Monday’s contest between the New Orleans Pelicans and the Golden State Warriors served as the debut of ESPN’s “Arena of Heroes.”
The special Marvel-themed broadcast featured appearances from different superheroes, including Iron Man, Black Panther, Captain America, Captain Marvel and Dr. Strange. ESPN’s alternate broadcast displayed unique comic book style graphics with different Marvel catchphrases.
Along with a unique visual experience, three players from each team were “recruited” by specific Marvel superheroes to earn “hero points.” Steph Curry, Draymond Green, Andrew Wiggins, Zion Williamson, Brandon Ingram and Lonzo Ball recorded hero points for scoring, rebounding, assists and other achievements throughout the game. Players were also docked negative points for turnovers and missed field goals.
Although Curry led the Warriors to victory with 41 points on 14-of-26 shooting from the field, his teammate earned the title of Arena of Heroes champion. On his way to a triple-double with 15 assists, 13 rebounds and 10 points, Green notched 48 hero points to edge Curry by one.
Via @NBA on Twitter:
A scoring breakdown for Draymond Green as he becomes Marvel's first #ArenaOfHeroes champion with a game-high 48 Hero Points! pic.twitter.com/Ib5OJYUlUb
— NBA (@NBA) May 4, 2021
Via @warriors on Twitter:
Marvel's first #ArenaOfHeroes champion 💥 pic.twitter.com/o6CmHdBclg
— Golden State Warriors (@warriors) May 4, 2021
All three members of the Warriors eligible for hero points landed in the top three, with Green leading the way. Curry finished with 47 hero points and Wiggins recorded 33 points.
Zion Williamson’s 32 points helped him tally 24 hero points for the Pelicans. Brandon Ingram followed with 17 hero points and Lonzo Ball rounded out the pack with five.
With game two of their back-to-back slated for Tuesday in New Orleans, the Warriors will need Green to hold on to his superpowers for another contest.
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