Russell Westbrook came off the bench in Monday’s All-Star Game to spark the West team’s 163-158 victory over the East at majestic Madison Square Garden in New York City.
Westbrook was not only the team’s top scorer with 41 points, but he also scooped the Most Valuable Player award.
The Oklahoma City Thunder guard dropped 5 three-pointers and grabbed five rebounds, but it was his acrobatics and dunks that sent the fans into frenzy.
Westbrook had fun throughout, however, what he did not know was that he needed just one more point to tie Wilt Chamberlain for most points scored in an All-Star Game.
“I missed about six or seven layups. I could definitely have had it,” he said afterwards.
“It’s definitely an honour to be grouped with those two guys.”
With the win, the West team improved to 6-5 in the last eleven editions of the showcase game.
LeBron James, who sought his third All Star MVP title in the last decade, finished the first quarter with 15 points en route to a team-high 30 points for the East.
James paid tribute to Westbrook: “He’s an unbelievable talent in our league. His motor, his athleticism, his demeanour, about how he approaches the game, it’s all great. And it’s great for our league. He showed that tonight, showcased it on a big stage.”
Kyle Korver the Atlanta Hawks guard put on a show as expected as he was 7 for 12 from beyond the arc for a 21 point performance.
Home fans favourite Carmelo Anthony struggled offensively as he was 2 for 13 from the three-point line to go with 14 points.
At one point in the game, the East team was like a Hawks line-up with Paul Millsap, Al Horford, Jeff Teague and Korver all on the floor at one time and they were joined by Cleveland Cavaliers’ guard Kyrie Irving.
Irving, last year’s MVP finished with 11 points and 5 assists for the East who had nine players scoring in double figures, while Houston Rockets guard James Harden, the league leading scorer contributed 29 points for the West.
It was an entertaining night at one of the best arenas in the world.
More than basketball, the organisation brought a number of musical performances during timeouts and breaks, including a Broadway Mama Mia act, the New Jersey Boys, Christina Aguilera and Ariana Grande.
And tributes were paid to NBA legends, and those who’ve served on the battle field with a Hoops for Troops act.
As always the All-Star Game gathered a number of personalities from different walks of life such as former USA President Bill Clinton, singer Rihanna, Jay-Z and his wife Beyonce as well as boxing mega-star Floyd Mayweather, just to mention a few.
It was New York’s first time hosting the weekend since 1998. The 2016 All-Star weekend will take place in Toronto, Canada.
