Michael Jordan earned MVP honors, scoring 23 points, grabbing six rebounds, and dishing out eight assists.

Jordan would come out of retirement once more in 2001 and play two more seasons (earning All-Star selections both years) for the Washington Wizards.

This was also the first year that Shaquille O'Neal was able to play in the All-Star Game as a member of the Los Angeles Lakers as he was sidelined in 1997 due to a knee injury.

A total of 9 players from this game would not play in another All-Star Game: Nick Van Exel, Steve Smith, Penny Hardaway, Tim Hardaway, Shawn Kemp, Mitch Richmond, Vin Baker, Rik Smits and Jayson Williams.

The coaches of the teams were Willis Reed for the East and Dave DeBusschere for the West.

Jeff Hornacek, Hubert Davis, Dale Ellis, and Charlie Ward advanced to the semifinals with Jeff Hornacek and Hubert Davis competing in the finals.