NBA All-Star Game Features Long-Range Barrage from Both Sides

The 2012 NBA All-Star Game offered plenty of high-flying finishes and jaw-dropping displays of athleticism, but it also saw the world's best ballers take aim from downtown 66 times.

Kevin Durant and LeBron James led the long-range barrage in Orlando, and each team attempted more than 30 three-pointers.

Some players were much more efficient than others; James went a tidy 6-of-8 from distance, while the usually precise Dirk Nowitzki went 1-of-5.

Durant hoisted eight triple-tries in the game, but that was only a small portion of his 25 total shot attempts on the night. Players who normally aren't shy when it comes to shot-taking are even less bashful about shooting during the All-Star Game.

And it wasn't just the usual suspects and sharpshooters who were tossing up shots from behind the arc; centers Dwight Howard and Andrew Bynum combined for five three-point attempts.

King James easily won the award for "degree of difficulty" on his long-distance shots. He sank several threes from way downtown on the wing, falling away and off-balance.

If you forget about the handful of reckless three-pointers Howard took, it becomes clear the Eastern Conference out-dueled the West from deep. Even with Howard's four bricks, the East shot 44 percent from three-range, while the West shot 35 percent.

I enjoyed the fact that the All-Stars tried to show off their outside shooting skills in addition to their rim-rocking talents. Some of the threes they buried were extremely impressive.

A dunk fest? Yes, it was. But don't forget that the NBA's finest brought a truckload of treys with them, too.