7:29 p.m.: We're about 45 minutes from player introductions and most of the All-Stars are warming up on the floor. Kyrie and Stephen Curry have been staging a left-handed three-point contest while Joakim Noah practices free throws. Kobe Bryant stopped over and embraced Kyrie in the corridor on the way out to warmups. Check out the video below ...
8:49 p.m.: Excellent introductions led by Pharrell Williams, joined by heavyweights like Sean Diddy Combs, Nelly, Busta Rhymes and Snoop Dogg to introduce the All-Stars. Kyrie got a big ovations from the New Orleans crowd, although an injured Black Mamba might have gotten the biggest applause. Gary Clarke, Jr. did the National Anthem on steel guitar. Last All-Star Game intros were done by New Orleans own Rebirth Brass Band and it was cool, but this year's was an all-time. The Big Easy knows how to do All-Star Weekend.
8:49 p.m.: Excellent introductions led by Pharrell Williams, joined by heavyweights like Sean Diddy Combs, Nelly, Busta Rhymes and Snoop Dogg to introduce the All-Stars. Kyrie got a big ovations from the New Orleans crowd, although an injured Black Mamba might have gotten the biggest applause. Gary Clarke, Jr. did the National Anthem on steel guitar. Last All-Star Game intros were done by New Orleans own Rebirth Brass Band and it was cool, but this year's was an all-time. The Big Easy knows how to do All-Star Weekend.
4:03, 1Q - EAST 30, WEST 27 ... Kyrie kind of finding his way among the Stars so far in 1Q and it's been back-and-forth as always. Blake Griffin, basically playing Nerf Hoop, leads everyone w/14 points on some monstrous dunks. Kyrie -- 2 pts, 4 asst, 3 reb.
Check out the East player intros from tonight's All-Star Game ...
Watch Video: Eastern Conference Intros
End 1Q - WEST 44, EAST 42 ... Yes, neither team is playing any defense through 1Q, but we don't expect it until the fourth. Blake Griffin leads everyone with 18 points, everything either at or near the hoop; Carmelo leads the East w/15 pts, 3-5 from long-distance; Kyrie cruised through his early run -- went 1-2 FG, 2 pts, 4 asst, 3 reb. NBA honoring legends at halfcourt between quarters -- with Hakeem Olajuwon, Magic Johnson, George Gervin and Karl Malone. All are honoring NBA legend Bill Russell, celebrating his 80th birthday today.
4:53, 2Q - WEST 69, EAST 58 ... Chris Paul already with 9 assists, feeding Blake Griffin and getting the hometown guy Anthony Davis going and getting the crowd into it. Noah, only East player not to score, but his game isn't suited to the midseason classic. Kyrie hasn't seen action in the second quarter, but checking in to close out the half.
End 1H - WEST 89, EAST 76 ... Kyrie closes out the 1H and cans a couple shots, including a three-pointer and now has 7 pts to go with a East-best 7 assists. Carmelo leads the East w/20 pts; Kevin Durant leads everyone w/22 pts; Blake Griffin w/20. Teams starting to play a little more D in 2Q; both teams shooting 56 pct FG.
5:39, 3Q - WEST 117, EAST 101 ... Great action out of halftime and Kyrie starting to heat up, now with 14 pts; Blake Griffin and Durant already with 30 pts apiece; Kyrie leads East with 10 assists -- only player on either team with a double-double.
End 3Q - WEST 126, EAST 123 ... Third quarter of the All-Star Game in the books; Kyrie still with the only double-double on either team -- 16 pts, 10 asst, one of five East players in double-figures. As good as the entertainment's been at halftime and pregame, the best might have been the inflatable mascots performance between quarters. Things usually get really fun in the fourth quarter, we'll start seeing some defense at about the five-minute mark.
Watch Highlight: Irving Dazzles
5:33, 4Q - WEST 145, EAST 142 ... If the East wins the game, Kyrie is shaping up to be its MVP. After a pretty laid-back first half, Mr. Fourth Quarter is starting to earn his nickname in New Orleans -- now with team-leading 24 points to go with 11 assists.
Watch Highlight: Irving With Some English
FINAL - EAST 163, EAST 155 ... East wins the 63rd All-Star Break and Kyrie was the impetus behind the win, scoring 15 of his team-high 31 points in the fourth quarter, adding a game high 14 assists. He was 14-of-17 from the floor, 3-of-6 from long-distance, grabbed five boards, inlcuding a key offensive rebound in final minute to preserve the win. East trailed by as many as 13 pts before Kyrie took over. Mr. Fourth Quarter should win the MVP, but we'll find out in a minute.