dunk Contest will all use it.

After four quarters, Team Shannon won against Team Stephen A. 100-91. Dallas Cowboys Pro Bowl linebacker Micah Parsons won Celebrity Game MVP honors with 37 points, 16 rebounds, and four steals.

More photos of LED floor at NBA All-Star weekend

Feb 16, 2024; Indianapolis, IN, USA; Michah Parsons (11) of Team Shannon drives against Mecole Hardman Jr. (12) of Team Stephen A in the second half during the All Star Celebrity Game at Lucas Oil Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Trevor Ruszkowski-USA TODAY Sports
Feb 16, 2024; Indianapolis, IN, USA; Michah Parsons (11) of Team Shannon drives against Mecole Hardman Jr. (12) of Team Stephen A in the second half during the All Star Celebrity Game at Lucas Oil Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Trevor Ruszkowski-USA TODAY Sports
Feb 16, 2024; Indianapolis, IN, USA; Jewell Loyd (24) of Team Shannon shoots in the second half during the All Star Celebrity Game at Lucas Oil Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Trevor Ruszkowski-USA TODAY Sports
Feb 16, 2024; Indianapolis, IN, USA; Jewell Loyd (24) of Team Shannon shoots in the second half during the All Star Celebrity Game at Lucas Oil Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Trevor Ruszkowski-USA TODAY Sports
Feb 16, 2024; Indianapolis, IN, USA; Jewell Loyd (24) of Team Shannon reacts in the second quarter against Team Stephen A during the All Star Celebrity Game at Lucas Oil Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Trevor Ruszkowski-USA TODAY Sports
Feb 16, 2024; Indianapolis, IN, USA; Jewell Loyd (24) of Team Shannon reacts in the second quarter against Team Stephen A during the All Star Celebrity Game at Lucas Oil Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Trevor Ruszkowski-USA TODAY Sports
Feb 16, 2024; Indianapolis, IN, USA; Tristan Jass (22) of Team Stephen A controls the ball against Kai Cenat (3) of Team Shannon in the second quarter during the All Star Celebrity Game at Lucas Oil Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Trevor Ruszkowski-USA TODAY Sports
Feb 16, 2024; Indianapolis, IN, USA; Tristan Jass (22) of Team Stephen A controls the ball against Kai Cenat (3) of Team Shannon in the second quarter during the All Star Celebrity Game at Lucas Oil Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Trevor Ruszkowski-USA TODAY Sports

Best Dunk Contest moments: Aaron Gordon, Mac McClung highlight top dunks from past decade

This article originally appeared on USA TODAY: LED All Star court makes debut in celebrity game to mixed reviews