West Wins NBA All Star Game in High Scoring Thriller

The NBA All Star game is known to showcase offensive talent as players back off the defense. This year was no different and no less exciting. The East and West met in Los Angeles to pour in nearly 300 points as the West won 148-143.

Key scorers in the game were Lebron James and Kobe Bryant. Kobe took control from the beginning, scoring 21 points in the first half. The most spectacular shot he made was a baseline drive that ended with a twisting reverse dunk that had many people saying he looked 10 years younger. Kobe continued to drive to the basket, at one point dunking on Lebron as he attempted a block. For his efforts he was awarded the MVP trophy, tying the record with four.

James did not back down from his West Coast rival's aggressive play. He became the second player to ever earn a triple-double in the All Star game, second only to Michael Jordan. He had 29 points, 12 rebounds and 10 assists in the game. In the fourth quarter alone, he led an East rally with 14 points, 4 rebounds and 3 assists.

The game had plenty of spectators wondering what it would be like to see Kobe's Lakers play Lebron's Heat in the NBA Finals come June of this year. But the regular season implications went beyond just those two. An East squad with four players from the Boston Celtics was lustily booed by the Los Angeles crowd, showing signs that the regular season iciness will not thaw anytime soon. Dwayne Wade re-injured his right ankle. He was immediately taken out of the game, but only time will tell how serious it is.