2006 NBA All-Star Game


The 2006 NBA All-Star Game was played on Sunday, February 19, 2006 at the Toyota Center in Houston, Texas, home of the Houston Rockets. The game was the 55th annual All-Star game. The theme song was by Houston native Chamillionaire who made a new version of his hit "Turn It Up." Trailing by 21 points, the East rode the hot shooting of LeBron James and the teamwork of the four All-Stars from the Detroit Pistons to a 122–120 victory over the West. The 21-year-old James, who scored 29 points and grabbed six rebounds, became the youngest player to win MVP. With the score tied, Dwyane Wade, who finished with 20 points, hit the game-winning layup with 16 seconds left. Tracy McGrady of the Houston Rockets led all players with a game-high 36 points.

Players

Jermaine O'Neal was unable to participate due to injury.
Gilbert Arenas was named as O'Neal's replacement.
Vince Carter was named as starter, replacing O'Neal.

Coaches

The Eastern Conference team was coached by Flip Saunders of the Detroit Pistons, along with Sidney Lowe, Ron Harper and Don Zierden as assistant coaches. Ted Arzonico of the Orlando Magic was the athletic trainer.
The Western Conference team was coached by Avery Johnson of the Dallas Mavericks. Del Harris, Rolando Blackman and Joe Prunty served as assistant coaches, while Keith Jones of the Houston Rockets was the athletic trainer.

T-Mobile Rookie Challenge

The T-Mobile Rookie challenge was played on Friday, February 17, 2006 with the Sophomores beating the Rookies 106–96. Andre Iguodala was named MVP with a game-high 30 points.
Pos.PlayerTeam
PF/CAndrew BogutMilwaukee Bucks
SGLuther HeadHouston Rockets
PF/CChanning FryeNew York Knicks
SFDanny GrangerIndiana Pacers
PGŠarūnas JasikevičiusIndiana Pacers
PGChris PaulNew Orleans/Oklahoma City Pelicans
PGNate RobinsonNew York Knicks
SFCharlie VillanuevaToronto Raptors
PGDeron WilliamsUtah Jazz

Pos.PlayerTeam
SF/SGLuol DengChicago Bulls
PGT. J. FordMilwaukee Bucks
SGBen GordonChicago Bulls
PGDevin HarrisDallas Mavericks
PF/CDwight HowardOrlando Magic
SGAndre IguodalaPhiladelphia 76ers
CNenad KrstićNew Jersey Nets
PGJameer Nelson*Orlando Magic
SFAndrés NocioniChicago Bulls
PF/CEmeka Okafor*Charlotte Bobcats
PGDelonte WestBoston Celtics

* Did not participate due to injury.
Delonte West replaced Jameer Nelson.

Coaches

The Rooks were coached by Sidney Lowe of the Detroit Pistons, along with Elvin Hayes as the assistant coach.
The Sophomores were coached by Del Harris of the Dallas Mavericks, along with Moses Malone as the assistant coach.

Foot Locker Three-Point Shootout

Dirk Nowitzki won with a score of 18, beating Gilbert Arenas and Ray Allen in the final round.
Pos.PlayerTeam
SGRay AllenSeattle SuperSonics
PGGilbert ArenasWashington Wizards
SGRaja Bell*Phoenix Suns
PGChauncey BillupsDetroit Pistons
PFDirk NowitzkiDallas Mavericks
SF/SGQuentin RichardsonNew York Knicks
PGJason TerryDallas Mavericks

* Did not participate due to a family illness. Gilbert Arenas replaced Raja Bell.

Sprite Rising Stars Slam Dunk Contest

Nate Robinson won, beating Andre Iguodala in a dunk-off after the first ever tie in a Slam Dunk Contest. Robinson's win was highly questioned as he had missed several dunks and many speculate that Robinson was only awarded the title because of his small stature.
Pos.PlayerTeamHeightWeight
SGAndre IguodalaPhiladelphia 76ers6'6"207 lb
PGNate RobinsonNew York Knicks5'9"180 lb
SFJosh SmithAtlanta Hawks6'9"225 lb
PFHakim WarrickMemphis Grizzlies6'9"219 lb

PlayStation Skills Challenge

Dwyane Wade won, beating LeBron James in the final round. Dwyane Wade won with a time of 26.1 seconds.
Pos.PlayerTeam
SFLeBron JamesCleveland Cavaliers
PGSteve NashPhoenix Suns
PGChris PaulNew Orleans/Oklahoma City Pelicans
SGDwyane WadeMiami Heat

RadioShack Shooting Stars Competition

The San Antonio team won the competition with a time of 25.1 seconds.