The 2012 NBA All-Star Game had its usual high-scoring and acrobatic plays. Defenses usually shy away from hard play and the offense rules.
It was a perfect scenario for the two-time defending NBA scoring champion. Kevin Durant scored 36 points en route to winning MVP honors. Teammate scored 21 points off the bench as the Western Conference All-Stars got a huge lead at halftime and then held on for a 152-149 victory in Orlando, Fla.
Kobe Bryant made a splash by becoming the all-time points leader in the NBA All-Star history. I was surprised he didn't make MVP honors with the emphasis on larger market teams.
Instead, cooler heads prevailed and Durant won the award. His line went like this. 14-for-25 shooting (56 percent), 3-for-8 from beyond the three-point line, 5-for-7 on free throws, seven rebounds, three assists, three steals and two turnovers.
Westbrook had 10-for-17 shooting, five rebounds and two assists. Blake Griffin did well for the West on 9-for-12 shooting and 22 points.
Hometown hero had just nine points but pulled down 10 rebounds for the East. Dwayne Wade became just the third player in NBA history to have a triple-double in All-Star play with 24 points, 10 rebounds and 10 assists.
The night belonged to the Thunder superstars. Durant deserved the MVP nod as he tied LeBron James for the game's high point total. James might have won the MVP award had he not been on the losing team or thrown an errant pass late in the game.
It was also fitting that two Oklahoma City Thunder players out-shone many of the other guys. The Los Angeles Clippers had two players, but Chris Paul Los Angeles Lakers brought two guys but Andrew Bynum decided to rest his knees.
It was a good workout and good practice for Westbrook and Durant. Although both men should be honored for the experience and to even be selected, the real work and glory comes from winning an NBA title. That Philadelphia 76ers .
William Browning has been a fan of the Oklahoma City Thunder ever since the team relocated from Seattle. As the closest NBA team to Branson, Mo., the Thunder serve as the regional team for southwest Missouri.
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