Cam Johnson participated in the NBA All-Star weekend's Starry 3-Point Contest but fell short of making it to the final round. As the lone representative for the Brooklyn Nets, Johnson had a challenging start, managing only 14 points in the first round. Despite his impressive 41.3% shooting from long range this season, he struggled early on, hitting just two out of four attempts on his first rack. He eventually found his rhythm on the money balls, but it wasn't enough to advance.

Among his competitors were notable names such as Jalen Brunson, Cade Cunningham, and Damian Lillard. In the end, Tyler Herro emerged victorious, marking the fifth win for the Miami Heat in this contest's history. Johnson, now the sixth Nets participant in this event, joins a lineage of great shooters, including the 2019 champion Joe Harris, who upset Stephen Curry in his win.

Dwight Howard, alongside familiar Houston Rockets figures like Mike D'Antoni, Chris Paul, and Carmelo Anthony, has been named a finalist for the Naismith Memorial Basketball Hall of Fame. Howard, who spent three seasons with the Rockets, averaged 15.9 points and 11.6 rebounds during his tenure. Both he and Anthony are recognized not only for their individual accolades but also for their contributions to the 2008 U.S. Olympic gold medal-winning team, frequently referred to as the 'Redeem Team.'

D'Antoni, who coached the Rockets from 2016 to 2020, served as an assistant coach on that Olympic squad. The Rockets aimed for a championship with Howard and James Harden, reaching the Western Conference finals in 2015, yet falling short against the Golden State Warriors. Paul, after two impactful seasons with Houston, was traded to Oklahoma City following near misses in the playoffs.

The Houston Rockets put up a spirited fight but ultimately fell to the Golden State Warriors, finishing the game at 105-98. Aaron Holiday was the standout performer for Houston, scoring 25 points, while Nate Williams added 11. The Rockets struggled initially, shooting just 34.8% in the first quarter, allowing the Warriors to build a 28-19 lead. Houston made a strong effort in the second half, highlighted by a 13-1 run, but couldn't maintain the momentum late in the game.

Despite their defensive efforts, the Rockets couldn't overcome a rough first half characterized by turnovers and poor shooting. Although they trimmed a 24-point deficit to as little as seven in the final quarter, late turnovers allowed the Warriors to secure the victory. Up next, Houston will face the Minnesota Timberwolves after the All-Star break, looking to build on their resilience from this matchup.

With the trade deadline passed, the Brooklyn Nets have solidified their roster for the remainder of the season. Notable player Cam Johnson remains with the team after the Nets sought a first-round pick for him. This season, Johnson is playing at a career-high level, showcasing his potential value. Similarly, center Nic Claxton, who recently signed a four-year deal, also stays put despite trade talks.

Day'Ron Sharpe was linked to the Los Angeles Lakers but remains on the Nets. Meanwhile, the team has made some roster adjustments by parting with players like Ben Simmons and Dorian Finney-Smith. The potential conversion of Tyrese Martin's two-way contract to a standard deal could enhance the team's depth, as he contributes effectively in games.

Looking ahead, the Nets will navigate free agency with several players hitting unrestricted and restricted status this summer, including Bogdanović, Russell, and Melton. This offseason could reshape their lineup significantly.

Josh Hart embodies the essence of a player whose contributions are often overlooked in the star-studded landscape of the NBA. While the All-Star Game tends to showcase big-name players, Hart's pivotal role for the New York Knicks has not gone unnoticed. Averaging 14.1 points, 9.8 rebounds, and 5.7 assists per game with impressive shooting percentages, Hart has become the Knicks' unsung hero, essential to their success in the Eastern Conference.

His versatility and unselfish play style have drawn praise from coaches, including Memphis Grizzlies' Taylor Jenkins, who notes Hart's ability to unlock his teammates' potential. Despite his modest height of 6-foot-4, Hart leads in total minutes played and ranks among the top rebounders in the league. His relentless work ethic and exceptional basketball instincts have contributed to his sixth triple-double this season, tying him for fourth in franchise history.

Though Hart's chances of being an All-Star are slim due to fierce competition from high-profile players, his contributions have already made him a star in the eyes of Knicks fans and his coach, Tom Thibodeau, who acknowledges Hart's stellar season and significant impact on the team.