2016 NBA All-Star Game Recap

Tonight’s NBA All-Star Game in Toronto was a pretty big blowout, with the Western Conference beating the Eastern Conference by a score of 196-173. However, that didn’t take away from the fun since we got to see plenty of highlight plays and Lakers guard Kobe Bryant on the All-Star stage one last time.

Entering All-Star Weekend, most of the talk understandably surrounded the 37-year-old since he’s set to retire after this season. Bryant made sure to match-up against certain players, such as Cavaliers forward LeBron James and Bulls forward Pau Gasol (his former teammate). He ultimately finished with 10 points (all in the first half), seven assists and six rebounds in 26 minutes. Bryant was pulled out of the game with 1:06 remaining so that he could receive a standing ovation from the Toronto crowd.

While it was great to see Bryant’s career celebrated, other players put on a show too.

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). The West’s second-leading scorer was Warriors guard Stephen Curry, who had 26 points (including two dunks and a 40-footer to end the game) as well as six assists, five rebounds and four steals. Pelicans forward Anthony Davis had an impressive stat line: 24 points (on 12-13 from the field) and six rebounds in 15 minutes.

The game’s top scorer, however, played for the East. Pacers forward Paul George had 41 points, which was one shy of the All-Star record set by Wilt Chamberlain (and he had plenty of time to break it, but Thunder forward Kevin Durant and Warriors forward Draymond Green double-teamed him late). George hit nine threes (an All-Star record) while also contributing five rebounds.

The rest of the East starters (Cavaliers forward LeBron James, Knicks forward Carmelo Anthony, Raptors guard Kyle Lowry and HEAT guard Dwyane Wade) all scored 14 points or less. Wizards guard John Wall was the East’s second-leading scorer, contributing 22 points (on an impressive 10-14 from the field, including two threes). Pistons center Andre Drummond played well too, chipping in 16 points, 13 rebounds and two steals in 18 minutes.

Here were some of the highlight plays:

Kobe Bryant’s final All-Star Game introduction:

https://youtu.be/wyUMmLhL3tc

Dwyane Wade and LeBron James connected for several alley-oops. Here’s one.

https://vine.co/v/inlhQ5zZedP

DEMAR DEROZAN!

https://vine.co/v/inljIVHVxpg

Kobe vs. LeBron one last time on the All-Star stage.

https://vine.co/v/inl7V9ETTw0

Russell Westbrook dunks.

https://vine.co/v/inLQVE3ihpA

Standing ovation for Kobe.

https://vine.co/v/inlQXh935HV