NBA All-Star 2015 Recap: Russell Westbrook Dominates, Wins MVP

By Cheri Cheng - 16 Feb '15 10:51AM

Russell Westbrook outshined a long list of All-Stars Sunday night at the Garden.

The point guard from the Oklahoma City Thunder led the West to a 163-158 victory over the East and won the All-Star MVP award after scoring 41 points. Westbrook was one point shy of tying Wilt Chamberlain's 53-year-old record.

Despite missing that record, Westbrook's hot hand set a new record of 27 points in the first half. Westbrook also became the third player ever to score at least 40 points in an All-Star game. Michael Jordon had 40 in 1988.

"I missed about six or seven layups. I could definitely have had it," Westbrook said, before adding, "It's definitely an honor to be grouped with those two guys."

"He's unbelievable," said Cleveland Cavaliers LeBron James. "He's an unbelievable talent in our league. His motor, his athleticism, his demeanor, about how he approaches the game, it's all great. And it's great for our league. He showed that tonight, showcased it on a big stage."

Golden State Warriors Stephen Curry, who won the three-point contest on Saturday, said, "It was a spectacular show of athleticism."

"He'll probably be thinking about one three-point missed, but I'm happy for him," Warriors Klay Thompson said. "He plays really hard all of the time. He has one speed."

Westbrook finished the night 16-for-28 in shooting from the floor and 5-for-9 from the three-point line.

"I was definitely excited to come and enjoy my weekend in New York, especially with Fashion Week going as well," he said. "I'm happy we won."

The 64th All-Star game smashed last year's numbers with its combined 321 points and 48 three-pointers. Last year, the players amassed a total of 318 points with 30 three-pointers.