Check out photos from the star-studded game below.
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“He’s the Michael Jordan of our era”, said Toronto Raptors point guard Kyle Lowry, an Eastern All-Star who like Bryant hails from Philadelphia.
LeBron James lightheartedly slapped the court as Bryant dribbled on the perimeter in the second quarter, commencing a one-on-one, bring-it-on battle that ended with Bryant’s turnaround jumper bouncing off the front of the rim.
Guard Chris Paul had 16 assists to go with 14 points for the West and forward Kobe Bryant went out a victor in his final All-Star Game, contributing 10 points. The West led 92-90 at the break, both teams surpassing the previous record of 89 points in a half. “So I think KD (Kevin Durant) wanted it at one point, and then the crowd got into it and wanted me to shoot”.
In 20 seasons with the Lakers, whom acquired him on a trade with the Charlotte Hornets in the 1996 NBA Draft, Bryant has scored 33,243 points, pulled down 6,991 rebounds, handed out 6,274 assists and converted 44.8 percent of his 25,838 shots from the field.
Westbrook, asked about Kobe Bryant after the game, said he had been inspired by the Lakers legend. While the surrounding players were seemingly ecstatic to see a frontcourt player win, they knew if Towns had to compete against Curry or James, it would be no contest.
Thunder guard Russell Westbrook was named the game’s Most Valuable Player for the second consecutive season, finishing with 31 points, eight rebounds, five assists and five steals (as well as a number of awesome dances).
Kobe’s 18 All-Star selections is surpassed only by the great Kareem Abdul-Jabaar, and many believe that he will be given every opportunity to secure a record fifth All-Star game MVP award.
Paul George of the Indiana Pacers finished with 41 points, including an all-star game record nine three-pointers, one point off the all-star game record held by Wilt Chamberlain.
“It was really special”, Bryant told The Associated Press. “I had a hard-fought summer, hard-fought rehab year”. But all those things are just fun.
They even started chanting his name during the final substitution. Everybody is trying to find their rhythm, trying to find a flow, and trying to get loose. Gasol, 35, knows a little something about this. The West came out rolling in the third, built up a 121-104 lead and never took the foot off the gas pedal. “I don’t take it for granted”.
The pre-game ovation for Bryant extended to fellow players and coaches. “My career has been a blessing”. It was Bryant’s 18th and final All-Star appearance.
“It was all fun, that’s what this game was all about”, he said. He said he has “been extremely fortunate to play the game I love and be in the National Basketball Association for more than half my life”.
“That 41 was in honor of him”, George said.
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“We try to do our best to just enjoy the moment and not bring any other drama or competition outside of just the accomplishment and excitement of being an All-Star and what that means”, he said. “… I used all of my makes last night to beat Steph” Curry in the three-point contest.
