NBA: Rise in a Parallel World

Time moved like water, slipping through the fingers of history.

In the blink of an eye, the NBA's first-ever All-Star Weekend had arrived.

Basketball fans across the world had spent weeks voting for their favorite players on the NBA's official website, carefully selecting the best of the best to participate in this historic event.

The final NBA All-Star starting lineups were:

Western Conference Starters:

Elgin Baylor (SF, Lakers)

Oscar Robertson (PG, Kings)

Jerry West (SG, Lakers)

Wilt Chamberlain (C, Warriors)

Paul Arizin (PF, Warriors)

Eastern Conference Starters:

Bill Russell (C, Celtics)

Bob Cousy (PG, Celtics)

Richie Guerin (SG, Knicks)

Bob Pettit (PF, Hawks)

Walt Bellamy (SF, Wizards)

In addition to the starters, the coaches of the 30 NBA teams selected the All-Star reserves:

Western Conference Reserves:

Wayne Embry (C, Kings)

Frank Selvy (SG, Lakers)

Rudy LaRusso (PF, Lakers)

Tom Gola (SF, Warriors)

Jack Twyman (SF, Kings)

Dolph Schayes (PF, Nationals)

Larry Costello (PG, Nationals)

Eastern Conference Reserves:

Hal Greer (SG, 76ers)

Sam Jones (SG, Celtics)

Tom Heinsohn (PF, Celtics)

Nate Thurmond (C, Warriors)

Willis Reed (C, Knicks)

Willie Naulls (PF, Knicks)

John Havlicek (SG, Celtics)

It was clear that the NBA's top teams—Celtics, Lakers, Warriors, and Kings—dominated the rosters.

Unlike future All-Star Weekends, which would feature slam dunk contests, three-point shootouts, and skills challenges, this first NBA All-Star Weekend was simple—a celebration of basketball and a showcase of the league's greatest talent.

The stage for this historic game was none other than Staples Center, home of the Los Angeles Lakers.

Los Angeles was alive with excitement.

NBA stars were spotted in communities, participating in charity events, signing autographs, and visiting children's hospitals.

The biggest names in sports and entertainment arrived in LA, eager to witness history.

It was more than just a game—it was a cultural moment.

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February 15th—Game Night.

The energy inside Staples Center was electric.

Every seat in the arena was filled, as fans, celebrities, gathered to witness the first-ever NBA All-Star Game.

Inside the broadcast booth, the voices of Yang Jian and Zhang Weiping echoed through television sets across China.

Yang Jian, the energetic host, welcomed the audience:

"Hello everyone, and welcome to the 2021 NBA All-Star Game.

Due to the time difference, it's currently morning in China—so to all our fans watching, Happy Chinese New Year!"

Zhang Weiping, an experienced basketball analyst, added,

"Happy New Year, everyone! This is the first time we are broadcasting the NBA All-Star Game live, and I promise you, tonight is going to be unforgettable."

Yang Jian smiled, "Director Zhang, did you see who's in the crowd tonight? So many Hollywood superstars are here!"

Zhang Weiping nodded, "Of course! Los Angeles is already home to the biggest stars in entertainment, but tonight, we have NBA's biggest stars sharing the stage with them."

As the two continued their lively discussion, the crowd erupted in excitement.

Beyoncé had just finished her spectacular opening performance.

The lights dimmed.

A single spotlight illuminated the center of the court.

Nathan Cole, the man who made the NBA possible, stepped forward.

Dressed in an elegant suit, he took the microphone and addressed the crowd.

"First and foremost, thank you, Los Angeles, for hosting this incredible event.

I'd like to express my deepest gratitude to the NBA's fans, players, coaches, and sponsors for making this dream a reality.

Tonight is not just a game—it's history in the making.

Enjoy the show."

The crowd roared in approval.

The NBA's first-ever All-Star Game had officially begun.

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The tip-off went to the Western All-Stars, as Wilt Chamberlain outjumped Bill Russell at center court.

From the first possession, it was clear—this game was all about fun and entertainment.

There was little defense, no hard fouls, and plenty of showboating.

The players weren't here to grind out a win.

They were here to put on a show.

Oscar Robertson wasted no time, driving into the lane and throwing down a thunderous slam dunk!

The crowd exploded in excitement.

Not to be outdone, Bob Pettit of the Eastern Conference answered with a powerful dunk of his own.

The highlight reel plays continued throughout the first half:

Jerry West orchestrating no-look passes

Wilt Chamberlain throwing down one-handed slams

Bob Cousy's flashy ball-handling displays

Bill Russell's towering blocks

With each breathtaking play, the crowd grew louder and louder.

At halftime, the Western Conference led 64-60.

But the show wasn't over.

During intermission, Grammy-winning artists performed on a specially built stage in the middle of the court.

The fans inside Staples Center felt as though they were at a music festival rather than a basketball game.

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As the second half began, the Western Stars turned up the heat.

Led by Wilt Chamberlain's dominance in the paint, they began to pull away.

By the end of the third quarter, the Western Conference led 105-94.

The East was clearly outmatched.

Four of the top six scorers in the league were playing for the West, making it nearly impossible for the East to keep up.

Despite Bill Russell's best efforts on defense, Chamberlain could not be stopped.

The fourth quarter was more of the same.

The Western Stars extended their lead to 20 points, and the outcome was all but decided.

As the final buzzer sounded, the Western Conference All-Stars celebrated their 150-130 victory.

But there was one last question left to answer…

Who would be named the first-ever NBA All-Star MVP?

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Inside the broadcast booth, Yang Jian turned to Zhang Weiping.

"Director Zhang, who do you think will win MVP?"

Zhang Weiping chuckled, "It has to be Chamberlain!

He finished the game with:

42 points

24 rebounds

Countless highlight plays

There's no debate—Chamberlain is the All-Star MVP!"

Yang Jian laughed, "Director Zhang, I think you just love Chamberlain too much."

Zhang Weiping grinned, "That's because he plays like a true superstar!"

Moments later, Nathan Cole stepped onto the court holding a crystal-shaped MVP trophy.

With a warm smile, he made the announcement:

"The MVP of the 2021 NBA All-Star Game is… Wilt Chamberlain!"

The crowd erupted in cheers as Chamberlain accepted the trophy.

As confetti rained from the ceiling, Nathan handed the MVP award to Chamberlain, a moment captured forever in NBA history.

The NBA had arrived.

And this was only the beginning.