NBA All-Star weekend came to a star-studded conclusion as Team LeBron and Team Giannis faced off in a slightly altered version of the All-Star Game. Behind 30 points by Kawhi Leonard, Team LeBron came out on top in the 69th edition of the midseason contest.
The 2020 NBA All-Star Game, and really the entire celebratory weekend in general, had a somber undertone. The NBA lost two titans of the game in former Commissioner David Stern and legendary Lakers star Kobe Bryant. The latter had the All-Star Game MVP award renamed in his honor. A moment of silence was held prior to tip-off.
For Kobe Bryant and David Stern.@MagicJohnson lead an 8 second moment of silence pic.twitter.com/uuRM3qYj3r
— Def Pen Hoops (@DefPenHoops) February 17, 2020
And a special song from Jennifer Hudson for the Black Mamba:
.@IAMJHUD honors Kobe with a beautiful performance pic.twitter.com/dELOt6iew5
— Def Pen Hoops (@DefPenHoops) February 17, 2020
Getting into the on-court action, the first half was a very emotionally-charged back-and-forth battle of highlight plays. And there is no better place to start than with LeBron:
Lebron showing off early ? pic.twitter.com/52UzKzOme3
— Def Pen Hoops (@DefPenHoops) February 17, 2020
But the first half of the 2020 NBA All-Star Game was dominated by Kawhi Leonard, who poured in 25 points and 30 overall. But Team Giannis, led by their captain, held a 92-83 halftime advantage. The Greek Freak and reigning MVP comes out of nowhere, literally, to throw the hammer down:
Giannis comes from out of bounds to catch the oop #NBAAllStar pic.twitter.com/muIorvTqrn
— Def Pen Sports (@DefPenSports) February 17, 2020
The second half started in a back-and-forth between the two teams to end the third quarter in a 41-41 tie. Team Giannis started the last quarter of the game with a 9-point lead that would be erased by Team LeBron. The target score was set at 157 points to win the game.
The defense was a big factor in the final quarter with Giannis blocking LeBron twice and Kyle Lowry getting two offensive calls on his favor, one on Kawhi Leonard and the other on James Harden.
Giannis said NO#NBAAllStar pic.twitter.com/E1HYuGrzDh
— Def Pen Hoops (@DefPenHoops) February 17, 2020
It was ruled a block!!! https://t.co/jUuqxNKJn7
— Def Pen Sports (@DefPenSports) February 17, 2020
Lowry took a charge ??? pic.twitter.com/uwSmo8avYR
— Def Pen Hoops (@DefPenHoops) February 17, 2020
Team LeBron won the game with a clutch free throw from Anthony Davis.
AD clinches the victory #NBAAllStar pic.twitter.com/LF0W2UUbB7
— Def Pen Hoops (@DefPenHoops) February 17, 2020
Kawhi Leonard won the first edition of the Kobe Bryant MVP Award with 30 points, 7 rebounds, 4 assists, and 2 steals. He also came close to Paul George’s record for most made three in an All-Star Game (9) as he made 8 three-pointers in the game.
Congrats to Kawhi Leonard…your 2020 Kobe Bryant All-Star MVP Award#NBAAllStar pic.twitter.com/n1h7lq3NpC
— Def Pen Sports (@DefPenSports) February 17, 2020
