NBA Basketball: Was the All-Star Game a Foreshadow?

The NBA never fails to impress it's audience on All-Star weekend. 

Two of the league's best forwards dueled it out in the three-point competition, Ricky Rubio set a Guiness World Record for most shots behind the basket in under a minute and rookie Jeremey Evans, who was only in because Iman Shumpert was hurt, made a sensational two ball-dunk to win the traditional dunk contest.

There is a lot to critique about the festivities, such as the stars' lack of desire to compete in the dunk contest. But just because Lebron James is too afraid to lose to a rookie does not mean we should undermine the great sportsmanship, athleticism and competitiveness that was displayed all weekend. 

All events led up to the All-Star game. But this was more than just a game. This was a sign.

Look at the similarities between the All-Star game and what the what has happened this season:

The top two MVP candidates in the league right now are Lebron and Kevin Durant, also the top two candidates for the All-Star game MVP.

The West started off the game in dominance that made you ask, "Is this even going to be a game?"

The season started off with a lockout, making you wonder "Is there even going to be a season?"

As the game went on, the high-flying dunks, alley-oops and cross overs reminded you why you watched the game in the first place; similar to how all the buzzer-beater endings and spectacular performances this year reminded you why you love basketball.

Who took the most important shot of the game? Not Lebron. Not Carmelo Anthony. Not  Dwyane Wade. But Deron Williams.

Who is the talk of the entire league right now? Not Lebron. Not Carmelo. Not Wade. Not Kobe Bryant. It is Jeremy Lin. 

These coincidences leave me with a few questions:

We thought Kobe's bloody nose was simply a bloody nose, but it turned out to be broken. Could this mean that his arguments with the front office are going to lead to broken ties with the Lakers?

Does Lebron being the East's high scorer, and Wade recording the third All-Star game triple-double indicate that no one in the East will be a threat to the Heat

Does Lebron's costly turnover, and Wade's bobbled pass mean that they will choke in the playoffs yet again?

Does Durant winning MVP tell us that he is the best player in the league, just above Lebron?

Is the game being played right next to Disney World, the most magical place on earth, a coincidence? I think not.