Phoenix Hosts Historic All-Star Game

Phoenix played host to this year's 58th annual NBA All-Star Game. This year the West took back control of the game, beating the East 146-119. The game started out unusually competitive, with both sides playing tough defense, but by the third quarter the intensity of the game began to slow down.

The East tried to stay in the game by shooting triples, but they ended up missing 26 of 34 attempts and were never able to catch up.

The game was highlighted by the return of the Shaq, Kobe, and Phil Jackson show. It was the first time since 2004 that the three players—former teammates, rivals, and champions—have played on the same side.

Shaq had to sit out last year's game, so he was more than ready to prove that, although he has gotten older, he is still capable of taking over a game. Before the game even began he was entertaining the crowd by performing with freestyle-dance-group Jabbawockeez.

He went on to combine with Bryant for 44 points, and both ended up becoming co-MVP's. The award was the third for each, tying them with Oscar Robertson and Michael Jordan. They are one shy of Bob Pettit.

The entire weekend was a huge success, beginning with Friday night's rookie vs. sophomore challenge. Oklahoma City's Kevin Durant set a record, with 46 points leading the sophomore squad to a 122-116 victory .

The next day Durant competed in the first ever HORSE competition and took home top honors.

All-Star Saturday night was exciting from start to finish.

Chicago's Derrick Rose took the Playstation Skills Challenge honors, Miami's Daequan Cook beat former champion Jason Kapono in the Three-Point Shootout, and team Detroit picked up the win in the Shooting Stars Contest.

The highlight of the weekend, however, was the Slam Dunk Contest. Orlando's Dwight Howard and New York's Nate Robinson both returned this year.  Once again, both did everything they could to impress the fans.

In the end "Superman" Howard helped Robinson win the contest by allowing the smaller Robinson to jump over for him for a dunk.