CHICAGO _ It took 32 years _ a long 32 years _ for the NBA All-Star Game to return to Chicago.
But this is no time to gripe. Not after the NBA treated us to a Trae Young half-court bomb, a mesmerizing LeBron James behind-the-back dribble drive, a third quarter that was competitive enough to feature intentional fouling and a genius new format for the final frame.
"That fourth quarter was incredible," Mavericks owner Mark Cuban said. "I don't even know that you can call it a quarter. There was the final countdown. What's the name of that band?"
Europe.
Cuban knows all about crummy and brilliant ideas from his "Shark Tank" experience. Where does this one rank?
"Not so much the idea because it's been out there," he said. "But (Commissioner) Adam (Silver) for having the guts to give it a try. I think that's where Adam really earns his money. He's willing to try anything and knows the risk-reward."
Here are four takeaways from a weekend that gave Chicagoans both frostbite and pride.
