Team LeBron edges Team Giannis in All-Stars clash

Los Angeles Clippers’ Kawhi Leonard drops 30 points as Team LeBron edges Team Giannis, 157-155, during the 2020 NBA All-Star Games. BLEACHER REPORT
Los Angeles Clippers’ Kawhi Leonard drops 30 points as Team LeBron edges Team Giannis, 157-155, during the 2020 NBA All-Star Games. BLEACHER REPORT

In a battle between the ‘basketball gods’ for four quarters, Team LeBron successfully edged Team Giannis in a nerve-wracking showdown for a cause during the 2020 NBA All-Star Games.

Chicago-native Anthony Davis iced the game-sealing free throw for Team LeBron as they cruised to a come-from-behind 157-155 victory at the United Center in Chicago, Illinois.

Unlike the previous editions of the mid-season centerpiece, this year’s All-Stars match adopted a new format. The two teams played a mini-game in each of the first three quarters with the scores starting at 0-0 in each period. The winning team of the period earns $100,000 for its selected Chicago-area children’s charity.

Team Lebron bannered the Chicago Scholars, while Team Giannis selected After School Matters. LeBron’s team took the first quarter, 53-41. Giannis’ team was able to snatch the second one at 51-30.

The third quarter was a close one. Team LeBron’s Nikola Jokic buried a 3-pointer, while Russel Westbrook splits his free throw for a 41-39 lead. Team Giannis were able to respond with a jam via Rudy Gobert to tie the score with 2.2 seconds left.

Westbrook then missed a runner at the buzzer, and since both teams ended with a 41-all count, the $100,000 in that quarter was carried over to the fourth — putting $300,000 in all at stake for the final period.

The total score at that point was Team Giannis 133-124 Team LeBron. As a tribute to former Los Angeles Lakers legend Kobe Bryant, the target score to finish the match would be Team Giannis’ score added with 24 points (Kobe Bryant’s jersey number) at 157.

In the final period, Team LeBron was closed to the target score. However, James was denied of a clear goaltending contest, while James Harden’s long bomb was ruled out as an offensive foul before Davis sealed the win for his squad via a split free throw.

Kawhi Leonard was named the Most Valuable Player after dropping 30 points for Team LeBron, while James and Chris Paul added 23 markers apiece. Davis also contributed 20 marks.

Meawnhile, Giannis Antetokounmpo led his squad with 25 points, Kemba walker contributed 30, while giants Joel Embiid and Rudy Gobert scored 22 and 21, respectively.

As a tribute to the fallen of the helicopter crash on Jan. 26, Team LeBron wore No. 2 blue jerseys for Gianna Bryant, while Team Giannis wore No. 24 red jerseys for Kobe./PN


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