2022 NBA All-Star Game Recap

It seems that every time LeBron James returns to his home state of Ohio, a party always follows.

Sunday night was no different, as James scored 24 points on 11-24 shooting (including the game-winning turnaround jumper), to lead Team LeBron to a 163-160 victory over Team Durant at the 2022 NBA All-Star Game in Cleveland.

James, who grew up in Akron and led the Cleveland Cavaliers to their only championship in 2016, called his game-winner the perfect ending to his most recent homecoming.

“I could not have dreamed of that moment any better than the actuality that just happened,” he told ESPN. “For me to be back here…to hit the game winner in the All-Star Game where me and my guys back in the back, we used to watch the All-Star Game. I remember 25 years ago we were 12,11 wishing that we had the opportunity or the means to come up to Cleveland and see some of the greatest basketball players of all time because they inspired us so much.”

Golden State Warrior Stephen Curry, another product of Akron, nailed an All-Star record 16 3-pointers (the previous high was nine), and scored 50 points. For his efforts, he was awarded the game’s MVP award.

“It was kind of a perfect ending,” he said. “Obviously, I got the MVP. I played well the whole night. He hit the game winner. All the history of our series and the Akron ties, and all that kind of going into how the night went, so it was pretty special. I can’t really draw it up any other way.”

James’ Cavs and Curry’s Warriors faced off in the NBA Finals four times, with the latter emerging victorious on three occasions.

The game’s highest honor, which was re-christened as the Kobe Bryant All-Star Game MVP after the Laker legend’s tragic passing two years ago, recently underwent a redesign, and Curry was the first to receive the new hardware.

“This trophy has a very special meaning, honoring Kobe and Gigi, everybody that was lost two years ago,” Curry said after the game. “I’m very humbled, very blessed and I really appreciate it.”

During halftime, The NBA honored its 75th anniversary team. In addition to legends like Michael Jordan and Magic Johnson, active players, including Curry, James, and reigning league MVP Giannis Antetokounmpo joined in on the festivities.

“To be a part of the 75 greatest basketball players to ever play, it just takes me back to my childhood,” James said. “To see those guys today and then be on stage with those guys it is…you guys don’t understand. I’m trying to make you understand as much as I can, but it’s just crazy.”

The 2023 NBA All-Star Game is slated for Sunday, February 19 and will take place at Vivint Smart Home Arena in Salt Lake City. Salt Lake City was originally supposed to host last year, but the game was postponed due to the COVID-19 pandemic.