NBA All-Star weekend 2013

Celtics center Kevin Garnett got an earful from his daughter while watching Saturday night’s festivities during the 2013 NBA All-Star Weekend in Houston, Texas. Garnett was the lone Celtics representative at the event after teammate Rajon Rondo, who was also voted a starter, pulled out due to injury.

Garnett didn’t play much during the actual game. He started for the Eastern Conference and logged 6:26 seconds, going 0 for 2 with 3 rebounds and an assist. Kyrie Irving started the second half in place of Garnett, which gave the East a true point guard in the lineup after Rondo was scratched from the game.

Oklahoma City Thunder player Russell Westbrook checked in with Celtic legend Bill Russell.

The Lakers’ Dwight Howard playfully picked up and flipped a courtside assistant before the game.

Singer Beyonce took in the pre-game activity in courtside seats.

Rapper Jay-Z (right) chatted with Sean Combs before the game.

Jay-Z (right) greeted Laker Kobe Bryant.

Chicago’s Joakim Noah said hello to directory Spike Lee, a known Knicks fan.

NE-YO performed for the All-Star game crowd before it began.

Gloria Reuben performed the Canadian national anthem before tipoff.

NBA All-Star Blake Griffin of the Los Angeles Clippers waved to the crowd during introductions.

LeBron James and the Eastern Conference All-Stars stood on stage as the players were introduced.

Miami’s Chris Bosh tossed down this uncontested dunk between Dwright Howard (right) and Chris Paul.

The East’s Joakim Noah celebrated during the first half.

Singer Alicia Keys performed the half time show.

Western Conference All-Star coach Gregg Popovich of the San Antonio Spurs spoked to his team during a first-half break in action.

LeBron James (left) drove on Kobe Bryant during the second quarter.

Kevin Durant of the Oklahoma City Thunder went up for a dunk during the 2d half. Durant led all scorers with 30 points.

Chris Paul of the Los Angeles Clippers had nine assists in the first half. He finished with 15 assists and was named MVP of the game as the West won, 143-138.

Chris Paul held up his most valuable player award trophy.

Kevin Garnett answered questions during a media availability. Trade rumors have swirled around Garnett this season as the Celtics contemplate their future when Garnett and Paul Pierce eventually retire.

Terrence Ross of the Toronto Raptors jumped over a boy as he competed in the slam dunk contest. Ross won the event after he circled the ball behind his back while executing a 360.

Jeremy Evans of the Utah Jazz finished as the runner up in the contest. Evans won the dunk contest in 2012.

NBA players also took care of some business over the weekend, voting to remove Billy Hunter as the executive director of the NBA players union.