Cleveland Cavaliers' star Kyrie Irving led the East's charge, finishing with 31 points and 14 assists, helping the East All-stars overcome an 18-point deficit to claim the win. New York Knicks swingman Carmelo Anthony finished with 30 points, setting a All-Star record with eight 3-pointers made on the night, while reigning MVP LeBron James was content to take a back seat, finishing with 22 points, 7 rebounds and 7 assists.
The East started well, but the West came back and took control of the game in the second and third quarters thanks to massive scoring by Blake Griffin and an all-around MVP-worthy performance by Kevin Durant. Durant, who is being touted as the leading MVP candidate this season finished with 38 points, 10 rebounds and 6 assists in a game that featured a record 30 three-pointers made, the most combined field goals (135), the most combined assists (88) and ultimately the most combined points in an All-star game (318). Blake Griffin threw down a couple of his signature dunks and finished with 38 points, setting an All-Star record with 19 field goals made. Chris Paul ran the show for the West off the bench, and finished with 13 assists.
The winning side took control of the game in the final quarter by simply committing to defense and generally showing a better mindset. James acted the part of the leader, Irving took on the role of scorer, while Chicago Bulls center Joakim Noah became motivator, screaming at his teammates to cover and improve their defense. His teammates followed suit.
The result was a great all around game by every single East player, while the West team had to rely on the scoring ability of Durant and Griffin to keep up.
The game will go down in history as one of the most memorable All-Star games, if not the best, with records falling by the handful. It was a far cry from previous contests marred by lethargic play, missed alley-oops, and general unseriousness from the league's most talented players.
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