9. Joel shows out at the All-Star Game
Joel’s aforementioned domination of the Lakers last November has a strong case for being his true breakout performance. But his showing in his first All-Star game, a game in which he started nonetheless, in February to me was his true arrival on the big stage.
From the tip to the final buzzer, Joel showed out in a game that ended up being the most entertaining All-Star game in recent memory. He finished third on Team Curry in scoring with 19 points and added 8 rebounds (tied-second among all All-Stars) and two blocks.
But it was an exchange he had with a familiar foe that really made it all the more memorable.
Joel has forged many a rivalry upon entering the league. Hassan Whiteside, Andre Drummond, you name it. Yet the one he shares with one Russell Westbrook, if you ask me, takes the cake. Their personalities are just perfect fodder for cooking up an on-court rivalry.
This past year, there was the triple-OT game in which Joel twice blocked Westbrook on drives to the hole and Westbrook proceeding to wave Joel off the court after pulling out the win. Then Joel proceeds to dunk all over Westbrook in their next meeting (staring him down in the process) and Westbrook giving Joel and Ben the death stare as he dribbled out the clock.
It’s just so perfect. You can’t help but love it.
When taking all that into consideration, that’s why this was so awesome:
Part 3 of Russ vs. Joel is set for Jan. 19, so get your popcorn ready folks.