In an All-Star game that went down to the wire, courtesy of arguably the most competitive fourth quarters in recent times, Anthony Davis wrapped things up by knocking down the game-winning free-throw to give Team LeBron the 157-155 win.
AD's free-throw took Team LeBron to 157 points, the point total they needed to reach in a commercial-free fourth quarter that had no game-clock.
157 was the point total reached after adding 24, in honour of Kobe Bryant, to the team's total that was leading after three quarters based on cumulative scores.
Team LeBron, who are now 3-0 in this player draft format, came back from a nine-point deficit (133-124) at the beginning of the fourth quarter to win and earn a total of $400,000 for the Chicago Scholars, LeBron's choice of a non-profit charity.
First half
Team LeBron were trailing by nine despite beginning the game on fire. After the first 12 minutes of action, they led 53-41 with Kawhi Leonard scoring 12 points, going 4-4 from beyond the arc.
Winning the first quarter meant that Team LeBron had already guaranteed $100,000 for their non-profit.
However, Team Giannis came roaring back in the second period, outscoring their opponents 51-30, led by their captain Giannis Antetokounmpo's 14 points and iced by Trae Young's halftime buzzer-beater from halfcourt.
By winning the second quarter, Team Giannis ensured their non-profit charity - After School Matters - a $100,000.
Second half
While both teams traded jabs in the first half, the second half was a different story. It was a lot more competitive.
Although it didn't have the intensity of the fourth quarter, the third was a neck-and-neck contest as both teams were tied at 41 points when the period's final buzzer blew.
FANTASTIC FINISH to end the 3Q in a 41-41 tie!#TeamGiannis leads #TeamLeBron 140-133 in the 4th Q.
— NBA (@NBA) February 17, 2020
FINAL TARGET SCORE: 157 pic.twitter.com/odL1b6aZSe
In the final period, which had no game-clock, there was more defense and more whistles by the referees.
KYLE LOWRY CLUTCH DRAWN CHARGE. NEVER CHANGE. pic.twitter.com/YgksqZdszB
— Bleacher Report (@BleacherReport) February 17, 2020
GIANNIS BLOCKS LEBRON! 🤯#TeamLeBron leads 154-153! pic.twitter.com/amhWTywXld
— NBA on TNT (@NBAonTNT) February 17, 2020
"I didn't know what to expect because it was a new format, new year," LeBron James said in the postgame press conference. "None of us knew what to expect. But throughout the whole fourth quarter and at the end of the game, everybody was like, "That was pretty damn fun."
Unlike regulation NBA games, this one ended when a team reached the final score of 157 when the final buzzer sounded.
"This was an idea I brought to Adam," Chris Paul, President of the National Basketball Players Association, said in his postgame press conference. "Thankfully, we tried it out, so I was asking the guys how they enjoyed it during the game and at the end of the game. So you all be sure to ask him.
Kawhi Leonard named MVP
Once Davis knocked down the game-winning free-throw, Team LeBron, with six players in double figures, clinched the game. Kawhi Leonard, who was later named the first-ever KIA All-Star Game Kobe Bryant MVP, finished with a game-high 30 points (11-18 FGs; 8-14 3Ps), seven rebounds, four assists, and two steals.
Great off-court friends Chris Paul (23p/6a), who played a majority of the final quarter, and team captain LeBron James (23p/6a/5r/2b) were the other key contributors for Team LeBron.
For Team Giannis, seven players finished in double figures led by team captain Giannis Antetokounmpo's 25 points. He also recorded 11 rebounds, four assists, and three blocks while Kemba Walker (23p/3r/3a) and Rudy Gobert (21p/11r) were the team's other big contributors.
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