Kobe Bryant had a few things to prove during the 2011 NBA All-Star game in his building last night. Bryant had heard the talk - he's fading, age is starting to take it's toll, he's too old. Scoring 37 points to go along with 14 rebounds in the West's 148-143 win, taking the MVP Award - his fourth - along with him, Bryant proved them all.
"I feel like we have a sense of responsibility and we are voted in for what we do during the season, which is play hard," Bryant said. "And we come here, that's what the fans want to see. They want to see us go at it and see us compete and that's what I try to do and that's what I try to tell my teammates to do."
LeBron James of the Miami Heat did his best to bring the East squad back, joining Michael Jordan as the only players with a triple-double in a All-Star game. His 29 points, 12 rebounds and 10 assists were nearly enough to bring the East squad back from a game-long deficit.
↵In all, the game was entertaining, but certainly not basketball as it is meant to be played. The crowd was mostly non-existent until the 4th quarter and the halftime show - featuring Rihanna, along with Kanye West, was the highlight of the evening. Oh yea, there weren't any Cavaliers present either.
↵