NBA: Kobe Bryant All-Star Game MVP Kawhi Leonard And Lebron James Offer Nod To Black Mamba

The 2020 NBA All-Star Weekend featured a drastic change in the format with Chris Paul suggesting to Adam Silver that the game had to increase the intensity.

The new format entailed removing the game clock of the final quarter and replacing it with a race to a specific score. The first three quarters would be played out regularly. Then a race to a final score will be determined by adding 24 points to the leading team’s score. This was the league’s way of offering their tribute to the late great Kobe Bryant by using his jersey number 24 as the additional marker.

The All-Star Game was a successful tribute to Kobe not just because of the jersey numbers and the new format but also because of the competitive nature of the final quarter. Both teams were intense against each other defensively and had one of the more exciting endings in recent memory. There were no easy baskets and each possession was played out with high-stakes on the line.

There were lots of key moments throughout the game but the one performer who stood out the most was Los Angeles Clipper Kawhi Leonard. He tallied a total of 30 points and 8 three-pointers made for Team Lebron. He also torched the net in the first half by scoring 25 in the first two quarters of the game. He finished by tallying 61.1% from the field with an 11/18 shooting display. He added 7 rebounds, 4 assists and 2 steals.

He was named the first-ever Kobe Bryant All-Star Game MVP with his stellar output. The two-time NBA champion shared after the game that his performance was for Kobe. “I want to thank Kobe for everything he’s done for me, all the long talks and workouts. Thank you. This one’s for him.”

Team Captain Lebron James also shared that the game was blessed with the Black Mamba’s presence. It was evident from the fans chanting his name to the All-Stars playing with the best that they have. “You could definitely feel Bean’s presence from the start,” Lebron said. “He was definitely there.”