West Wins Thrilling 2012 NBA All-Star Game As Kevin Durant Takes MVP Honors

NBA All-Star Awards 2012: Dwyane Wade Is America's Bad-Ass

We wrap up NBA All-Star Weekend with our annual awards. Kobe Bryant ends up on the business end of two honors ... and not in a good way.

NBA All-Star Game 2012: LeBron James Comes Up Short Late

The 2012 NBA All-Star Game was more or less a dunk contest for three quarters, but tightened up late because of LeBron James. James would score 36 points in the game while grabbing six rebounds and passing out seven assists, and made 15 of his 23 shots and was 6-of-8 from three-point range, but the final moments of the game provided a familiar script for the Heat superstar: in the clutch, he chose to defer, and his team didn't come through, with Deron Williams missing a three that would have given the Eastern Conference the lead.

Instead, the East fell, 152-149. Is it any surprise that the Cleveland Plain Dealer took note of James' shortcomings? Tom Reed writes that LeBron passed despite Kobe Bryant chiding him for doing so:

Adding to the surreal finish was the fact Bryant, representing the West, apparently barked at James for not taking the last-second shot.

"Yeah, he was telling me to shoot it," James said. "I [saw] my teammate open for a split second, I told him I [saw] him open for the first time and I didn't release the ball. When I [try] to throw it late, that's usually what happens and it results in a turnover.

For full coverage of the 2012 NBA All-Star Game, follow our StoryStream. For more on Durant and the Thunder, visit Welcome to Loud City, and for more on LeBron and the Heat, visit Peninsula Is Mightier.

All-Star Overload: Recapping The NBA's Weekend In The Magic Kingdom

All-Star Weekend had superstars, music, and even movies. From Kevin Durant and Lil Wayne, to Magic and Chocolate Thunder, and everything in between. Take a look back at some notes from the NBA's reunion weekend in Orlando

NBA All-Star Game 2012: Kevin Durant's MVP Comes At LeBron James' Expense

Kevin Durant garnered 2012 NBA All-Star Game MVP honors for his stellar performance on Sunday, scoring 36 points, grabbing seven rebounds, and dishing out three assists in the Western Conference's 152-149 victory.

But Oklahoma City Thunder blog Welcome to Loud City couldn't help but notice that Durant's night was virtually equaled by LeBron James' performance for the East:

Interestingly, Durant's effort was matched almost identically by LeBron James, who tallied 36 points, six rebounds, and seven assists in a losing effort. LeBron's near mirror-effort continues the pairing of the two, whom seem to be becoming linked at various points in their respective careers.

KD and LeBron both signed extensions during the same summer but in opposite fashion (LeBron starred in "The Decision" while KD simply tweeted his new contract), they famously did some workouts this past summer during the lockout, they hosted a flag football game together, and are currently No. 1 and No. 2 in the MVP race in leading their respective teams to identical records in the first half of the season (27-7). Each of their teams are the odds-on favorites to meet in the NBA Finals.

Durant's Thunder and James' Miami Heat meet just once in the NBA's regular season, on March 25 in Oklahoma City, in what is likely to be one of the most anticipated games remaining on the NBA calendar.

For full coverage of the 2012 NBA All-Star Game, follow our StoryStream. For more on Durant and the Thunder, visit Welcome to Loud City, and for more on LeBron and the Heat, visit Peninsula Is Mightier.

LeBron James Owns The All-Star Game Even When He Loses

Kevin Durant won MVP and the Western Conference won the All-Star Game, but it was LeBron James who stole the show Sunday night in Orlando, and owned the spotlight all weekend long.

Kobe Bryant Injury: Lakers Star Having Headaches, Will Be Evaluated For Concussion

Kobe Bryant getting hit in the head during the 2012 NBA All-Star Game seemed innocuous at the time. But Bryant is having headaches and will be further evaluated, likely for a concussion.

Kevin Durant Wins 2012 NBA All-Star Game MVP Award

Kevin Durant won the 2012 NBA All-Star Game MVP award on Sunday, racking up 36 points, seven rebounds and three assists in the West's 152-149. Durant was quiet late as LeBron James, who had 36 of his own, led a monster comeback for the East. But as the Western All-Stars clinched the win, Durant clinched the trophy. It is Durant's first All-Star honor.

Kobe finished with 27 points, and in the third quarter broke Michael Jordan's career All-Star scoring record. For the East squad, Dwyane Wade finished with the third triple-double in All-Star history, finishing with 24 points, 10 rebounds and 10 assists.

Durant isn't the youngest NBA All-Star MVP ever -- LeBron won it in 2006 at the age of 21. Durant is 23.

KD almost had two awards this weekend, as he lost a tiebreaker for the Foot Locker Three-Point Contest championship on Saturday night. Kevin Love edged him in that battle.

NBA All-Star Game 2012 Final Score: West Wins Squeaker 152-149

The West held on to win the 2012 NBA All-Star Game in Orlando by the score 152-149 despite a spirited comeback from 21 down by the East. Kevin Durant led the West with 36 points, and Kobe Bryant followed with 27. LeBron James had 36 for the East, as well. Dwyane Wade registered the All-Star Game's third ever triple-double with 24 points, 10 assists and 10 rebounds.

The last four minutes of the game were wild and competitive. LeBron hit two monster three-pointers late, and missed a third that would have set the world on collapsing unto itself. But he had a bad turnover with the East down three in the closing seconds. He tried to hit Wade with a cross-court pass after an offensive rebound by Deron Williams, but saw the ball intercepted.

That play came shortly after Wade mishandled an outlet pass. Here's a clip with both turnovers.

Durant won the MVP award.

VIDEO: Dwight Howard Sees Russell Westbrook Coming Down The Lane, Does Nothing

With the East in the middle of a furious comeback, Dwight Howard almost thought about contesting Russell Westbrook as he got the ball in the lane:

However, he wisely thought better of it, letting Westbrook throw down a monster tomahawk dunk.

The only real question is, in five years, whether people will say "he put you on a poster" or "he put you on a .gif."

VIDEO: LeBron Calls Glass, Basketball Game Breaks Out

With the East all of a sudden locking down defensively, a competitive basketball game has miraculously broken out.

LeBron James has been in the middle of it, at one point making nine consecutive shots, with the highlight being these two preposterous 3-pointers:

NBA All-Star Game 2012 Live Score: Kevin Durant Is Unglued, West Leads 124-112 After Third

The West leads the 2012 NBA All-Star Game 124-112 after three quarters -- yes, the West is on pace to break 160 points -- as Kevin Durant has decided to challenge Wilt Chamberlain's 1962 All-Star scoring record. That record is 42. Durant has 34 through three.

Kobe Bryant, who broke Michael Jordan's career All-Star scoring record in the third, has 24 in aid of Durant. LeBron James leads the East team with 28 points, and Miami Heat teammate Dywane Wade has 20 points, nine assists and six rebounds.

The record for most points by a team in an All-Star Game is 155, executed by the West in 2003. The West broke the record for most points in a half in the first half of this game with 88. Wade is looking to join Jordan and LeBron as the third player to register an All-Star triple-double.

For full coverage of the 2012 NBA All-Star Game, follow our StoryStream.

VIDEO: Dwyane Wade Hammers Kobe Bryant, Draws Blood At NBA All-Star Game

Kobe Bryant Breaks Michael Jordan Record For Most Points In NBA All-Star Game History

Kobe Bryant broke Michael Jordan's record for most career points in NBA All-Star Game history with a transition dunk in the 2012 edition on Sunday in Orlando. This year's game was Kobe's 14th, tied for the league record. Kobe has 20 points in the game.

Jordan scored 262 points in 14 career All-Star Games. Kobe actually entered the game fourth in career ASG scoring, behind MJ, Kareem Abdul-Jabbar and Oscar Robertson. Kobe also has a record-tying four All-Star MVPs to his name, a mark he shares with legend Bob Pettit. Kobe hopes to break that this season. He was the MVP in 2011 in Los Angeles.

Kobe scored the first bucket of Sunday's game and had eight points in the first four minutes.

via assets.sbnation.com

For full coverage of the 2012 NBA All-Star Game, follow our StoryStream. For more on Kobe and the Lakers, visit Silver Screen And Roll and SB Nation Los Angeles.

NBA All-Star Game 2012 MVP Watch: Kevin Durant, Kobe Bryant Gunning For Trophy

It appears that the West will take care of business in the 2012 NBA All-Star Game, entering halftime with a 19-point lead. That means that someone from the West team will take home the ultra-valued All-Star MVP trophy. Kobe Bryant is seeking to own the record for most career All-Star MVPs -- he and Bob Pettit have four each -- and racked up 14 points on 6-9 shooting in the first half to help his quest.

But he trails two Oklahoma City Thunder stars in the scoring category. Kevin Durant put in 21 points in the first half with six rebounds, and Russell Westbrook soared in off the bench with 17 points in 12 minutes. He clearly has some energy coursing through his veins.

If the East comes back, it'd likely be behind Dwyane Wade, who has 14 points and seven assists.

For full coverage of the 2012 NBA All-Star Game, follow our StoryStream.

VIDEO: Chris Paul Throws Ball At LeBron's Back

As Chris Paul dribbled the ball up the court, he saw LeBron James running the other way with his back turned.

He obviously thought to himself: "Why not?"

The result was a mildly amusing gif.

NBA All-Star Game 2012 Halftime Score: West Pulls Away Behind Thunder Stars

Kevin Durant has 21 points and Oklahoma City Thunder teammate Russell Westbrook has 17 as the West leads the 2012 NBA All-Star Game 88-69 over the East at halftime. The West broke the record for most points in a half with their first-half performance.

Westbrook was maniacal off the bench, soaring toward the rim relentlessly and screaming after every West jam while he was in the game. Durant mixed action in the paint with deft deep shooting after finishing second in Saturday's Three-Point Contest.

Dwyane Wade leads the East with 14 points and seven assists. He missed an odd self alley-oop attempt that should have been called travelling in the second quarter, and LeBron James -- who thundered through the first game -- missed a couple of plays at the rim as well. LeBron had 13 points in the first half, while Deron Williams came off the bench for 12.

For full coverage of the 2012 NBA All-Star Game, follow our StoryStream.

Russell Westbrook Gives Us The GIF Of The Night

The NBA All-Star Game has a fun, light-hearted feel, filled with dunks, big men shooting threes and other non-normal basketball occurrences. The players are goofing off, and that's just the way we like it. The relaxed atmosphere just works for this game.

Russell Westbrook is pretty much the whole game in a nutshell. He's having fun and we all should have fun watching him have fun. Fun!

Here's Westbrook's entry in the GIF of the night competition. Think we've found a winner.

This is just the absolute best.

VIDEO: Andre Iguodala In The Open Court

Andre Iguodala never won a dunk contest, but he reminded NBA fans what he could do in the first All-Star Game of his career:

Iguodala, who is the fourth on the Philadelphia 76ers in points (12.4), third in rebounds (6.4), second in assists (5.4) and first in steals (1.9), came across the court to intercept a full-court pass from Marc Gasol.

With an open lane to the basket, he jumped from outside the lane with a finish as good as any that happened in last night's contest.

PHOTO: Spike Lee Should Put This On A Hallmark Card

You know those kiosks at the mall where anyone can bring in a picture and have it put on a mug? Spike Lee could totally pull that off with this photo.

They're looking up at the Jumbotron, of course, but it made for a fun screencap. And hey, Spike's actually dressed up for this one!

ANIMATED: Steve Nash Needs A Highlight Reel Of Passes

You thought all the highlights from Sunday night's NBA All-Star Game would be lobs and dunks. You thought wrong! Steve Nash made a sweet, highlight-reel pass to Russell Westbrook that was worthy of a GIF. This may seem shocking, but it was a neat pass.

Threading the needle!

VIDEO: Blake Griffin Dunks, Luol Deng Runs

Luol Deng is a smart, smart man. That's said in all seriousness: he knows when it's a good idea to just get out of the way. It is an All-Star Game and Deng saw Blake Griffin barreling down the lane at full speed. Instead of going up to challenge Griffin's dunk, Deng ran.

It beats being put on a poster, and also leads to a funny video!

And for the GIF fiends, we've got that covered, too.

Ok, so he got a little bit of help from Chris Paul, but it's not like he was ever actually going to put in the effort to slow down the freight train. Also notice Paul's nifty between-the-legs pass. He's excelled in his role as the West team facilitator and dunk setter-upper on Sunday night.

For more on the 2012 All-Star Game, including GIFs, videos, photos and whatever else comes out of the game, stay tuned to this StoryStream.

NBA All-Star Game 2012 Live Score: West Leads East 39-28 After First Quarter, Kobe Bryant With 11

Kobe Bryant scored 11 points and Blake Griffin scored 10 -- all of them on dunks -- in the first quarter as the West took a 39-28 lead into the break in Sunday's 2012 NBA All-Star Game in Orlando. LeBron James led the East team with 11 points of his own, and a number of seriously bad dunks.

Kobe aims to break Michael Jordan's career All-Star Game scoring record (262). He came in needing 19 to tie MJ, and got out to a fast start with the game's first bucket and eight points in the first four minutes of game time.

The pace was hectic early, but the play was relatively clean with fast breaks galore. Andrew Bynum, who had a precautionary knee procedure this weekend, played just a couple of minutes in which he managed to airball a three-pointer and get blocked by Dwight Howard. It was one great All-Star debut!

For full coverage of the 2012 NBA All-Star Game, follow our StoryStream.

2012 NBA All-Star Game Features Plenty Of Dunking

Yeah, this one was probably better than his alley-oop jam. Here's LeBron James by himself on a break, throwing down a vicious dunk. This dunk probably would've won garnered him Saturday's top prize, but at least viewers are getting a nice show during the All-Star Game.

And on the other end of the floor, Kevin Durant just bought an penthouse in Lob City.

LeBron James Is Winning The Dunk Contest

As expected, the NBA All-Star Game has already turned into a de facto dunk contest. Well, for everyone except Kobe Bryant, who's still sticking to his Kobe System and getting his shots in. But on the other end of the floor, LeBron James is putting on a show, and has probably already won the dunk contest.

Here's LeBron giving the ball up with a behind-the-back pass, then jamming an alley-oop home. Pretty much sums up the game so far.

Yep, that'll do.

PHOTO: Derrick Rose Is Having A Lot Of Fun

2012 NBA All-Star Game: LeBron James The Odds-On Favorite For MVP

LeBron James is the favorite to take home MVP honors at the 2012 NBA All-Star Game with 13/2 odds. Kobe Bryant and Dwight Howard trail just behind with 15/2 odds each.

2012 NBA All-Star Game Halftime Show Features Pitbull, Pre-Game Has Nicki Minaj

The NBA All-Star Game Halftime Show will feature Pitbull, Ne-Yo and special guests.

PHOTO: Darryl Dawkins Outshines Craig Sager

Other than the bright pink tie, Craig Sager is wearing a relatively tame ensemble for the All-Star Game. Darryl Dawkins, however, went full Don Cherry for the festivities, breaking out one of the more ridiculous suits you'll see. All-Star Game fashion is always very neat!

First, Sager's entry:

And then we have Dawkins. Prepare yourself for this.

This is quite the suit. The pattern has been referred to as a casino carpet and a stock Windows wallpaper. Clearly Dawkins is a fan of bold flavors.

2012 NBA All-Star Game: West Roster Headlined By Kobe Bryant, Kevin Durant

The Western Conference All-Stars are the defending champions of the All-Star Game. The 2012 edition looks to repeat as champs this Sunday at Amway Center in Orlando, FL. Let's take a look at the roster and see who made the cut.

2012 NBA All-Star Game: East Roster Features LeBron James, Derrick Rose

Here's a look at the players who will be representing the East.

2012 NBA All-Star Game: Schedule, TV Info And More

NBA All-Star coverage starts 90 minutes before the game tips off on TNT.