For retiring Kobe Bryant, the 65th NBA All-Star Game was a Valentine’s Day love-fest

The 65th NBA All-Star Game was a Valentine’s Day love-fest for Kobe Bryant, who teamed with the Western Conference’s best in a record-shattering 196-173 victory over the Eastern Conference in the annual mid-season exhibition.

In a free-wheeling offensive showcase, Los Angeles Lakers superstar Bryant scored a modest 10 points in his 18th and final turn as an All-Star before he retires at the end of his 20th season. Oklahoma City Thunder guard Russell Westbrook led the West with 31 points, adding eight rebounds, five assists and five steals as he earned Most Valuable Player honours for the second straight year.

Golden State star Stephen Curry added 26 points for the West, who overcame a 41-point performance from Indiana Pacers forward Paul George on behalf of the East. George just missed the All-Star single-game record of 42 points set by Wilt Chamberlain in 1962.

Instead it was a night of soaring dunks and long-range bombs all adding up to unprecedented numbers. The 369 total points was an All-Star Game record — 48 more than the record set last year — as was the West’s 196 total and their 104 points in the second half.

The Western Conference made a record 31 three-pointers — including seven apiece from Westbrook and James Harden and six from Curry.

Bryant, smiling and chatting, was at the centre of it all. “I just want to thank you guys for all your support all these years,” Bryant told the crowd chanting “Kobe”. “I’ve just been extremely fortunate to play the game I love and be in the NBA for over half my life.”

Bryant played 15 minutes in the first half and scored 10 points, including a patented fadeaway late in the opening quarter that drew loud cheers.a Valentine’s Day love-fest for Kobe Bryant, who teamed with the Western Conference’s best in a record-shattering 196-173 victory over the Eastern Conference in the annual mid-season exhibition.

In a free-wheeling offensive showcase, Los Angeles Lakers superstar Bryant scored a modest 10 points in his 18th and final turn as an All-Star before he retires at the end of his 20th season.

Oklahoma City Thunder guard Russell Westbrook led the West with 31 points, adding eight rebounds, five assists and five steals as he earned Most Valuable Player honours for the second straight year.

Golden State star Stephen Curry added 26 points for the West, who overcame a 41-point performance from Indiana Pacers forward Paul George on behalf of the East. George just missed the All-Star single-game record of 42 points set by Wilt Chamberlain in 1962.

Instead it was a night of soaring dunks and long-range bombs all adding up to unprecedented numbers. The 369 total points was an All-Star Game record — 48 more than the record set last year — as was the West’s 196 total and their 104 points in the second half.

The Western Conference made a record 31 three-pointers — including seven apiece from Westbrook and James Harden and six from Curry.

Bryant, smiling and chatting, was at the centre of it all. “I just want to thank you guys for all your support all these years,” Bryant told the crowd chanting “Kobe”. “I’ve just been extremely fortunate to play the game I love and be in the NBA for over half my life.”

Bryant played 15 minutes in the first half and scored 10 points, including a patented fadeaway late in the opening quarter that drew loud cheers.


AFP/ Reuters