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Kobe Bryant of USA during the Mens Basketball Preliminary Round, Group A match between USA and Tunisia as part of the 2012 London Olympic Summer Games at the Basketball Arena, Olympic Park, London, England, UK on August 31st, 2012. Photo: Gary Prior/Visionhaus (Photo by Ben Radford/Corbis via Getty Images)
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Kobe Bryant of USA during the Mens Basketball Preliminary Round, Group A match between USA and Tunisia as part of the 2012 London Olympic Summer Games at the Basketball Arena, Olympic Park, London, England, UK on August 31st, 2012. Photo: Gary Prior/Visionhaus (Photo by Ben Radford/Corbis via Getty Images)
Since his tragic passing last year, the NBA All-Star Game has become synonymous with Kobe Bryant. His association is a huge motivation factor for the players who now go out on the court, play hard, and compete to win just like the late great mamba did.
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It did the trick for Chris Paul, as well. He was chosen after transforming the fortunes of the once-beleaguered Phoenix Suns. And he put an absolute show for this exhibition event, recording 8 points. More importantly, he also had 16 assists, which also made him the all-time leader in the history of the NBA All-Star game in that category.
USA Today via Reuters
Mar 7, 2021; Atlanta, Georgia, USA; Phoenix Suns guard Chris Paul (3) competes during the NBA All-Star Skills Challenge at State Farm Arena. Mandatory Credit: Dale Zanine-USA TODAY Sports
So, what inspired him to perform so him? Of course, it was Kobe.
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“Shout out to my brother, the late Kobe Bryant. I only know one way to play and that’s to win, you know what I mean. So, we kept talking about it over there. It’s a game, everyone wants to stay healthy but we want to win.”
“So, we competed and we won,” said Chris Paul in the aftermath of the game.
Giannis’ reaction to winning Kobe Bryant NBA All-Star Game MVP Award
However, Chris Paul’s own outstanding performance was trumped by Giannis Antetokounmpo. CP3 wasn’t the only one making NBA history yesterday night. The Greek Freak joined the party by going a perfect 16-16 from the field. In the process, becoming the player with the best field goal percentage in an All-Star Game ever.
Naturally, he took all the plaudits and the award too in the post-game ceremony. He won the Kia NBA All-Star Game MVP 2021 and could not contain his jubilation. He had this say after taking home an award named after his idol –
“Having an award named after Kobe Bryant in my house is a great feeling… I know he would be happy.”
USA Today via Reuters
Mar 7, 2021; Atlanta, Georgia, USA; Team LeBron forward Giannis Antetokounmpo of the Milwaukee Bucks (34) reacts to being named the MVP of the 2021 NBA All-Star Game at State Farm Arena. Mandatory Credit: Dale Zanine-USA TODAY Sports
Yes, he would be very happy indeed. Giannis also went 3-3 from the three-point line. He helped Team LeBron win the game convincingly 170-150 over an under-manned Team Durant. Now, his focus will turn back to the regular season with the Bucks.
Read More – ‘I Don’t Care Who’s the MVP’: Giannis Antetokounmpo Calls LeBron James the Best Player in the World
