Nba, All Star Game: Curry phenomenon, LeBron James decisive

Something historic was needed for the 75th anniversary All Star Game, the one in which the NBA celebrated its legends. Steph Curry took care of it, mvp of a match that took off in the fourth period (when the two teams defended) with 50 points and the new record of 16 triples and the first winner of the Kobe Bryant trophy, the new award for the best of the game of the stars. Curry played an incredible match, in which almost every long shot he tried seemed destined to go into the basket, and he won the All Star Game Player trophy for the first time in his career. The final touch of 163-160 with which Team LeBron won the challenge with Team Durant, however, was put by King James with a shot inspired by Michael Jordan, as he himself confides. In the All Star Game of legends, of the bridge between past, present and future, there could not have been a better ending.

The ceremony

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Called one by one, divided by roles, the legends that make up the 75th anniversary team gather on the circular stage in the center of the pitch. There are Michael Jordan (last to take the stage) and LeBron James, applauded by the Cleveland audience, among others Larry Bird and Bill Russell, who have sent a video greeting, are missing. Kobe Bryant is missing along with the other superstars of this historic list who are no longer there. It is the NBA that celebrates its history, the 75 players who more than others have made it the most popular league in the world, the one in which everyone dreams of playing. In an ideal handover for the new generation, the only words come when the legends are already on stage: they are pronounced by Ja Morant, Devin Booker, Karl-Anthony Towns and Luka Doncic, the future of the NBA.

The match

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Team LeBron wins the first quarter 47-45, with Luka Doncic putting the two decisive triples and Chris Paul on the pitch using only his left hand as his right hand has a fractured thumb (injury that will force him to at least 6-8 weeks off ). Team Durant takes revenge in the 2nd quarter, won 49-46 thanks to the duo of rookies Dejoiunte Murray-LaMelo Ball (23 points in two) despite Curry’s 18 points with 6 triples. The record does not last long, because Steph puts 7 in the third period. A show that is not enough for Team LeBron to win: the fourth ends at 45-45. To win the All Star Game you need 163 points: you can also see the defenses in the 4th period and the two teams reach the finish line in a sprint. The decisive basket is placed by captain LeBron, for a perfect ending. In addition to Curry and LeBron, Giannis Antetokounmpo also shines with 30 points and 12 rebounds. For Team Durant the best was Joel Embiid, 36 points and 10 rebounds, but Devin Booker and rookies LaMelo Ball and Dejounte Murray also stood out.

LeBron team: Curry 50 (1/3 from two, 16/27 from three), Antetokounmpo 30, James 24. Rebounds: Antetokounmpo 12. Assists: James 8, Jokic 8.

Durant Team:Embiid 36 (9/12, 5/8, 3/3 tl), Booker 20, Ball 18. Rebounds: Embiid 10. Assist: Young 10.