To Coincide With Its 50th Anniversary,

TO COINCIDE WITH ITS 50TH ANNIVERSARY, the National Basketball Association honored the league’s 50 all-time greatest players at the annual All-Star game in 1997.

With living legends such as Bill Russell, Wilt Chamberlain, Larry Bird, and Julius Erving looking on, the West All-Stars opened a 53–30 lead with just under six minutes to play in the second quarter. But the East closed out the half with a 27–7 run, narrowing the margin to 60–57.

During halftime ceremonies, the NBA presented its former stars to the crowd of 20,562. All the athletes flashed broad smiles, and many beamed with unbounded joy, unashamedly revealing that they considered this moment one of the most memorable in their life.

Fueled by the adulation heaped upon their predecessors, the East All-Stars continued their torrid pace. Holding the West scoreless, Vin Baker opened the second half with two straight dunks, and Glen Rice followed with three consecutive three-pointers. The 40–7 run spanning halftime put the East Conference in front, 70–60.

Now in command, the East kept its opponent at bay and held on for a 132–120 victory. Rice, who scored 20 points in the third quarter, claimed the MVP award, and Michael Jordan posted the first triple-double in an All-Star game with 14 points, 11 rebounds, and 11 assists.

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POINT Some athletes deserve praise from the media, from fans, from coaches, and from teammates. They possess great talent that they use well. They become stars. In basketball, those top 50 stars of 50 years deserve adoration.

But God is the greatest star of all time in all things. He alone deserves to be worshipped.

GOAL! Make a list of athletes who deserve your praise. Include the reason why you believe they’re worthy.