by Scott Agness
February 18, 2013, 11:16 PM | Updated: February 19, 12:37 AM
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Los Angeles Clippers point guard Chris Paul scored 20 points and dished out 15 assists en route to being named game MVP and helping the West beat the East for the fourth consecutive time, 143-138. The West led for most of the game, including at the conclusion of each quarter.
Making his first NBA All-Star appearance, Pacers swingman Paul George had to be happy with his performance. He finished with 17 points (on 7-of-13 shooting), three rebounds, four assists, two steals and no turnovers in just over 20 minutes of play. He had the best +/- margin (+9) of any East player and he was second overall, trailing only MVP Chris Paul (+10).
East head coach Erik Spoelstra (Miami Heat) elected to play George in the final two minutes with the team down by 10 points. George came in and immediately knocked down back-to-back 3-pointers to give the East a boost. The West, however, never let up and earned the win at the 62nd-annual NBA All-Star game in Houston, TX.
Photos: George All-Star Game Gallery »
George missed his first three shots, but then would connect on his next five. His first points came in the second quarter on a steal and wide-open dunk. A couple minutes later, he made consecutive-jumpers in the left corner over James Harden and then assisted to 76ers guard Jrue Holiday in transition.
A special moment for George came in the fourth quarter, when he got to play alongside one of his top mentors, Heat star LeBron James. The two have been friends since George’s college days at Fresno State.
Despite the loss, George was all smiles after the game and clearly enjoyed his first of many All-Star games. Now, it’s back to business with the Pacers.
Other stats of note: Kevin Durant scored a game-high 30 points. Carmelo Anthony contributed 26 points and 12 rebounds and LeBron James chipped in 19 ... Kevin Garnett and LaMarcus Aldridge were the only players that failed to score ... The West outscored the East 88-66 in the paint.
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