68th NBA All-Star Game: 2018-19 Results and Best Performances
The 68th edition of the NBA All-Star game took place at the Spectrum Centre in Charlotte on Feb 18. The clash between Team LeBron and Team Giannis ended with a win for the former (178 - 164). The lineups are as follows.
Team LeBron
LeBron James - Los Angeles Lakers
Kevin Durant - Golden State Warriors
Kyrie Irving - Boston Celtics
Kawhi Leonard - Toronto Raptors
James Harden - Houston Rockets
Anthony Davis - New Orleans Pelicans
Klay Thompson - Golden State Warriors
Damian Lillard - Portland Trailblazers
Ben Simmons - Philadelphia 76ers
LaMarcus Aldridge - San Antonio Spurs
Karl-Anthony Towns - Minnesota Timberwolves
Bradley Beal - Washington Wizards
Dwayne Wade - Miami Heat.
Team Giannis
Giannis Antetokounmpo - Milwaukee Bucks
Stephen Curry - Golden State Warriors
Joel Embiid - Philadelphia 76ers
Paul George - Oklahoma City Thunder
Kemba Walker - Charlotte Hornets
Khris Middleton - Milwaukee Bucks
Nikola Jokic - Denver Nuggets
Russell Westbrook - Oklahoma City Thunder
Blake Griffin - Detroit Pistons
D'Angelo Russell - Brooklyn Nets
Nikola Vucevic - Orlando Magic
Kyle Lowry - Toronto Raptors
Dirk Nowitzki - Dallas Mavericks
Team LeBron beat Team Giannis
The first quarter favored Team Giannis, as they made a lead of 16 points over the experienced Team LeBron - scoring 53 points to 37. Team LeBron came back in the second quarter, reducing the lead to 13 by half time. They continued their comeback in the last two quarters to win by 14 points. They took the third quarter 50-36 to take the lead and the fourth 46-33.
Giannis Antetokounmpo scores game-high 38 points
Giannis Antetokoumpo, who has had an incredible season so far, dominated for his team despite them losing out on the result. With his impressive play, he scored a game-high 38 points to go with 11 rebounds and 5 assists. He shot 73.9% from the field, shooting 17 of 23. Giannis is not known to be a skilled shooter but still managed to score 2 of 6 attempts from behind the three-point line. He led his team, his first time at an all-Star game. His performance was worthy of the honors.
Field Goals: 17/23 (FG% - 73.9%), Rebounds: 11, Assists: 5, Steals: 1, Blocks: 0, Three points: 2/6 (3P% - 33.3%)
Kevin Durant: All-Star MVP
Kevin Durant was chosen the All-Star game MVP for his performance in the third and fourth quarter that turned the tide for Team LeBron. He scored 31 points to go with 7 rebounds and 2 assists. He shot 10 of 15 from the field (a field goal percentage of of 66.7%) and scored 6 of 9 three-pointers.
Field Goals: 10/15 (FG% - 66.7%), Rebounds: 7, Assists: 2, Steals: 1, Blocks: 2, Three points: 6/9 (3P% - 66.7%)
Curry's Epic Bounce Pass
Stephen Curry might have had a poor night overall, but he made the highlight reel in style. Team Giannis was leading 71 - 57 in the first quarter when Curry set up a Giannis dunk with an epic bounce pass.