Some thoughts on All-Star Weekend before you start looking over March Madness odds in your sportsbook:

Rookie Challenge - The sophomores won a surprisingly competitive game behind a record 46 points from Kevin Durant. If he’s not in the Sunday game next year, something’s wrong.

HORSE - Durant edged out O.J. Mayo in another entertaining affair. This kid can score from anywhere.

Shooting Stars - Detroit beat the hometown team from Phoenix. This needs to cut, and soon.

Skills Challenge - Derrick Rose beat Devin Harris, and Rose didn’t even look awake until his double-pump reverse to cap off the event.

Three-Point Shootout - Daequan Cook beat Rashard Lewis in overtime, and Lewis’ seven-point
performance in that round was embarrassing.

Slam Dunk Contest - Nate Robinson was the Kryptonite to Dwight Howard’s Superman by jumping over the 7-footer, but what should be talked about is how Rudy Fernandez got hosed in the first round.

All-Star Game - The West won in a blowout, but Shaq’s dance with the Jabbawockeez during introductions was the most entertaining part. It was also good to see Shaq and Kobe Bryant together again while receiving co-MVPs of the game. To paraphrase LeBron James, it’s gonna be a sad day when the big fella hangs ‘em up. The most entertaining player and person the NBA has ever had.