NBA All-Star Game 2013: Chris Paul leads West to Victory

Chris Paul, Los Angeles Clippers point guard, powered the Western Conference to a 143-138 victory over the Eastern Conference in the 2013 NBA All-Star Game at the Toyota Center in Houston on Sunday.

It was a nip-and-tuck contest as the 2013 West NBA All-Stars never managed to put the game away despite leading by as much as 10 points early in the fourth quarter, 119-109, behind the tandem of former Thunder teammates Russell Westbrook and James Harden.

After a tip-in by New York's Carmelo Anthony made it 126-129 in favor of the West with a little under four minutes to go, Chris Paul orchestrated a late-game run with help from Los Angeles Lakers superstar Kobe Bryant and Durant.

Paul made two three-pointers, Bryant scored on a lay-up then blocked a jumper by Miami's LeBron James, and Durant dunked the ball to give the Western Conference a 139-128 lead with 1:57 to go.

"I just never expected something like this. All this great players I have an opportunity to play with, it’s an honor and a privilege," Chris Paul said.

"It's an honor and a privilege any time you get on the court with Russ (Westbrook) and KD (Durant), all these guys," Paul added.

Chris Paul scored 20 points and dished out 15 assists while controlling the game in crunch time to win Most Valuable Player honors in an All-Star Game for the first time in his career.

Oklahoma City’s Kevin Durant led all scorers with 30 points, while Paul’s teammate Blake Griffin added 19 in a performance highlighted by several rim-rattling dunks.

Meanwhile, Lebron James scored 19 points on 7-of-18 shooting, while Heat teammate Dwyane Wade had 21 markers.

Anthony led the East All-Stars with 26 points and 12 rebounds.

Source: ABS CBN news