Russell Westbrook claimed a second straight MVP award as the Western Conference set an NBA All-Star record for points in a game with a 196-173 victory over the East.
Westbrook scored 31 points in the annual clash in Toronto on Sunday night, where defence was conspicuous by its absence.
The previous high for points in a game was 163, which had been done twice previously. The West surpassed that with about eight minutes to play in the game.
The 27-year-old Westbrook became the first player to win solo back-to-back most valuable player awards in the 65-season history of the high-profile showcase event.
Bob Pettit was named MVP for the 1958 game and shared the honour with Elgin Baylor in 1959.
There was speculation that Kobe Bryant would be named MVP for sentimental reasons and East team leader Paul George made a case for himself with 41 points but Westbrook nailed a bunch of key three-pointers in the second half to lead the West to victory.
"I didn't know what was going to happen, man," the shocked Thunder guard told reporters.
"I was just sitting there and kind of talking and enjoying, and my name got called.
"Any time you can be in the history books, it always means something. I'm just thankful to be able to play the game of basketball and be in a game like this is something that I never take for granted."
Heading into retirement after the season, Bryant scored 10 points on 4-for-11 shooting while playing in his 18th and final All-Star game.
"I just want to thank you guys for all of your support for all these years," Bryant told the Toronto crowd and a global television audience.
"I've been extremely fortunate to be able to play the game that I love and be in the NBA for more than half my life.
"It's a thrill to be here in this All-Star Game so thank you for voting me in. I get a chance to be around these young players here, who when I first started playing most of them were my kids' age now.
"It feels so good to be able to speak to them about the game and to be able to share some of the knowledge that I have learned throughout my career to them so that they can carry on the tradition of the NBA and hopefully play 20 years themselves."
Chris Paul had 14 points and 16 assists for the West. Bryant left the game to a standing ovation with 1:06 to play.
Indiana Pacers forward Paul George led all scorers with 41 points for the East, one off Wilt Chamberlain's single-game record set in 1962.
Share
