1990 NBA All-Star Game

The 40th National Basketball Association All-Star Game was played on February 11, 1990, at Miami Arena in Miami, the home of the Miami Heat. Magic Johnson was named the game's MVP, as well as the leading scorer with 22 points.

The Eastern Conference All-Star Starters as selected by fan voting were Michael Jordan, Isiah Thomas, Charles Barkley, Larry Bird, and Patrick Ewing. The reserves consisted of Celtics Duo Kevin McHale and Robert Parish, as well as, Dominique Wilkins of the Atlanta Hawks. The reserves were rounded out by four first time all-stars; Scottie Pippen of the Chicago Bulls, Indiana Pacers guard Reggie Miller, and Detroit Piston teammates Joe Dumars and Dennis Rodman.

The Western Conference All-Star Starters as selected by fan voting were John Stockton, Magic Johnson, James Worthy, A.C. Green, and Hakeem Olajuwon. The reserves consisted of Clyde Drexler from the Blazers, Phoenix Suns teammates Tom Chambers and Kevin Johnson, as well as Chris Mullin of the Golden State Warriors. The team also included San Antonio Spurs center David Robinson, Denver Nuggets guard Lafayette Lever and Utah Jazz power forward Karl Malone. Rolando Blackman was later named to the team as injury replacement for Karl Malone. A.C. Green, David Robinson, and Kevin Johnson were all making their first All-Star Game appearance^[1]

The game featured 11 out of 12 players that would go on to make the 1992 Dream Team as well as coach Chuck Daly.

Magic Johnson was the game MVP as well as leading scorer with 22 points. Akeem Olajuwon led the way with a game high 16 rebounds, and Isiah Thomas had the most assists on the night with 9.

This was the last NBA All-Star Game broadcast by CBS before moving to NBC in the following year.

Coaches

Chuck Daly, head coach of the Eastern Conference leader Detroit Pistons, coached the Eastern All-Stars. Pat Riley, head coach of the Western Conference leader Los Angeles Lakers, coached the Western All-Stars. Both were determined by the best conference record at a pre-determined date mid-season before the All-Star Game (usually late January).

As a result of Riley's sixth straight appearance, the 1990 game was the last to allow a head coach to lead an All-Star team in consecutive seasons. The NBA implemented the "Pat Riley Rule" to ensure variety and prevent such dominance. This mandate disqualifies the previous year's coach from returning, even if their team currently leads the conference. In such cases, the honor passes to the coach of the team with the next-best record in the same conference, with tiebreakers favoring the coach who has either never coached the game or hasn't done so less recently.

All-Star voting

All-Star Starters

Eastern Conference voting

Western Conference voting

^[2] Michael Jordan was the leading vote-getter overall. Magic Johnson received the most votes among Western Conference players.

Rosters

Karl Malone was unable to play due to injury. Rolando Blackman was selected as his replacement.

Score by periods

• Halftime— East, 65–52
• Third Quarter— East, 100–83
• Officials: Earl Strom, Bill Oakes, and Paul Mihalak
• Attendance: 14,810

NBA All-Star legends Game

• For the 7th straight year this contest featured stars from the East including Elvin Hayes, Wali Jones, Bobby Jones, Connie Hawkins, Cazzie Russell, Dave DeBusschere, Walt Hazzard, Zelmo Beaty and Archie Clark
• For the West this team featured Rick Barry, Calvin Murphy, Doug Collins, Fred Brown, Dave Bing, Jamaal Wilkes, Spencer Haywood, Bailey Howell, Clifford Ray, and Dave Cowens.

References

1. ^ "1990 NBA All-Star Game Box Score". Basketball-Reference.com
2. ^ "1990 NBA All-Star Game Voting". Basketball-Reference.com