West beat East in highest scoring All-Star Game ever
Xinhua, February 15, 2016 Adjust font size:
Western Conference outdueled Eastern Conference 196-173 in the first ever NBA All-Star Game held outside of the United States on Sunday night.
In front of a sold-out Air Canada Centre in Toronto, fans witnessed the highest scoring All-Star Game of all time as the two sides set multiple offensive All-Star Game records.
The 369 combined points shattered the previous record of 321 points in last year's All-Star Game. The West's 53 points in the third quarter, 104 points in the second half and 196 points in the game were all records for points by a team in a quarter, half and game.
The West also set records for three-pointers made and attempted by going 31-for-80 and field goals with 82 made and 149 attempts.
West had nine players scoring in double-figures compared to the seven of the East.
Thunder guard Russell Westbrook led the West with 31 points to capture his second consecutive MVP award. He becomes the only player to win back-to-back awards outright. Bob Pettit was MVP of the 1958 game and shared it with Elgin Baylor in 1959.
"Any time you can be able to be in the history books, it always means something to me," Westbrook said following the game. "I'm just thankful to be able to play the game of basketball and be in a game like this is something I never take for granted."
Meanwhile, on the East side, Indiana Pacers' Paul George scored an All-Star game record of nine three-pointers for a game-high 41 points. He was one point shy of Wilt Chamberlain's record for points in a game set in 1962.
Despite the performances from Westbrook and George, this All-Star game will likely be most remembered as Lakers guard Kobe Bryant's final All-Star Game.
Playing in his 18th All-Star game and a record 15th consecutive as a starter, Bryant recorded 10 points, seven assists and six rebounds in 26 minutes of action.
The 37-year-old received standing ovations during the pre-game introduction, a special speech by Lakers' legend Magic Johnson prior to tip-off and in the final minute of the fourth quarter as he was substituted from the game.
"It was fun. I had a blast playing with these guys, laughing and joking with them on the bench. I had a great, great time," said Bryant after the game in Toronto.
Bryant ends his All-Star career as the leader in total steals (38), second in total points (280) and second in three-pointers made (22). Endit