New formula, new show. And in the end, LeBron James wins. The 69th All-Star game, marked by a change of format and the tragic disappearance of Kobe Bryant, at the end of last January, ended with the short victory of the "King" team against that of Giannis Antetokounmpo (157- 155). For its premiere, Rudy Gobert impressed.
🚨 Anthony Davis hits the free-throw to WIN the 2020 #NBAAllStar Game for #TeamLeBron, 157-155! 🚨
- NBA (@NBA) February 17, 2020To celebrate the memory of Kobe Bryant, who tragically died on January 26, the NBA had made several changes, including a new match format. Convoluted in appearance, with a score to reach at the end of the meeting, this formula was ultimately the key to the success of this edition.
Because after the first two one-way quarters, one for the team of LeBron James (53-41), Team LeBron, and the other for that of Giannis Antetokounmpo (51-30), Team Giannis, the meeting has changed its face.
As the outcome approached, the two selections moved away from the canons of a classic All-Star Game, usually dedicated entirely to the attack, sometimes to the point of disgust. After a third quarter concluded on a tie (41-41), the last period gave rise to very rare scenes in a gala match.
Against, passing in force, fouls, messes thrown passionate disputes with the referees, neither of the two selections of All-Stars, the best players in the professional league of North American basketball, wanted to yield.
At stake, the victory, but also the tribute to Kobe Bryant, as well as an envelope of $ 300,000 offered by the NBA to the charity chosen by the winning team. Despite a 9-point advantage at the start of the fourth quarter, Team Giannis was caught and then overtaken by Team LeBron, very concerned in defense. LeBron James, James Harden and Anthony Davis went for the victory points, definitely won on a last Davis throw.
Gobert in the top four of the evening
Author of 30 points in only 20 minutes of play, Los Angeles winger Clippers Kawhi Leonard (Team LeBron) received the trophy for best player of the match, which is now named Kobe Bryant.
Kawhi (30 PTS, 8 3PM) leads #TeamLeBron past #TeamGiannis 157-155 in the 2020 #NBAAllStar Game and wins the Kia NBA All-Star Game Kobe Bryant MVP Award! #KiaAllStarMVP
CP3: 23 PTS, 7 3PM
LeBron: 23 PTS
Giannis: 25 PTS, 11 REB
Kemba: 23 PTS, 5 3PM pic.twitter.com/Voa8Tz4MwU
The award could have gone to Rudy Gobert (Team Giannis), who was one of four players nominated for voting by fans and journalists (who elect the best player of the match) a few minutes before the final whistle.
Known for his defense and his dedication to the collective, the French pivot of Utah Jazz knew how to get into the rhythm of the match and take advantage of the passes of his teammates near the basket to register no less than 8 dunks. "It was really the big surprise" of the All-Star Game, commented admiringly, the former NBA star Grant Hill, at the microphone of TNT, the cable channel which broadcast the match in the United States.
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- Rudy Gobert
- Sport
- Kobe Bryant
- NBA
- LeBron James