Win Butler gets political in MVP acceptance speech
Here’s the full text of Win Butler’s MVP acceptance speech. ESPN abruptly pulled the plug. Was a Bernie Sanders endorsement coming?
Win Butler: I’ve lived in the great city of Montreal for 15 years. I’ve represented Montreal. If you guys want to fast-track my Canadian citizenship, hopefully this will help make me a permanent resident. I just want to say that I’m retiring as a celebrity right now, so I will not be eligible for the celebrity game next year. I’m retiring as a celebrity. We brought this home for Canada. Respect to Drake. Respect to Team Canada.
Sage Steele: You know Kevin Hart has said he’s retired for 10 years and he keeps coming back so I feel like they’d welcome you back. Congratulations.
Win Butler: Thank you, I just want to say that it’s an election year in the US – [cue ESPN bumper music] – the US has a lot they can learn from Canada: healthcare, taking care of people, and I think ...
Sage Steele: So we’re talking about celebrities and not politics. Congratulations on your MVP!
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Win Butler named MVP of NBA All-Star celebrity game
Win Butler has been named MVP of the All-Star celebrity game after scoring 15 points (on 6-for-17 shooting) and 14 rebounds in a winning effort. The Arcade Fire frontman, who was robbed of MVP honors last year, then announces his retirement from the celebrity game. Even more interestingly, he’s abruptly cut off by ESPN’s Sage Steele mid-sentence when he began to speak about American politics. A fantastically unstrung ending to a strange night.
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Final: USA 64-74 Canada
That’s a wrap. All that’s left is to see who is named Most Valuable Player. Kevin Hart’s five points surely aren’t enough to warrant the honor. Surely not.
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USA 61-70 Canada 1.33, 4th quarter
In the WWE-style storyline of tonight’s game, the United States is supposed to come back and at least make this a contest. But none of their players can make shots. With the USA trailing 67-56, Anthony Anderson literally comes off the bench during play to score a breakaway lay-up, a 6 v 5 score the referees don’t seem particularly interested in stopping play for because they have dinner reservations maybe?
As Team USA’s chances at victory slide out of reach, acting head coach Andre Drummond is whistled up for a technical foul for arguing with the refs.
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USA 54-63 Canada 5.05, 4th quarter
We’re clattering down the home stretch here in Toronto with the United States trailing by nine. Three-time NBA champion Rick Fox, whom many of you will be surprised to learn is Canadian, is moving shall we say gingerly.
Another basket for Sudeikis, who’s been dormant for a bit, and USA has closed it to 53-49. Since that blistering first-half start he’s done very little, though his fundamentals, like this box-out of Genie Bouchard, warrant praise.
Genie trying to basketball. pic.twitter.com/96fcU0vILx
— Genie Bouchard News (@genie_news) February 13, 2016
ESPN’s cameras go to Team Canada coach Drake for a quick interview between quarters. “I don’t even know if [Hart] is on the active roster,” says Drake, keeping kayfabe. “But it’s all a family affair so we’ll let it slide.”
USA 46-53 Canada, end of 3rd quarter
Despite putting a trio of backcourt players on the floor – Kevin Hart, Nick Cannon and Muggsy Bogues – whose combined height doesn’t add up to Win Butler, Team USA has managed to cut into Canada’s lead and pull within striking distance entering the final stanza.
Also, the hell is Draymond Green wearing?
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USA 33-39 Canada 4.50, 3rd quarter
Shockingly, Kevin Hart has not left the building as initially suggested. He’s just emerged from the Team USA locker room wearing the No1 shirt as the Rocky theme plays over the arena sound system.
4-time MVP taking it upon himself to bring 🇺🇸 back.. #LetsSee 👀 #DewCelebGame on ESPN! https://t.co/VXBKV4Y6cm
— NBA (@NBA) February 13, 2016
How he’s going through an exaggerated stretching routine on the court to guffaws from the crowd as Chauncey Billups shoots free throws. A card on the ESPN broadcast indicates that Hart’s career NBA All-Star celebrity game averages through four games are 8.7 points, 3.0 assists and 35% shooting from the floor.
Team Canada coach Drake questions whether it’s legal since Hart was not listed on the active roster. From where I sit it’s a bigger problem that Hart is wearing the same uniform number as Billups.
🤔 Coach @Drake on coach-turned-player @kevinhart4real suiting up.. #DewCelebGame on ESPN https://t.co/OI6BbM1j4J
— NBA (@NBA) February 13, 2016
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Meanwhile, Drake is screaming in Genie’s ear. Haven’t seen Aubrey this hype since Jimmy convinced Spinner to give him a Ritalin, then played hero ball during basketball tryouts and injured a teammate. Feels like yesterday.
Genie got caught in the middle of some basketball trash talk, eh? 😂 @geniebouchard #NBAAllStarTO pic.twitter.com/bG0KA5JH2G
— #TeamGenie (@GenieArmyTOR) February 13, 2016
USA 28-37 Canada 7.04, 3rd quarter
We’re underway in the third quarter. Jason Sudeikis and Tracy McGrady both attempted five 3-pointers in that first half; Sudeikis made four, McGrady made zero. So that’s where we are in life right about now.
And ... what’s this? It appears Kevin Hart has left Team USA’s sideline in frustration. There’s no chance at all he’s gone to the locker room to change into playing clothes in order to take the court and play hero ball, right? No chance at all.
USA struggles with the Octagon. Kevin Hart has left the sideline. Coach @AndreDrummondd takes over duties. #DewCelebGame
— NBA (@NBA) February 13, 2016
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Also at courtside: Vin Diesel. He’s making an ‘X’ sign with his fingers. Could a third xXx film be in the works after 2002’s xXx and 2005’s xXx: State of the Union? We can only hope.
Meanwhile, DeMar DeRozan’s clumsy description of his jeans during a half-time powwow with ESPN’s Sage Steele more or less mirrors the caliber of play on display right about now.
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Half-time: USA 28-37 Canada
Team USA’s short rotation is clearly catching up with them. Since Aubrey’s second wave of players keyed that 8-0 run during the first quarter it’s been all Canada. The sort of the half, though, is clearly Raonic’s explosive dunk in the dying seconds of the second quarter.
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And Raonic closes the first half with a two-handed dunk! All alone on a breakaway, the Canadian tennis star climbs the ladder for the flush on the last scoring play of the first half.
Last tennis player to throw it down? Toronto's own Milos Raonic! Coach @Drake diggin' it! #DewCelebGame on ESPN https://t.co/qXXrbAtguz
— NBA (@NBA) February 13, 2016
That more than compensates for a jumper that’s as ugly as you’ll see from a top-flight athlete. Also worth mentioning that Raonic is wearing the freshest kicks on the floor. New Balance made a special pair for their prized signee, dipped in a Canadian red with maple leaves on the back.
New Balance's special shoe for Canadian tennis star Milos Raonic, who will be playing in celebrity game at All-Star pic.twitter.com/BbWGTvFd7D
— Darren Rovell (@darrenrovell) February 12, 2016
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Genie Bouchard has checked into the game. The 2014 Wimbledon finalist seems unclear about her defensive assignment but she’ll figure it out.
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Why Team USA coach Kevin Hart has stopped dialing up Jason Sudeikis is anyone’s guess. The second-guessers are coming out in full force on Twitter.
Jason Sudeikis has been hot thus far -- 3 threes in the first half. Team USA stopped going to him though. That's on Coach Kevin Hart.
— Lang Whitaker (@langwhitaker) February 13, 2016
USA 24-29 Canada 4.07, 2nd quarter
At what point should we put out a missing-persons report on Genie Bouchard? Former Indiana Fever star Tammy Sutton-Brown cans a long two to extend Canada’s lead to seven, but O’Shea Jackson Jr (a/k/a Ice Cube’s progeny) responds with a 3-pointer from the elbow. It was a good day. Sudeikis with back-to-back 3-pointers, the latter from the corner on a Chauncey Billups assist, and Canada’s lead has been sliced to 25-24. The Saturday Night Live alum has a game-high 11 points on 4-for-5 shooting with three 3-pointers. Miami Heat guard Josh Richardson has taken notice.
That boy Jason sudeikis is lighting it up 🔥🔥😤
— Josh Richardson (@J_Rich1) February 13, 2016
One-time Wild ‘n Out star Nick Cannon has nearly been as invisible as Bouchard, and he’s actually getting playing time!
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USA 15-20 Canada, end of 1st quarter
Terrence J can’t make free throws. Guy Fieri is here. Surprised he’d let the cameras shoot him at courtside, he’s usually so publicity-shy. ESPN commentator Barry follows up his previous cringeworthy remark about Olivia Wilde by 1) saying he’s afraid that he’ll refer to Team USA’s Elena Delle Donne, the reigning WNBA MVP, as ‘Dellavedova’ and 2) using “on fleek” in a sentence. Win Butler for two. Excellent work by Canada’s second unit to close the first half strong. They’re up five.
Detroit’s Andre Drummond dabbing on ‘em during Kevin Hart’s between-quarters interview.
Kevin Hart just yelled at Andre Drummond 😂😂 pic.twitter.com/6PBpX9C7IT
— Cameron Searcy (@d_legitimate) February 13, 2016
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USA 14-16 Canada 1.39, 1st quarter
Nick Cannon with a left-handed lay-up. Terrence J, whom I’ve not seen since his long-running gig alongside Roxsi on BET’s 106 & Park and who now is apparently going by Terrence Jenkins, with a quick steal on the next possession but Team USA can’t convert. Shocker. Then very quickly Canada rattles off eight unanswered points, capped by a drive and dish from Scrubs star Tom Cavanagh to Arcade Fire frontman Win Butler, who deposits the lay-up from safely within his shooting range, to give Canada a 16-14. A furious Kevin Hart calls timeout and rips into his side.
USA 12-8 Canada 4.40, 1st quarter
Sudeikis has gone from 0 to 💯 real quick. Straight Outta Compton star O’Shea Jackson Sr is lockdown defense on Milos Raonic, but the ATP world No11 is getting buckets early. Tracy McGrady, beloved north of the border, throws it off the backboard but finishes with a lay-up. If only he had a DeLorean.
Jason Sudeikis attacks the rack on ESPN like ________. #DewCelebGame https://t.co/FfNMcI7E9W
— NBA (@NBA) February 13, 2016
“We’re having fun out here, but we’re not here to lose,” barks Kevin Hart to his charges during the first TV timeout.
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Tip-off
And we’re off! And Jason Sudeikis opens the score by banking in a 3-pointer. If you got him on those +220 odds, you’re golden. And then he deposits a driving lay-up on the next trip down the court and people seem surprised.
Jason Sudeikis is ballin out rn
— Dr. Mantis Toboggan (@Be_Cool_Fool) February 13, 2016
BRUH Jason Sudeikis is good lol
— Han Solo (@yaRhannaH) February 13, 2016
Jason Sudeikis is my MVP in this game, lol
— Megan. (@meggsnicoleexo) February 13, 2016
ESPN commentator Jon Barry with a profoundly creepy remark about Olivia Wilde just now. The actress, whose fiancé Jason Sudeikis is playing for Team USA, is watching from courtside.
Tonight’s most conspicuous absence is no doubt Justin Bieber. The Where Are Ü Now and Sorry crooner was named Most Valuable Player of the 2011 game after pouring in eight points on 3-for-11 shooting as the East won 54-49 over the West in Los Angeles.
“He played pretty well,” said Hall of Fame forward Scottie Pippen, denied MVP honors despite a game-high 17 points, “but he has an ugly shot.”
Earlier tonight Drake was awarded the key to the city of Toronto. Wheelchair Jimmy has come a long way from Degrassi Community School.
.@Drake awarded the 🔑 to the city aka the #6ix by the Mayor @JohnTory pic.twitter.com/TVyWhpxPP3
— NBA Canada (@NBACanada) February 12, 2016
Kevin Hart, a four-time MVP of the celebrity game who in years past has hijacked the game for his own comedic platform, has moved to the bench as Team USA’s coach. “Today I’m here to crush Canada and I apologize in advance,” the Ride Along 2 star seethes in sinister baritone after refusing to shake Drizzy’s hands at center court during the pre-game pageantry.
Oh man. This has the making for a good one. #DewCelebGame #NBAVine https://t.co/kAfOSGN6pq
— 2016 NBA All-Star (@NBAAllStar) February 13, 2016
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Big cheers for native son Steve Nash, who is an assistant on head coach Drake’s bench. Similar reception for fellow Team Canada assistant DeMar DeRozan, who represent the Toronto Raptors in Sunday’s proper NBA All-Star Game, making his second appearance in the annual exo.
Nick Cannon is playing in his eighth NBA All-Star celebrity game. Which I’m told makes him eligible for a pension.
They’re announcing the starting lineups here at the Ricoh Coliseum. First for Team USA: Anthony Anderson, Jason Sudeikis, Stephan James, Joel David Moore and HGTV’s Property Brothers stars Jonathan and Drew Scott, and ... wait ... these aren’t only the starters. Seems like they’re naming the entire rosters.
Good evening and welcome to tonight’s NBA All-Star celebrity game at the Ricoh Coliseum in Toronto. A fascinating match is afoot between notables from the United States and Canada. Tip-off is just over 10 minutes from now.
While no reputable oddsmaker is taking action on tonight’s exhibition, Bovada has offered up a wager on which player will score first. Nick Cannon is the favorite at +170. If you’re looking for better value, why not have a punt on Milos Raonic, last seen pushing Andy Murray to five sets in the Australian Open semi-finals, who is +400.
Bryan will be here shortly. In the meantime here’s a look at the rosters for tonight’s celebrity game.
Team Canada coach Drake will be joined on the sidelines by two-time NBA MVP Steve Nash and Toronto Blue Jays right fielder José Bautista. The team includes Arcade Fire’s Win Butler, 2014 Wimbledon finalist Genie Bouchard, Australian Open semi-finalist Milos Raonic, seven-time All-Star Tracy McGrady, Drew and Jonathan Scott (HGTV’s Property Brothers), NBA TV analyst Rick Fox and former WNBA player Tammy Sutton-Brown.
Team USA, coached by four-time NBA All-Star celebrity game MVP Kevin Hart includes , Saturday Night Live veteran Jason Sudeikis, Anthony Anderson (ABC’s Blackish), Nick Cannon (America’s Got Talent); five-time NBA All-Star and ESPN analyst Chauncey Billups, diminutive NBA legend Muggsy Bogues, Milwaukee Bucks co-owner Marc Lasry, actor O’Shea Jackson Jr (Straight Outta Compton) and WNBA MVP Elena Delle Donne.
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