LOS ANGELES — The new format that scrapped East vs. West for Team LeBron vs. Team Stephen worked in big way. It raised the level of intensity, defense and winning spirit. And naturally it raised LeBron James to another level as he wound up as hero and MVP.
Sunday’s All-Star Game resembled basketball — with a heated crunch time, a long, controversial replay review in the final 1:16 and a symbolic Kyrie Irving-to-James old-time connection on the go-ahead hoop with 34 seconds left as Team LeBron eked out a 148-145 victory over Team Curry at Staples Center.
James finished with 29 points, 10 rebounds and eight assists and was named the game’s MVP for a third time. He became the sixth player in league history to win the award at least three times, joining Kobe Bryant (4), Bob Pettit (4), Oscar Robertson (3), Shaquille O’Neal (3) and Michael Jordan (3).
“It worked out for everybody — not only for the players, not only for the league, but our fans,’’ James said. “It was a great weekend and capped it off the right way. It had a real-game feel to it. Steph and I took it upon ourselves to change the landscape of the game.’’
With Team LeBron trailing by a point, Irving fed his old Cleveland running mate six months after their divorce. The play was designed for Russell Westbrook to drive and create. He got caught up in the air and fed the ball to Irving on the baseline. Irving quickly spotted James and shoveled it to him in the paint. King James hit a lefty runner over Draymond Green.
“I played with him a few times,’’ cracked Irving, who scored 13 points with nine assists and seven rebounds. “I cut backdoor. Russ was driving. I saw the opportunity even before Russ passed to me. LeBron was going to circle to the rim and he’s one of the best finishers at the rim. It was easy to drop it off to give us that lead. We’ve done it plenty of times before.’’
James said the Irving reunion was “phenomenal.’’
“Playing with Kyrie for so many games, if I just make myself available, he would find me,’’ James said. “That’s the beauty of being on the floor with a bunch of All-Stars.’’
Then came the frenetic final possession, Team Stephen failing to get off a shot down three. James and Kevin Durant hounded Curry with their long arms in the right corner. Curry (11 points, 4-of-14) tossed it to DeMar DeRozan (21 points) deeper in the corner. As the buzzer sounded right before DeRozan launched his shot, James ran down the court, arms in the air in celebration.
Durant had the odd feeling of shutting down his own teammate, Curry, on the final play.
“That was great defense by myself,’’ Durant said. “I’m patting myself on the back. [But] I don’t think we’ll do that [talk to Curry about bragging rights].’’
In an successful attempt to motivate the players, the winning team received $350,000 to donate to a charity of James’ choice — after-school programs in Los Angeles.
The final score last season was an embarrassing 192-182, forcing the format change.
“It was the right intensity,’’ said ex-Knicks coach Mike D’Antoni, who led Team Stephen.
Team LeBron rallied late in the fourth quarter from 10 points down. James’ 3-pointer tied the score at 144 with 1:30 left. DeRozan was fouled on a fast break with 40.2 seconds left and made 1-of-2 free throws to snap the tie before the Irving-to-James connection reminiscent of their days together in Cleveland.
Westbrook added the final touches with a fast-break hoop off a deep pass by James, who scored 10 fourth-quarter points.
The Staples Center crowd, without a Laker or Clipper in the game, seemed even more laid-back than normal despite the heated crunch time. At least the Knicks had a player voted in as a reserve — Kristaps Porzingis — but his first All-Star appearance was ruined when he tore his ACL. He is out at least nine to 10 months after undergoing surgery Tuesday. It was the first time a Knick hadn’t played in the All-Star Game since 2008-2009.
But Knicks president Steve Mills and general manager Scott Perry attended the game anyway and saw a great one.
“I think we showcased it with an incredible competitive spirit,’’ Irving said. “The game was getting away. But a few of us took it a little personal.”