A BUNCH of scoring records were shattered at the 2017 New Orleans NBA All-Star game.
The biggest combined points in a single quarter was broken right in the first period, while Anthony Davis set a new scoring record with 52, smashing the scoring record of 42 points set by Wilt Chamberlain in 1962. He made 26 of 39 shots from the field, eclipsing Blake Griffin’s 2014 record of 19 field goals in an All-Star game.
And it was just fitting for the four-time All-Star Davis to win the MVP award right in his backyard after the West’s mastery of the East 192-182, yesterday.
But the real highlight of the game was Kevin Durant’s alley-oop to Russell Westbrook back in the first quarter.
A brewing bad blood was expected between the two in their first game as teammates after KD’s controversial departure from OKC to Golden State.
However, bridges seemed intact as the former deadly duo combined for an alley-oop in the 4:58 mark of the game, some 60 seconds after Westbrook’s entry, thereby quashing the obvious tension between the two stars.
In the ensuing timeout, teammates teased the two and cheered both after their play, while fans in the arena as well social media erupted in a frenzy of delight.
Is this the start of some reconciliation between the two? With the nearing of the NBA playoffs though, that might still have to wait.
Westbrook finished with 41 points, seven assists and five rebounds while Durant registered a triple-double with 21 points, 10 rebounds and 10 assists.
Giannis Antetokounmpo led the East with 30 points, going unblemished in his first six attempts, while LeBron James and Isaiah Thomas combined for 43 points.