Three Knicks players attended the All-Star Weekend. Lian Dao participated in four events, David Lee entered the All-Star Game as a substitute, and Gallinari joined the Rookie Challenge. Regrettably, DeMar did not make the Rookie Challenge's final nine-man roster. His early-season performance suffered due to unstable shooting, paling compared to Stephen Curry, Tyreke Evans, and Brandon Jennings.
Ty Gibson secured a spot on the Rookie Challenge's nine-man roster. Because of Lian Dao, Gibson, originally destined for the Bulls, was picked by the Suns. He performed steadily this season, not overshadowed by Stoudemire's presence. His playing time was substantial, especially in the Suns' run-and-gun tactics. Coach Gentry often deployed Gibson alongside Stoudemire, creating an unusual but effective pairing. Gibson's strong defense bolstered the Suns' interior protection.
On February 13, the morning featured media interviews, a fan carnival, and the NBA Celebrity Game, where Hollywood stars and athletes from other sports formed teams. The cross-border basketball spectacle was genuinely entertaining, as watching these celebrities play was a rare treat.
The afternoon focused on community service through the NBA Cares action. Lian Dao traveled to Dallas on February 12, joined by his little senior sister. For his first All-Star appearance, Anta sent a pair of limited-edition LD-1 sneakers. With Lian Dao's high popularity, this was Anta's prime opportunity to expand its influence. Lian Dao, reluctant to wear the two unique LD-1 pairs due to their collectible value, knew each numbered pair was one-of-a-kind.
At the Rookie Challenge's opening ceremony, the LD-1s on Lian Dao's feet became the photographers' focal point. The sneakers sold briskly in China and the U.S., with limited editions doubling in price on the second-hand market, yet still priceless. Lian Dao wearing them for actual play, not collection, was truly eye-catching.
Stephen Curry, sporting Nike Hyperdunk sneakers provided to most Nike rookies, gazed enviously at Lian Dao's LD-1s. Their striking design outshone his standard kicks, stirring an indescribable sadness. He dreamed of a signature shoe, but knew it was unlikely. James Harden also fixated on Lian Dao's sneakers, especially the two silhouettes exuding an indescribable arrogance, leaving him nearly drooling.
Freshman Team: Tyreke Evans (Kings), Omri Caspi (Kings), Stephen Curry (Warriors), Lian Dao (Knicks), Brandon Jennings (Bucks), James Harden (Thunder), Ty Gibson (Suns), DeJuan Blair (Spurs), Jonas Jerek (Pistons).
Sophomore Team: Derrick Rose (Bulls), Michael Beasley (Heat), Eric Gordon (Clippers), Kevin Love (Timberwolves), Brook Lopez (Nets), Danilo Gallinari (Knicks), Russell Westbrook (Thunder), Marc Gasol (Grizzlies), OJ Mayo (Grizzlies).
The Four Heroes sat courtside, joking and watching. Pau Gasol cheered for his brother Marc Gasol, joined by Kobe and the recovering Yao Ming, who supported Lian Dao. The presence of so many big-name players at a Rookie Challenge was unexpected, making it star-studded.
Many favored the sophomore team, given their strong lineup. Beyond Derrick Rose and Westbrook, their bigs—Kevin Love, Marc Gasol, and Brook Lopez—had proven themselves in the regular season. The freshmen's interior, though solid, seemed weaker by comparison. Commentators Kenny Smith and Barkley opined. Smith backed the sophomores; Barkley, as always, bet on Lian Dao, not the entire freshman team.
Freshman Starters: Brandon Jennings, Tyreke Evans, Lian Dao, Ty Gibson, DeJuan Blair.
Sophomore Starters: Derrick Rose, Westbrook, Mike Beasley, Kevin Love, Brook Lopez.
The sophomores started strong, with Westbrook dunking to score first, earning warm applause from nearly 100,000 fans. Stadium cameras swept the stands, revealing a sea of fans. Barkley remarked, "So many fans wear sickle jerseys today, nearly 10,000. This is rare, even for James or Kobe." Kenny Smith nodded, "It's a bit exaggerated, but Sickle has tons of fans, many female. Basketball games rarely draw women, but Sickle bucks that trend. He has a star's face, strength, and appeals to women's aesthetics."
Lian Dao responded, breaking through Mike Billis to finish with a windmill dunk. As it was a Rookie Challenge, defense was lax at the start, limited to symbolic one-on-one. Fans didn't come for defensive battles, so both teams played gorgeously, prioritizing flair. Though Rose played, his offensive drive was low. During a transition, Jennings intercepted him, passing to Lian Dao, who hit an emergency-stop jumper at the 90° three-point line.
In the second grade, Mike Bliss tried a three-pointer but missed. Ty Gibson grabbed the rebound, sending a long pass to Lian Dao, who stepped back from his previous shot's spot and sank another three. Lian Dao pointed to Gibson, and they clapped hands, buzzing with excitement. When Tyreke Evans grabbed a rebound, he hesitated before passing to Lian Dao, who shot from two steps beyond the three-point line, near the logo area.
It went in! The crowd erupted in cheers. Through these three shots, fans noticed Lian Dao's three-pointers grew progressively farther. Barkley laughed, "Sickle's fully fired, Kenny. The second grade's in danger." Kenny Smith added, "Sickle's challenging his limits. The second-years just let him shoot threes. They're too arrogant." Recalling Lian Dao's logo shot against the Thunder, Smith shook his head, saying, "Sickle will teach children badly."
The sophomores sensed trouble. Westbrook initiated a double-team, determined to stop Lian Dao's rampage.