Wednesday 20 November 2019 10:36, UK
The Western Conference All-Stars made it three straight victories over their Eastern rivals last night as they triumphed 143-138 in the 2013 NBA All-Star Game in Houston.
In an always entertaining encounter, it was Chris Paul and Kevin Durant who stole the show for the West, with Paul taking home the MVP trophy.
On any other night Durant's 30 point tally - incidentally the first time any player has hit 30 or more points in three consecutive matches - would have sealed the award, but Paul's 20 points and 15 assists sealed it.
In a game where the lead changed no fewer than 22 times, it was the West who led at half-time by 69-65, despite a spirited fight-back from the East in the second quarter.
Carmelo Anthony impressed for the East but it was Paul and Durant who took over for the West, and ultimately the first quarter score-line of 31-26 proved pivotal.
The NBA's mid-season exhibition at the Toyota Center had particular significance this year, as it shared its date with the 50th birthday of arguably the best player the NBA had ever seen, Michael Jordan.
While Jordan was watching on from the stands the two players most often compared to him, LeBron James and Kobe Bryant, were forming their own one-on-one duel to intensify an otherwise flamboyant atmosphere.
Bryant showed he has still got what it takes with a fine block on James with just over two minutes to go, in what ultimately proved to be a key challenge and help the West on their way to victory.
Among the 16,000 strong crowd the usual star-studded guests took their place, including a half-time performance from Alicia Keys, while the likes of Chris Tucker, Drake, Snoop Dogg, Ludacris, Jay Z and Beyonce all watched on from the stands.
