- LeBron James and Kevin Durant each scored 36 points in the 2012 NBA All-Star Game.
- Michael Jordan had the first 40-point game in an All-Star Game in over 20 years in 1988.
- Tim Duncan and Shaquille O’Neal were named co-All-Star Game MVPs in 2000.
The NBA odds of many teams winning games hinge on the performance of their All-Stars.
The All-Stars who help their teams win the most games and maximize their championship basketball odds generally earn a spot in the All-Star Game.
With that said, what are the best NBA All-Star Games of all time? Let’s take a look.
7 Best NBA All-Star Games in League History
1. 2003 NBA All-Star Game
The Western Conference defeated the Eastern Conference 155-145 in a double-overtime thriller.
The duel between the East’s Michael Jordan (20 points and five assists) and West’s Kobe Bryant (22 points, seven rebounds, and six assists) stole the plot, signifying a passing of the torch moment.
Vince Carter sacrificed his spot in the East’s starting lineup to allow Jordan to start in his final All-Star Game.
Kevin Garnett (West) earned All-Star Game MVP after posting 37 points, nine rebounds, five steals, three assists, and one block.
2. 2012 NBA All-Star Game
The East’s LeBron James (36 points, seven assists, six rebounds) and West’s Kevin Durant (36 points, seven rebounds, and three assists) went bucket for bucket in a nail-biting 152-149 win for the West, foreshadowing the many exciting battles to come between the two faces of the league.
Bryant added 27 points. Durant was named All-Star Game MVP.
3. 1988 NBA All-Star Game
Jordan dropped the first 40-point game in an All-Star Game in over 20 years, proving he was ready to become the face of the NBA in a 138-133 victory for the East. He also had eight rebounds and three assists, winning All-Star Game MVP.
MJ finished that season as the MVP and Defensive Player of the Year, a rare feat.
4. 2001 NBA All-Star Game
The West was up by 21 points with nine minutes left in the game, but Allen Iverson carried the East on his 6-foot frame to power his squad to a narrow 111-110 win, scoring 15 of his 25 points in that span. He also dished out five assists and won All-Star Game MVP.
Carter and Ray Allen added 16 points and 15 points, respectively for the East.
5. 2016 NBA All-Star Game
Bryant scored just 10 points in his final All-Star Game, but a new generation of stars showed out in the West’s 196-173 blowout win.
Russell Westbrook earned All-Star Game MVP after putting up 31 points, eight rebounds, and five assists. Stephen Curry added 26 points and six assists. Anthony Davis and James Harden chipped in 24 and 23 points, respectively.
Paul George (East) had a game-high 41 points.
6. 2000 NBA All-Star Game
The NBA’s three most dominant big men of the 2000s made their mark, leading the West to a 137-126 win.
Tim Duncan (24 points, 14 rebounds, and four assists) and Shaquille O’Neal (22 points, nine rebounds, and three assists) were named co-All-Star Game MVPs. Garnett added 24 points, 10 rebounds, and five assists.
7. 2017 NBA All-Star Game
The West won 192-182, as they got two all-time great performances in one night.
Davis, who was the All-Star Game MVP, went off for 52 points and 10 rebounds while Westbrook contributed 41 points, seven assists, and five rebounds.
Durant and Curry dropped 21 points apiece.
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