West Dominates East 146-119 As Kobe and Shaq Share MVP Award

As far as All-Star Games go, the NBA’s is the most glitzy and glamorous. Everyone who’s anyone was there in Phoenix; from Ludacris to John McCain, and Snoop Dogg to Joe Torre.

Huge sports stars were in the building, including Bill Russell, 11-time NBA Champion, who was celebrating his 75th birthday. He was presented a cake by the “Boston Three’ Party” (ala Scott Van Pelt), current Celtic players Kevin Garnett, Paul Pierce, and Ray Allen.

The biggest attendee of the night was none other than the “Greatest of All Time” Muhammad Ali. His mere sight spurred stories from announcing great Marv Albert and others. Ali’s presence was felt by everyone who watched the game, in Phoenix, or on TNT.

The game was exciting with scoring coming easy, although defensive intensity was high in almost the entire first half. As Kenny “the Jet” Smith said during halftime, “Guys were playing hard, unlike other years.”

There were massive point swings as the East was up 12 points early in the first quarter, only to allow the West to go on a 19-0 run. The East pulled back into the game, tying it at 58 with four minutes to play in the half, but again the West pulled away to a 72-67 lead at intermission.

The West proved once again to be the superior conference—talent-wise—dominating the second half and winning the game 146-119. The Western Conference played faster, quicker, with better defense, and great passing, as Chris “CP3” Paul led with 14 assists.

The best players for the Eastern Conference were LeBron James with 20 points, and Paul Pierce and Dwyane Wade, who both had 18.

Kobe Bryant led all scorers with 27 points, and Shaq was second in scoring on the West at 17. It was the first time the misaligned stars had played together in years, and it was a nice finish to the decade-long superstar saga.

In a symbol of appreciation that this may be Shaq’s final All-Star Game (15th time voted in), the league rewarded both Kobe and Shaq as Co-MVP’s, giving both players three awards each. When asked about the honor post-game, Shaq called the duo the “Big Legendaries”.

In another interesting development, it seems the torch is in the middle of being passed from older NBA stars, to the youth movement.

CP3 and A.I. played one-on-one and Paul had the upper hand and the quicker step than the aging Iverson. Where Iverson’s signature move was the crossover, Paul’s is the spin-move in which he utilized five times, some to avoid a defender’s steal, others to position himself nicely for an inside jumper.

As CP3 is the new Iverson, Dwyane Wade is the next Kobe Bryant. I know what you’re saying loyal Bryant fans, “Kobe was Co-MVP with 27!”

I agree, however Wade is younger, has more spring in his step, and his style is similar to Kobe’s. Kobe is in his 12th season and has to be nearing the end of the prime of his career. And, sad to say Lakers’ fans, sooner or later Bryant will be forced into retirement. Wade must continue to develop his outside game, but if he does, look for him to take the place Kobe as premier 2-guard in the NBA.

Other youngsters to have great showings in the game included Dwight Howard, the next Shaq (but better and more athletic), and Brandon Roy, who is reminiscent of a combination of Ray Allen’s smooth shot and Vince Carter’s jumping ability.

While two of the elder statesmen split the MVP, the league is in good hands with its huge crop of young stars.

The Weave

During halftime, the NBA saluted the Redeem Team with Olympic rings. “The rings are a symbol of brotherhood, and our goal was to win the Gold and the respect of the world,” as said by 2008 Head Coach Mike Krzyzewski via satellite.

Some might even suppose the reason for the rings is as a carrot to dangle in front of the NBA’s stars, to ensure their participation in 2012…

The West had 50 fastbreak points in the first half alone…

Bryant and Shaq are now second to Bob Pettit and tied with Michael Jordan and Oscar Robertson as three-time All-Star MVPs.