By Leobert Julian A. de la Peña
Team LeBron mounted a great comeback run in the final frame to win the NBA All-Star game against Team Giannis, 157-155, at the United Center in Chicago.
Fans were buzzing all over the United Center as the new All-Star game format provided newfound excitement and even turned the usually stress-free game competitive in the final quarter.
To honor the great Kobe Bryant, the NBA has introduced the new All-Star game format where after every quarter the score will be reset to 0, and the total score for the first three quarters will be added by 24, the jersey number Kobe wore and will be the target score for the whole match.
Team Giannis was a team on skates in the first three quarters, running the hardwood and stuffing the ball into the basket at will.
Leading 133-124 at the start of the fourth, Team LeBron then went on their own scoring run led by LA Clippers superstar Kawhi Leonard, who chipped in 30 points, 7 rebounds, 4 assists, and 2 steals and was the very first recipient of the NBA All-Star Kobe Bryant MVP award.
The final two minutes went to a thriller as both teams played like it was a real game with tight defensive sets, intense one-on-one moments and numerous arguments with the referees.
In the end, with the score 156-155, Anthony Davis sank the game-winning free throw that gave them the win, clinching a total of $400,000 which will be given to charity.
