The game set a new NBA All-Star attendance record. Neither Magic Johnson nor Larry Bird played, though both were still active in the NBA. Johnson was selected, but sat out due to injuries and was replaced by Abdul-Jabbar. Though he only scored 4 points, the game ended with Abdul-Jabbar hitting the final shot of the game, a sky hook.
The game featured a rap by rap group Ultramagnetic MCs that named each all-star and each coach. The rap was broadcast immediately before the start of the game.