There were high-flying dunks and plenty of sharp shooters, but the highlight of NBA All-Star Saturday Night was when sportscaster Ernie Johnson got on the mic and announced a new contest — one for the late Craig Sager’s charity.
After the three-point contest, Johnson called for the top shooters to step back out on the court. One minute would be put on the clock and for each three-pointer made, a $10,000 donation would be made to the Sager Strong Foundation, which supports cancer research and education.
Before the clock started, three-point legend Reggie Miller stepped in and announced he wanted a piece of the action. He recruited some friends like James Harden and WNBA champ Candace Parker, too.
A very special moment at #NBAAllStar
We are all #SagerStrong! pic.twitter.com/aNeVNxkdBi
— NBA on TNT (@NBAonTNT) February 19, 2017
The group ended up raising $130,000. But, the night wasn’t over. Steph Curry had a few chances to sink a half-court shot for $500,000. He didn’t come through, but Sager’s young son did with a lift from Shaq and this basket.
This. Is. Why. We. Play.
$500,000 donated to the #SagerStrong Foundation. pic.twitter.com/k0MoQwpoJw
— NBA (@NBA) February 19, 2017