2007 All Star Game

Another completely one sided finish (comparing it to Friday nights Rookie vs Sophomore challenge), the West set multiple records throughout the game, including most field goals attempted in a quarter (39 in the first), most assists in a game (52), and were 3 points shy of breaking the point total set in 2003 (155). Kobe Bryant played pretty good throughout the game scoring 31 points, and throwing down some sick dunks, but statistically I think Amare Stoudemire played just as well, in seven less minutes, he scored one more field goal with two less attempts than Bryant, four more rebounds, and three less turnovers. Although he struggled from time to time with guarding Dwight Howard down low, he was none the less impressive especially considering he just came back from injury at the beginning of this year.

Speaking of Dwight Howard, that kid is going to be fucken unstoppable in a few years time. After seeing him last night at the dunk competition, everyone now knows that he can pretty much jump out of the building, and tonight he showed his strength, toughness, and dominance down low against some of the best of the best. If he develops his post moves, and adds some finesse to his game, he could be the most dominant player in the NBA. Imagine a Shaquille O’Neal in his prime who can shoot free throws, and has a vertical leap comparable to most guards and small forwards.

Viva Kobe Bryant and the best of the West.

Bryant, [Amare Stoudemire], Carmelo Anthony & crew lit up the Strip with their own version of Showtime, romping past LeBron James and the East 153-132 Sunday night in the NBA All-Star game.

An event that some locals called the biggest thing to hit Las Vegas featured showgirls, acrobats, magicians and Elvis impersonators.

Then it was time for Bryant and his teammates to take over in the first All-Star game outside an NBA city.

“I think we had a little flair, a little Vegas in there,” West forward Shawn Marion said. “Hopefully the fans enjoyed it a lot.”

Bryant scored 31 points, had six of the West’s record 52 assists and was picked as the MVP. Amare Stoudemire added 29 points for the West, which quickly built a big lead and held it this time, a year after blowing a 21-point cushion in a loss in Houston.

Anthony, a late addition to the team, scored 20 points and Marion, who played at the Thomas & Mack Center at UNLV, added 18.

James scored 28 points for the East, and Dwight Howard had 20 points and 12 rebounds. The East barely shot 40 percent through three quarters in a game that isn’t known for its defensive intensity before a late flurry during garbage time. #

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