Zach LaVine should've made it past first round of 3-Point Contest, but made a great All-Star debut

First-time All-Star Zach LaVine was on a mission to become the first player to win both the 3-Point and Slam Dunk Contest... but his 22 points couldn't get him past the first round of this year's 3-Point Contest.

He finished tied with Donovan Mitchell for fourth in the field, behind Steph Curry (31), Mike Conley (28), Jayson Tatum (25) and ahead of Jaylen Brown (17).

LaVine changed up his money ball strategy compared to last year, where he also didn't make it past the first round with 23 points. Previously, shot 5-for-5 from that left corner whereas this year he made 3 of his 5 moneyballs.

I was expecting better from him in the 3-Point Contest considering he's been shooting a career-high 43.5% from beyond the arc this season, so I wasn't too impressed with him not making it past the 23 points he made last year.

But he did upgrade this year in another way -- by actually following up the contest with a spot in the All-Star game on Team Durant.

LaVine was the first Bulls player to receive an All-Star selection in four years. The last Bulls All-Star selection was Jimmy Butler back in 2017. And let me just say, it was refreshing to see him do his thing as an All-Star. It felt like watching a family member finally get what they worked so hard for.

Although Team LeBron dominated and Team Durant didn't win any of the first three quarters of the All-Star Game, LaVine showed up for his team.

He registered 13 points on 5-of-10 shooting from the field, along with four rebounds, three assists and three steals.

LaVine did a great job in his All-Star Game debut. He brought energy to the floor and defensive stops, but most importantly he slammed it down when he had his chance, giving the fans what they really love to see him do.

The Slam Dunk Contest was underwhelming this year without him. Portland Trail Blazers Guard Anfernee Simons blew a kiss to the rim and took home the trophy.

Most of us just couldn't help but reminisce the good old days of LaVine and Aaron Gordon's all-time dunk battle.

Check out my next blog post to throw it back to my favorite LaVine dunks in previous All-Stars.