Biggest Winners of NBA All-Star Weekend: Chris Paul, Kyrie Irving and Others

The 2013 NBA All-Star weekend had its share of sparkling events and disappointing moments.  The Three-Point Contest, Skills Competition and All-Star Game were all great displays of the talent in the NBA, while the Slam Dunk Contest failed to impress fans once again.

Here are some of the biggest winners from this weekend's festivities.

1. Chris Paul

As is the case in most All-Star games, little defense and high scoring totals were present this year in Houston.  It only makes sense, then, that the MVP Award of the All-Star Game ended up in the hands of perhaps the best offensive facilitator in the league.

Chris Paul led the West to a 143-138 victory over the East.  His 20 points, 15 assists, four steals and four three-pointers sparked the offensive attack for the Western Conference. 

Paul was definitely deserving of the MVP Award.  He put on a superb performance in the biggest event of the weekend on Sunday night.

2. Carmelo Anthony

While the Eastern Conference did end up on the losing side of the All-Star Game, a few of their players had great performances Sunday night.

Carmelo Anthony led the East with 26 points.  He also recorded a double-double, grabbing 12 boards.

As has been the case so far this season, Melo was a dominant force on the offensive end.  It was not much of a surprise that he came out with a team high in the points category.

3. Kyrie Irving

Kyrie Irving is establishing himself as one of the elite players in the NBA.  He may not possess some of the physical attributes of LeBron James, but he is surely playing like the King did in his years with Cleveland.

Over the weekend, Irving showcased his skill variety in several of the events.

He scored 32 points in the Rising Stars Challenge, won the Three-Point Contest with 23 points in the final round and scored 15 points in the All-Star Game.  He shone as bright as any other star this weekend in Houston.

4. Kenneth Faried

Among some talented young players, Kenneth Faried showcased his promising potential in the Rising Stars Challenge.

Faried finished the contest with 40 points on 18-of-22 shooting.  He also hauled in 10 rebounds to post a double-double.

Faried stole the show on Friday night.  Denver fans are hoping he plays like that for the remainder of the season.

5. Damian Lillard

Damian Lillard, another promising young player, put his skills on display throughout some events from this weekend.

Lillard won the Skills Competition and scored 18 points in the Rising Stars Challenge.  His solid weekend served as basis for the assumption that he will be an elite guard in the league for years to come.