West Beats East In All-Star Battle

Kobe Bryant took home MVP honors for the Western Conference as the West shined brighter than the East on All-Star weekend. 148-143 was the final from Staples Center in L.A. Chris Paul started at PG for the West, finishing with 10 points, 7 assists, 4 rebounds, and a game high 5 steals. Here is more from the AP and espn.com

Bryant brought Showtime back to the All-Star game, scoring 37 points and tying a record with his fourth MVP award, leading the Western Conference to a 148-143 victory over the East on Sunday night.

Returning to the game he dominates after a one-year absence, Bryant added 14 rebounds in a spectacular performance in front of the usual celebrity-filled crowd that turns out to see his Lakers at Staples Center.

"It feels great, being at home here and playing in front of the home crowd," Bryant said after receiving the MVP trophy. "This will be my last All-Star game in front of these home fans, so it feels good to do it."

Kevin Durant chipped in 34 points, scoring five straight after the East cut a 17-point deficit after three quarters to two points with 2:34 to play. The NBA scoring leader added the clinching free throws after the East got back within three in the final seconds.

http://sports.espn.go.com/nba/recap?gameId=310220032

LeBron James helped lead the East to a furious rally, but in the end if was the West's night. The NBA will return to regular season games Tuesday, with the Hornets in action this Wednesday. Chris Paul and the Hornets host Blake Griffin and the Clippers with an 8:3o tip-off on ESPN.