The East team was behind by 5 after the first quarter, and started the fourth quarter down 4. It was this quarter which provided some welcome tension, particularly when Kobe Bryant and LeBron James started to play one-on-one. The elder Laker “won” the confrontation, twice blocking King James’ shot attempts. The East stars were striving to overcome a deficit which twice reached ten points, and ultimately proved too much.

Feb 17, 2013; Houston, TX, USA; Eastern Conference forward LeBron James (6) of the Miami Heat drives against Western Conference guard Kobe Bryant (24) of the Los Angeles Lakers during the second half of the 2013 NBA All-Star Game at the Toyota Center. Mandatory Credit: Brett Davis-USA TODAY Sports

In a game of giants, it was the smallest player, Chris Paul, who came up big. He earned the MVP, draining 20 points (including 4/5 from distance) and adding an absurd 15 assists, many of them slick and imaginative.

Let’s hope that next season we’ll have a Toronto Raptor to cheer for in this flashy affair.

Here’s a lengthy collection of game highlights for your pleasure.

Brian Boake is a co-editor for Raptors Rapture. “Like” Raptors Rapture on Facebook and follow us on Twitter @RaptorsRapture for all the latest news and updates about the best damn NBA team from Canada.