Written by Rich Swerbinsky

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James Scores 29, Leads East To 122-120 Win

Basketball fans, and more specifically Cavaliers fans, were treated to a spectacle last night, as the East came back from a 74-53 deficit to stun the West 122-120 in the 55th NBA All-Star Game.

The Cavs LeBron James became the youngest player in the history of the game to win the MVP award, scoring 29 points, grabbing 6 rebounds, and also adding 2 steals and 2 assists. James also made the defensive play of the game, affecting a Tracy McGrady shot with about 12 seconds left that would have tied the game. Just before that missed attempt by McGrady, Dwayne Wade hit a putback of an Allen Iverson miss for what ended up being the game winner for the East.

From about the four minute mark of the third quarter, the game played more like a playoff game than it did an All-Star game. The defensive intensity went from non-existent to pretty elevated as the East began to eat away at the West lead. It was a rare sight, the best of the best going back and forth at a very high level.

The East rally started midway through the third quarter, and was spurred by the entry of the four Detroit Pistons into the game. The Piston quartet spearheaded the huge East run that resulted in them erasing the deficit, and taking a 117-107 lead with just under four minutes left. The Pistons also played very well together when entering the game as a group in the first quarter as well, led by Chauncey Billups 15 points and 7 assists, and great defense from Ben Wallace.

James also added 13 of his 29 in the pivotal third quarter, spearheading the East's huge comeback. James hit 12 of his 21 shots on the night, including 4 of 10 from three-point range. Tracy McGrady led the West with 36 points, and was in line for the MVP award for the West had they been able to secure the win.