Russell Westbrook, James Harden Combine For 17 Points in All-Star Game Victory
The NBA's change to the All-Star format paid major dividends on Sunday night, as Team LeBron beat Team Giannis 157-155 in an instant All-Star classic. But despite the late-game drama, the night may be one Russell Westbrook and James Harden hope to forget.
Houston's pair of MVPs combined for just 17 points on Sunday, shooting 5-19 from the field. Westbrook struggled mightily throughout, as the two-time All-Star Game MVP converted just two field goals in 27 minutes. It was a rough night for Westbrook, though certainly a less interesting one compared to Harden.
The 2017-18 MVP was consistently involved in the late-game drama on Sunday night. Harden hit a pair of free throws to give Team LeBron a 154-152 lead, bringing his team within three points of the clinching score of 157. He then had a chance to win the game two possessions later. Harden isolated Kyle Lowry on the perimeter, and he shook the Raptors' point guard to create space for a wide-open three. Harden buried the would-be winning triple, but there was one problem. The officials ruled Harden pushed off on Lowry, causing a rare All-Star Game offensive foul. The charge allowed Team Giannis to stay alive in crunch time.
KYLE LOWRY CLUTCH DRAWN CHARGE. NEVER CHANGE. pic.twitter.com/YgksqZdszB
— Bleacher Report (@BleacherReport) February 17, 2020
Harden had another chance to seal the win with Team LeBron up 156-153. He appeared to have an open lane for a layup, but chose to dish to former teammate Chris Paul, who clanked a 27-foot three. Harden's decision didn't cost his team, though, as Anthony Davis sealed the Team LeBron victory with a free throw to win 157-155.
And it all ends on a damn free throw by Anthony Davis
— the Sports ON Tap (@thesportsontap) February 17, 2020
pic.twitter.com/3GtuUEj7zb
🚀⭐️ @HoustonRockets teammates @russwest44 and @JHarden13 celebrate the win with @ChicagoScholars! #NBAAllStar pic.twitter.com/WRRi048hdn
— #NBAAllStar (@NBAAllStar) February 17, 2020
Westbrook and Harden will have a three-day break before joining the Rockets for a matchup against the Warriors on Feb. 20. Tip-off from the Chase Center in San Francisco is slated for 9:30 p.m. CT.