The usual buzz and excitement that comes with the NBA All-Star Game was largely absent at Staples Center on Sunday night, which may have played a factor in the sluggish start. Or perhaps it was the attention to defense from tipoff.
In the end, Team LeBron overcame a late deficit to edge by Team Stephen, 148-145, with the intensity turning up late. Team Stephen held an 11-point lead through the first quarter, with Karl-Anthony Towns shining early with 11 points.
Anthony Davis paced Team LeBron with six points, while LeBron James and Bradley Beal each had five.