Instead, it was Oklahoma City Thunder guard Russell Westbrook's MVP-worthy night with 41 points as he led the West to a 163-158 win at Madison Square Garden in New York City.
With little defense being played, several players got on the scoreboard in a big way early on with sharpshooters Stephen Curry, Kyle Korver and James Harden on point from long range as Westbrook attacked the rim and shot from all points on the floor.
The West jumped out to an early double-digit lead before the East stormed back in the second quarter to keep it close the rest of the way. James surpassed Michael Jordan for No. 2 on the all-time scoring list with his 263rd career point in the first half.
Atlanta Hawks coach Mike Budenholzer played all four of his All-Stars (Al Horford, Paul Millsap, Jeff Teague and Korver) together in the first half. Korver had a quick 12 points in the first half with four 3-pointers. He finished with 21 points, all on 3-pointers.
Chris Bosh was the sole representative of the Miami Heat, with Dwyane Wade choosing to sit out to rest his hamstring, and he scored 10 points on 4-of-6 shooting in 10 minutes.
The second half featured more back-and-forth play, with highlight-worthy acrobatic dunks and alley-oops plays mixed in with many, many 3-pointers. Korver and Harden each had seven, Lamar Aldridge made all four of his attempts, and Westbrook connected on five.
As is customary, there was a bit more pep to their step on defense in the fourth quarter with the game close. The score was tied at 148-148 down the stretch, and the East had several opportunities to win it, but could not cash in on several offensive rebounds.
THE TURNING POINT
A 25-12 run by East in the last five minutes of the second quarter helped cut what was a 20-point lead for the West down to just one point at the half.
THE DIFFERENCE MAKER
Westbrook set the All-Star record for most points and field goals made in a half with 27 points and came just one point shy of Wilt Chamberlain's single-game All-Star game record set in 1962.
STAT OF THE GAME
Near the end of the third quarter, the two teams had combined to break the record for most 3-pointers made in an All-Star game with 33. By the time the dust had cleared from the shootout, the teams had combined for 48.
You can follow Surya Fernandez on Twitter @SuryaHeatNBA or email him at SuryaFoxSports@gmail.com.
