Washington Wizards Blog

I arrived in New Orleans around 4:00pm local time, and let me say it is amazing how the NBA comes in and just takes over the city. Driving into downtown from the Airport all you see are huge banners everywhere promoting the All-Star Game. It’s not just the banners though, it is EVERYWHERE! My keycard at the hotel has the All-Star logo, the front door to the hotel has a picture of Steve Nash and Amare Stoudemire, and the rooms even have NBATV! Needless to say this is an NBA fans dream experience.

After getting to the hotel I had a little time to kill, so I picked up my credential for the weekend, and grabbed some great local food at Mother’s Restaurant. Following dinner it was actually time to cover an event, and what better way to start than with the EA Sports NBA Live 08 Video Game Tournament and Party.

Caron Butler, along with seven other All-Star Weekend participants, played in a single elimination tournament. Butler was put on the spot early, playing in the first game of the tournament against the Portland Trail Blazers Brandon Roy. Having never played this version before, Caron turned to coach/cousin, Jarvis McMillan, to give him a couple quick pointers before the game.

“He’s going to do pretty good,” said McMillian about Caron’s chances before the tournament. “He’s just learning the buttons right now. But he picks up video games pretty fast.”

Unfortunately for Caron, he didn’t pick it up as fast as Roy, losing by over 20 points.

Following the loss, Butler interviewed with a couple of TV stations that attended the event, and watched the end of the tournament, which was eventually won by Tony Parker.

* For more exclusive coverage check out the 2008 NBA All-Star Index on WashingtonWizards.com!