Kobe Bryant wins All-Star Game MVP as West hold off East 148-143
Written by The Go-To-Man Mattie T. on February 21, 2011
The league may be filled with tons of young talent, but Kobe Bryant isn’t ready to hand over the throne just yet.
Bryant came within 5 points of tying an All-Star Record (42 by Wilt Chamberlain in 1962) for most points scored in a game, as he pumped in 37 to help the Western Conference stop a late Eastern Conference run & win 148-143 from STAPLES Center in Los Angeles.
Bryant now has 4 All-Star Game MVP’s to his title, which ties Bob Pettit for the all-time record.
Despite the loss, LeBron James became just the 2nd player ever (Michael Jordan, 1997) to record a triple-double in an All-Star Game as he had 29 points, 12 rebounds & 10 assists.
He was also involved in the biggest play of the evening, as he got caught trying to block one of Kobe Bryant’s dunks during the 3rd quarter.
Kevin Durant also had an excellent game for the West, as he scored 34 points on 11-of-23 shooting & helped starve off a late rally from the East.
The East got a scare when Dwyane Wade was forced to leave the game with a sprained ankle, but the injury is deemed “not serious” as Wade should be available to play on Tuesday at home against Sacramento.
Chicago Bulls guard Derrick Rose scored 11 points & had 5 assists on 5-of-13 shooting, as he was the 2nd leading scorer among point guards. (Russell Westbrook scored 12 off the bench for the West)
