Toronto Raptors guard Kyle Lowry took two charges, one of which negated the game-winning 3-pointer from Houston Rockets guard James Harden on Sunday
There was both a coach’s challenge by Los Angeles Lakers coach Frank Vogel and multiple replay reviews in crunch time of the fourth and final quarter. Players from both teams were arguing, pleading their cases to the referees nearly every call.
Sunday night in Chicago marked a real game — a real All-Star Game.
It was intense for players from both Team Giannis, Team LeBron and the charities they represented.
Team LeBron ultimately rallied for a 157-155 victory as Los Angeles Lakers center Anthony Davis connected on a free throw to propel the team to the “target score” of 157.
The new format made for a competitive fourth quarter. The exciting final frame made for one of the better NBA All-Star Games in recent memory.
Actual competition.
Tough defense.
Played like a pickup game in the 4th.
New All-Star game format gave the matchup new life ? pic.twitter.com/6Xs5unDSN1
— Bleacher Report (@BleacherReport) February 17, 2020
Los Angeles Clippers star Kawhi Leonard took home the MVP award, named in honor of Kobe Bryant. It was one of the many ways the NBA honored Bryant over the weekend.
“They did a great job with the format this year,” Leonard said after the game, as seen on TNT. “The format made it competitive, we all went out there, we all wanted to win.
“It was great,” Leonard said. “The guys (were) over the taking charges in the All-Star Game, running back, talking on defense. It was great.”
David added: “I think we like this format. Everybody like this format. It brings the intensity back to the game, brings the energy back to the game… We all enjoyed it.”
Team LeBron captain LeBron James added the game was “extremely fun,” as seen on ESPN. James noted how players showcased their sense of pride and competitiveness in the game that has lacked just that.
The NBA may be onto something with this format, we’ll just have to wait and see if they keep it around.
