West beats East in Kobe’s final NBA All-Star Game
Kobe Bryant claimed victory in his final NBA All-Star appearance as the Western Conference defeated the Eastern Conference 196-173 on Sunday.
The high-scoring game broke the record for most combined points in an All-Star contest with 369, while it was also the highest total by winning and losing sides respectively.
Russell Westbrook led the scoring for the West with 31 points, which included seven three-pointers as well as totalling eight rebounds and five assists.
The Oklahoma City Thunder point guard also became the first player to win back-to-back All-Star MVP awards since Bob Pettit in the 1950s.
Westbrook was helped by contributions from Stephen Curry (26 points), Anthony Davis (24), James Harden and Kevin Durant (23).
Bryant, who has announced he will retire at the end of the NBA season, had 10 points, seven assists and six rebounds in the 23-point win.
The Indiana Pacers’ Paul George was the star for the losing side, scoring 41 points thanks to a game-high nine three-pointers.
The 25-year-old was also just one point away from tying Wilt Chamberlain’s record of 42 posted in 1962.
John Wall (22 points), DeMar DeRozan (18), Kyle Lowry (14), Carmelo Anthony and LeBron James (13) got into double figures for the East.
