NBA Special: Individual Performances in the NBA All-Star Game - - Part 1
The East and the West Conference brought their talent to the Staples Center in order to show their brilliance to take away the NBA All-Star contest. Fortunately, the West passed the test with excellence, topping the East 148-143 on Sunday night.
Here is the review of the breath-taking performances of the players of West Conference in the victory:
Kobe “Black Mamba” Bryant
The incandescent Kobe “Black Mamba” Bryant is the most polarizing figure in NBA as he always plays a stellar game, especially in his hometown. The 32-year-old leading scorer for the Lakers, Kobe won his fourth All-Star MVP award, scoring 37 points for the
West in the victory. In addition, the shining-star of the Lower Merion High School made 14 of 26 shots and had 14 rebounds, 3 steals, and 3 assists.
The Black Mamba said after receiving the MVP trophy, "It feels great, being at home here and playing in front of the home crowd.” "This will be my last All-Star game in front of these home fans, so it feels good to do it."
The Lakers shooting guard Bryant had a strong hold on the contest, taking 14 shots in the opening quarter, and scoring 21 points in the first half.
The Lakers standout defender has punched the clock in 13 All-Star Games, winning the MVP award previously in 2009, 2007, and 2002 games.
While talking to TNT’s Craig Sager at the break, Bryant said that they are all set to head the contest.
"We want to win," Bryant said. "We want to prove the West is stronger. We can do that by winning the game."
Kevin Durant
The tall, energetic, and robust Kevin Durant played one of his best games of the season as he registered 34 points in the victory, scoring 14 of his points in the final stanza.
The 22-year-old Kings shooting guard scored five straight points after the East cut a 17-point deficit after three quarters to two points with 2:34 to go in the final buzzer.
Kevin stayed hot during the fourth quarter, when the East pulled within two on a pair of LeBron “King James” James foul shots, Durant scored 7 of the West's final 11 points in the final two minutes.
Pau Gasol
The 30-year-old Lakers centre Pau Gasol also came off the bench to have a productive game as he scored 17 points, two assists, and seven rebounds.
The big man Bryant remains scoreless for the final six minutes, but Gasol handled the situation as he had a big basket to help the West hold on.
Russell Westbrook
Mix of size, strength, and athleticism - - Russell Westbrook had a simple but an effective game as he contributed 12 points, 2 assists, and 5 rebounds in just 14 minutes.
Chris Paul
The Hornets point guard Chris Paul posted 10 points and grabbed seven assists and four rebounds for the victors.
Blake Griffin
After a mediocre performance in the NBA Rookies Contest Blake Griffin was hot favourite for the NBA All-Star Game but he continued to play sloppy basketball. He had "We want Blake!" chants from his fans at Staples Centre but he played 14-plus minutes, finishing
with eight points, five rebounds, and five assists.
Carmelo Anthony
The Nuggets small forward Carmelo Anthony did all he could as he had eight points, two assists, and seven rebounds for the East.
Manu Ginobili
The 33-year-old shooting guard Manu Ginobili, the leading scorer on the NBA’s top team, had arrived in Los Angeles with a clear sense of his place among the game’s greats but he added just seven points, 5 assists, and 3 rebounds.
Dirk Nowitzki
Standing seven feet, Dirk Nowitzki of the Mavericks played a simple game with six points, one assist, and five rebounds.
Deron Williams
Deron “D-Will” Williams finished with seven points, single assist, and seven rebounds.
Kevin Love
Kevin Love of the Minnesota Timberwolves played a little less than 12 minutes, had two points, four rebounds, an assist, and snapped off a number of outlet passes. In addition, he had a 75-foot, two-handed overhead inbounds pass to Chris Paul for a layup
in the first half's final second that gave the West a 12-point halftime lead.
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