‘King James’ Wins MVP in NBA All-Star Game

LeBron James scored 27 points and added eight rebounds and nine assists to lead the Eastern Conference to a 134-128 win yesterday over the West in the NBA All-Star Game in New Orleans.

The Cleveland Cavaliers star earned his second Most Valuable Player award in the game, after winning his first in 2006. In December last year, he became the youngest player to score 9,000 points at 22 years and 352 days.

The East thus avenged last year’s 153-132 defeat, thanks to James.

Jason Kidd, who will be traded from the New Jersey Nets to the Dallas Mavericks, had ten assists to help the East’s attack. Forwards Dwight Howard of the Orlando Magic and Chris Bosh of the Toronto Raptors scored 14 points each.

Kevin Garnett of the Boston Celtics was the game’s leading vote-getter but had to sit out because of injury. His teammates Ray Allen (28 points) and Paul Pierce (10 points) led the East in scoring.

hic@donga.com