Anthony Edwards delivered a breathtaking performance to claim MVP honors as the USA Stars crushed the USA Stripes 47-21. The 24-year-old guard dazzled throughout the 75th NBA All-Star Game edition much to the excitement of fans.
Edwards poured in 32 points, grabbed nine rebounds, and dished three assists, and then earned the Kobe Bryant Trophy on a historic night.
This year’s spectacle abandoned the classic East versus West format. Instead, a fast-paced round-robin tournament featured young American stars, veteran counterparts, and a World team.
Edwards and Chet Holmgren each scored eight in the final. Meanwhile, Tyrese Maxey added nine as the Stars overwhelmed the veterans.
“It means a lot,” Edwards said of his MVP award. “I love Minnesota, and I know Minnesota loves me. I said I wasn’t going to put on a show for them but I gave them a show.”
The Stripes stumbled badly, missing their first ten attempts. Consequently, the Stars stormed ahead 12-1 and later unleashed a decisive 15-0 run.
New tournament format sparks intensity and effort revival
Even LeBron James, making his 22nd All-Star appearance, managed just five points. The veterans simply had no response to the youthful surge.
Earlier, at the Intuit Dome, Edwards scored 13 as the Stars edged the World team 37-35. However, he was quick to praise Victor Wembanyama.
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“I ain’t going to lie, Wemby set the tone,” said Edwards. “He came out hard and we had to follow that. We had to pick it up and we did that.”
The World squad missed injured stars Giannis Antetokounmpo and Shai Gilgeous-Alexander. Additionally, Nikola Jokic and Luka Doncic combined for only two points, two rebounds, and two assists.
After losing 48-45 to the Stripes, the World team exited. That defeat set up a rematch final, decisively claimed by the Stars.
Former US President Barack Obama praised the energy courtside. “I know a lot of people have been concerned about the All-Star Game, not seeing as much effort. But we saw it.”
Tags: Anthony Edwards, All-Star MVP, NBA, USA Stripes, USA Stars, Tyrese Maxey, Victor Wembanyama, Giannis Antetokounmpo, Shai Gilgeous-Alexander, Nikola Jokic, Luka Doncic.
