-2008 All-Star Game MVP, LeBron James, hoists up his MVP trophy. LeBron finished with 27 points, 9 assists, 8 rebounds.
Except for a few short periods of time, The East squad led almost the entire game. From start to finish, the East outplayed the West in the NBA's annual pickup/exhibition game, beating them, 134 to 128. Leading the way for the victorious Eastern Conference squad was Cleveland forward, and 2006 All-Star Game MVP, LeBron James. He finished with 27 points(12-22 shooting), 9 assists, 8 rebounds, 2 blocks, and a steal. He also had a handful of dunks, including a ferocious slam over Dallas forward, Dirk Nowitzki, with 55 seconds to go, putting the East on top for good. He was announced the games MVP, his second time in three years. Another player who produced quality numbers for the East was Boston's Ray Allen, who had 28 points(10-14 shooting), 5 of which came from behind the arc to give the East momentum down the stretch. Orlando center, Dwight Howard, had a big night, hitting all 7 of his shots, for 16 points. He also pulled down 9 rebounds and had 3 steals. For the Western squad, New Orleans' guard, Chris Paul, played the best, scoring 16 points(7-14 shooting), and dished out 14 assists. Also playing great for the West team, was Portland guard, Brandon Roy. In his first ever All-Star appearance, Roy dropped 18 points(8-10 shooting), pulled down 9 rebounds, and dished out 5 assists.
-First timer, Brandon Roy, of the Portland Trail Blazers, skies high for 2 of his West high, 18 points.
One key factor that kept the West out of contention the majority of this game, was the absence of Kobe Bryant. Kobe played hardly at all, due to torn ligaments in his right pinkie finger. He exited the game for the final time after about 3 minutes into the 1st quarter.
-Laker's superstar guard, Kobe Bryant, can only sit back and watch as his team goes on to lose 134-128.
Overall, New Orleans hosted a great All-Star weekend for the players and the fans. In my mind, the best part of having the game in New Orleans this year, was the amount of charity work they players were able to do for this depleted state of Louisiana, just 2 years off the horrible, Hurricane Katrina. Well, this was a nice break from the season, but now its time to start the second half, and watch 10 West teams duke it out for 8 playoff spots. We also get to see how many sub .500 east teams make the playoffs. It's been a great weekend! We have had celebrities, youngsters, slam dunks, 3 pointers, and SUPERMAN 2.0!
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