ORLANDO, Fla. — LeBron James’ late-game miscues now extend to the NBA All-Star Game.
After scoring 36 points and igniting a wild Eastern Conference comeback, James had one last chance to win it and cap the night.
But after the East got the offensive rebound off Deron Williams’ 3-point clank, James received the ball at the perimeter with five seconds left, trailing by two points. Instead of looking to shoot, James threw a wild crosscourt pass intended for Dwyane Wade that was easily picked off by Blake Griffin.
That was the ball game as the West won 152-149 before a mostly quiet crowd at Amway Center. James hit six of eight 3-pointers and had seven assists, but seemed genuinely dejected.
“I can’t turn the ball over like that,” James said. “I let my team down. But, overall, it was a great weekend.”
James said he thought he saw his guy open.
“I seen my teammate open for a split-second and I didn’t release the ball,’’ James said. “When I tried to throw it late, that’s what usually happens and it results in a turnover. Definitely wish I could have that one back.’’
James said Kobe Bryant, who was defending him, was yelling at him to shoot. Bryant did not talk afterward because of headache symptoms after he took a blow to the head during the game.
The final count set an All-Star record for most points for a regulation game. The West set an All-Star Game record with 88 first-half points.
Carmelo Anthony, the Knicks’ lone All-Star, finished with 19 points and nine rebounds, aided the comeback in the fourth but missed his final two shots. Anthony shot 7-of-15 and missed all three of his 3-pointers.
“It definitely was fun especially toward the end,’’ Anthony said. “The way we came back, we had a chance to take the lead and win the game.’’
Kevin Durant took MVP honors with 36 points. Bryant became the all-time leading scorer in All-Star history, surpassing Michael Jordan, and finished with 27 points. Orlando host Dwight Howard had a quiet nine points.
The Western Conference set an All-Star Game record by scoring 88 points in the first half, with a series of fast-break alley-oop dunks and no defense,despite the East being coached by defensive guru Tom Thibodeau. The old first-half record was 87 points by the West in 1989.
The dunkfest that this event has sadly become has even swallowed up Thibodeau and Howard, the reigning Defensive Player of the Year.
You couldn’t even blame Anthony for the lack of defensive energy by the East. He made two first-quarter steals in breaking up alley-oop feeds.
“The first half of All-Star Games always get like that,’’ said Anthony, who left for New York late last night. “Then when it comes down to crunch time, you see the competitive spirit coming out.’’
The East rallied from a 21-point deficit and made it a game down the stretch, but the rally ended with James’ passing on the big shot.
Some things never change.