ATLANTA (AP) — It’s the NBA All-Star Game no one seemed to want. Certainly not the players, who scoffed at the notion of playing an exhibition game in the midst of a pandemic. The city of Atlanta didn’t seem so thrilled with the idea, either. The mayor urged fans to stay away from an event renowned for wild parties and packed streets. But the league is eager to improve its bottom line and boost the brand by televising the popular midseason showcase around the world. So, the NBA’s best will take the court in a one-night-only event at mostly empty State Farm Arena.
