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Sometimes, classic sports stories just don't have happy endings. When four-time Celebrity Game MVP and Team USA coach Kevin Hart came out of retirement in the third quarter during the opening events of All-Star Weekend on Friday, it seemed inevitable he would spark a stirring comeback that led the Americans to victory. Instead, Team Canada took their nine-point halftime lead and held on for a 74-64 win.
Jason Sudeikis was the game's highlight in the first half, nailing three triples in four attempts while spinning in a pretty layup on a baseline drive. It's a real shame those skills never showed themselves in Saturday Night Live, you know?
But Win Butler, playing in his second-straight All-Star Celebrity Game, was the steady and reliable force that Team Canada needed to triumph over the Americans. His strong play led to him being named MVP.
When Kevin Hart left the sidelines to make the stunning return, Team USA was left being coached be associate head coach Andre Drummond and the Wizards mascot. G. Wiz simply didn't have the coaching chops match up to Drake, who was leading Team Canada. When Tracy McGrady nailed a three-pointer for Team Canada with just under two minutes to play in the fourth quarter, you knew this sports story just wasn't going to have a happy ending for one of the all-time greats in Hart.
In other notable news, professional tennis player Milos Raonic threw down the Celebrity Game's first dunk since Terrell Owens in 2008, rising up off two feet during a breakaway. If things keep going like this, we can eagerly anticipate the next dunk getting thrown down in 2024!
With Hart likely retiring for good after this game, there's no telling when we'll see him next. Hart, a noted recluse, has always shied away from media attention, and without his required media appearances, he may go settle down in a secluded cottage somewhere away from the bright lights and TV cameras of the big city. Alas, it truly is a shame that he couldn't end his legendary Celebrity Game career on top.