Team LeBron defeats Team Durant in a nail biter 163-160
After a dull and uneventful weekend of All-Star basketball, the stage was finally set for Team LeBron vs. Team Durant. Prior to the match-up, there was some huge news that toned down the hype to this game. Kevin Durant's grandmother passed away, so he decided to be with family and Donovan Mitchell decided to opt out because of an upper respiratory illness. Despite those big names having to opt, out, the game would still be competitive.
Team LeBron came out hot, knocking down 14 points and had a decent lead early on until Team Durant went on a 6-2 run to make the game interesting. One of the biggest highlights in the first was Ja Morant taking off on an alley-oop. Morant's head was above the cylinder before he dunked it, which got the crowd in a fury of excitement. With money and bragging rights on the line, Team LeBron scrapped out the 47-45 victory in the first quarter and won $100,000 for the I Promise scholars program.
The second quarter was a bit of a slower tempo, until both teams decided to shoot three point shots from the logo. Morant had another highlight reel that got the crowd of their seats. Even D-Wade stated that Morant should be in the dunk contest. At the end of the second, Team Durant won $100,000 for Cleveland Food Bank and led 94-93 walking into the locker room.
Curry broke the record for most three pointers in a All-Star game at the start of the third quarter and took over the quarter. He hit five consecutive shots that were long range and got Cleveland on his side for the first time this weekend. Both teams finished in a tie in the third, which split up the charity funds to $50,000.
In a winner take all in the fourth quarter, things got a little intense. Both teams started to tighten up their defense and force more contestant shots. In a very tight game, James hit the game winner to go 5-0 in the new NBA format.
Step Curry was named the 2022 NBA All Star MVP.