LeBron James, Kevin Durant and Kobe Bryant might’ve been the headliners on this past Sunday’s NBA All-Star Game, but they weren’t the only ones putting in work. Chris Paul and Dwyane Wade did their thing as well. Perhaps they were low on the replay highlights, but each left his imprint on the game; Wade with only the third triple-double in All-Star Game history (24 points, 10 rebounds and 10 assists); and Paul with a game-high 12 dimes.
As the technology in their Jordan sneakers suggest, both players have different strengths. CP3 is quick, agile and fast: Fly Around. Wade is a high riser, a leaper and a deadly finisher at the rim: Fly Over.
With that in mind, I found the best highlight from both players that best exemplified these characteristics during this year’s All-Star Game.
Dwyane Wade Flies Over The Defense On The Fast Break
In the half-court, there’s probably not a better slasher in the entire league than Wade, and on the fast break, the only one who might be better is his own teammate. The Marquette product picks up so many uncontested dunks in the open court because no one can keep up. Once he’s there, opponents don’t even bother to jump.
Chris Paul Flies Around The Defense To Open Up The Lane For Russell Westbrook
Paul had two or three fancy drop offs on Sunday – one that went to Blake Griffin for an easy dunk, and this one to Russell Westbrook. The two connected on plays similar to this all night. Westbrook learned his lesson early: No one’s stopping CP3 from getting in the lane, and once he gets there, just find an avenue and he’ll get you the rock.
Chris Paul Thinks Better Of It As Dwyane Wade Flies Over Him
As quick as Paul is, he knew better than to jump with Wade. The Miami Heat guard has been jumping over and smashing on big men for years, and must be considered one of the greatest “small” dunkers of all time. Imagine what he would’ve done to Paul had the little guy jumped?
What do you think?
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