Every year, an up-and-coming player proves himself in the All-Star Game. Overshadowed by the Kevin Durant-Russell Westbrook drama, no one expected Anthony Davis to shatter the game’s scoring record. With fifty-two, the host city’s superstar broke Wilt Chamberlain’s fifty-five year old record of forty-two points. Eighteen of his twenty-six made field goals came off of dunks. Davis appeared dominant on his way to game MVP despite the lackluster defense he faced. However, the biggest highlight of the night was a lob from Kevin Durant to Russell Westbrook halfway into the first quarter. After heavy trash talk during the two’s last meeting, and Westbrook warming up on the opposite goal of his Western Conference teammates; the tension could have been cut with a knife. Many believed Westbrook would refuse to pass the ball to his former teammate. Instead, the Durant-Westbrook feud appears relinquished as their teammates were ecstatic after the alley-oop.

  Davis, Westbrook, and Durant were not the only electrifying players competing. The two teams threw down an incredible seventy-five dunks, toppling the NBA average per game of 19.  Raleigh-native and four time All-Star, John Wall, threw down a few exhilarating slams on his way to twelve points. Junior Henri Ruiz said, “I love how Wall has been representing Raleigh in the All-Star Game. It makes it so much more fun to watch.” Fan-favorite Giannis Antetokounmpo appeared to throw the ball in every possession on his way to thirty points, setting the tone on the defensive end as well, and blocking MVP Davis once. 5’9” Isaiah Thomas attempted and failed a self alley-oop off of the backboard only to recover the ball for an amazing three-pointer. LeBron James appeared down-to-earth, missing a few threes from the mid-court logo while still managing to score twenty-three points. Stephen Curry laid face-first on the ground, covering his ears, while he allowed Antetokounmpo to throw another one down. Big men threw up threes, little guys soared to the rim, and everyone had fun.

  The stars shined on Sunday as the teams scored 374 points combined, another new All-Star game record. The Western Conference maintained a ten point lead throughout the majority of the second half en route to their win. The players gave the fans exactly what they were looking for after a disappointing slam dunk contest Saturday night. A blockbuster trade even occurred during the game as Western All-Star Demarcus Cousins was sent to the New Orleans Pelicans to play alongside Davis. Though the game was originally scheduled in nearby Charlotte, NOLA held yet another memorable All-Star Weekend.