Kobe Bryant Honored At Final All-Star Game

When the players cleared the court at the Air Canada Centre on Sunday night, the National Basketball Association all-star fun continued. The 196 points by the West was an NBA All-Star Game record, and the teams’ combined point total of 369 set a record, too.

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

Bob Pettit of the St. Louis Hawks won the MVP in 1958 and shared it with Elgin Baylor in 1959 and is the only other back-to-back victor of the award.

“I had a blast playing with those guys”, Bryant said of his teammates, “laughing and joking with them on the bench”.

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. Paul George missed almost the entire 2014-15 season after suffering a disgusting leg injury, and he not only earned a spot in the game, he also poured in 41 points, falling one point shy of the single-game scoring record of 42 set by Wilt Chamberlain in 1962.

“Sheesh, teams don’t score that for three games sometimes”, said Warriors shooting guard Klay Thompson, who had nine points on 3-for-10 three-point shooting.

Bryant finished his All-Star career with 290 points – one fewer than LeBron James.

It was the culmination of a night that started with an extended tribute to the 18-time All-Star and third all-time leading scorer, who announced in November that he’s retiring at the end of the season.

Bryant’s first point of the game came with 8:54 to play in the first quarter when he made one of two free throws to cut the East lead to 12-9.

The East starters all took turns guarding Bryant in the opening minutes, even though “guarding” is a relative term in an All-Star Game.

Westbrook, asked about Kobe Bryant after the game, said he had been inspired by the Lakers legend. “You have so much to do before the actual game”.

Kawhi Leonard’s first All-Star appearance might have been overshadowed by Westbrook, George and Bryant, but the San Antonio Spurs forward didn’t disappoint.

NBA’s Pregame Tribute The NBA put together a video tribute for Bryant, which was followed by pregame speeches from a pair of legendary Lakers: Magic Johnson and the Black Mamba himself.

STANDING OVATION. Kobe Bryant is given a standing ovation and is showered with much adoration as he leaves the game in the second half of the 2016 NBA All-Star Game.

It was not all frivolities for Westbrook, who snarled plenty of times, too, on his way to his second consecutive Most Valuable Player award.

“I just wanted to go out there and enjoy my time”, the Oklahoma City star said. I was actually thrilled.

Westbrook added, “I think it’s fun, man. I think it’s great for the fans. It’s great to see one of our game’s greats get the respect he deserves from everyone”, Wade said.

“This is pretty cool, I’m looking around the room and seeing guys that I’m playing with that are tearing the league up that were like 4 during my first All-Star Game”, he said. On Sunday, Bryant moved past Michael Jordan for first on the list for steals, as well.