Print
McGrady puts on passing clinic during West's rout
West 153, East 132
Adjust Font Size
RSS NEWS FEED
Damien Pierce
Rockets.com Staff Writer
Tracy McGrady didn't have one of his unstoppable scoring binges or throw down a dunk that is sure to be replayed on Sportscenter for the next two weeks.
He instead just did what he's been doing all season long in the 56th NBA All-Star Game.
McGrady once again showed off his passing skills Sunday night, delivering a game-high 11 assists as the Western Conference clobbered the East 153-132 at the Thomas & Mack Center in Las Vegas.
The West, which has been viewed as the superior of the two conferences since the season tipped off, once again offered proof that it has far more star power than its counterpart. The West drained an All-Star Game-record 69 field goals and was just three points shy of establishing a new scoring record in the NBA's showcase event.
Kobe Bryant picked up his second NBA All-Star Game MVP award with a game-high 31 points, six assists and six steals and Phoenix's Amare Stoudemire added 29 points. Cleveland's LeBron James, who was the MVP of last season's game in Houston, led the East with 28 points.
McGrady
canned three-of-eight shots from the floor to finish with eight points, but the Rockets' seven-time All-Star spent most of the night playing the role of point guard. With Steve Nash and Allen Iverson out with an injury, McGrady ignited the offense by kicking the ball out to open shooters after driving to the bucket and finding teammates streaking down the floor on a fast break.
McGrady's passing helped the West coast to a 39-31 advantage after the first quarter and the lead balooned to 23 points before taking a 79-59 lead into the break. The East never got much closer than that.
The Rockets star was involved in several light-hearted moments throughout the the game. Besides dancing during one timeout with Kevin Garnett, McGrady was on the receiving end of a kiss from Miami's Shaquille O'Neal. O'Neal planted the kiss on the top of the Houston star's head after throwing down a dunk as McGrady watched. McGrady jokingly wiped off his head after the playful moment.
