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Even the NBA lockout got Jimmered.
“Jimmer’s All-Stars” gave future NBA stars the opportunity to play in an exhibition game on Thursday while the NBA players and owners work through a labor dispute. The game brought the Marriott Center fans to their feet with high-flying dunks, behind the back passes and deep 3-pointers.
“The atmosphere in the arena was terrific,” Team Jimmer’s coach Dave Rose said. “It was like a December or January game.”
[media-credit name=”Jamison Metzger” align=”alignright” width=”226″]
[/media-credit]The game featured former BYU stars Jimmer Fredette and Jackson Emery playing for Team Jimmer, and former San Diego State forward Kawhi Leonard and NCAA tournament Most Outstanding Player Kemba Walker playing for Team Kawhi. Team Kawhi came away victorious, with a 138-128 win.
“It feels great to get a win (in Provo),” Leonard said. “But we’re just out here having fun and trying to compete.”
View highlights from Jimmer’s All Stars game:
The game began with the teams going back and forth, highlighted by monstrous dunks by former Morehead State center Kennth Faried.
In the second quarter, Team Kawhi took over behind the scoring of Fredette’s future Sacramento Kings teammate, Isaiah Thomas. Thomas hit back to back 3-pointers to extend Team Kawhi’s lead, and the teams entered the locker room at halftime with Team Kawhi leading, 72-54.
Team Jimmer started a comeback attempt in the second half, but was thwarted by Team Kawhi. After pulling within eight with only minutes remaining, Team Kawhi held on for the win.
Former Duke guard Nolan Smith led all scorers with 30 points, while Leonard led Team Kawhi with 24. Fredette scored 27 and had 10 assists and six rebounds.
The exhibition had the feel of an NBA game, from the NBA 24 second clock, to the halftime show, which included Fredette’s older brother, TJ Fredette, and the crowd giving a standing ovation to Emery and Fredette.
Although Team Jimmer left with a loss, Fredette and Emery enjoyed their final game in the Marriott Center.
“It was just great competition,” Fredette said. “It was great to get out there and play one more time.”
