Former Laker Team mates Kobe Bryant and Shaq Oneal Named Co-MVPs in 2009 All-Star Game
The Shaq & Kobe Show made a return engagement Sunday night during the NBA All-Star Game at the U.S. Airways Center. Just like the old days, it was pure Hollywood. Playing on the same team for the first time since the acrimonious breakup of the Los Angeles Lakers after the 2003-04 season, Shaquille O’Neal and Kobe Bryant led the Western Conference to a 146-119 victory over the East. Bryant finished with a game-high 27 points on 13-for-23 shooting. O’Neal was far more efficient, finishing with 17 points and five rebounds in only 11 minutes.
Watch Co-MVPs Kobe Bryant and Shaquille O’Neal Video 2009 NBA All Star Game Despite their past problems, both seemed pleased that their Play It Again Tour ended with them sharing the game’s Most Valuable Player award. “The Big Legendaries,” said O’Neal. “I can’t say it any better than that,” laughed Bryant. If unhappy feelings linger between O’Neal and Bryant after the messy divorce in Los Angeles almost five years ago, they did not show in the All-Star fishbowl. The two clowned for the TV cameras while warming up, and O’Neal entertained the crowd with a well-choreographed dance during player introductions.
“I’m just happy to be here,” O’Neal said after the game. “It’s probably my last one. … Glad the coaches voted me in. Kobe was looking for me today. All the other guys were looking for me. Appreciate you. And I’m just happy to be here.” Before the game, Bryant refused to talk about being reunited with O’Neal and coach Phil Jackson in this game. Afterward, Kobe said, “It was fun. … But we are not going back to the room and watch ‘Steel Magnolias’ or something like that. You know what I’m saying — crying and all that stuff. We had a good time. That’s it.”
By finishing with 27 points, Bryant moved into seventh place among All-Star Game scorers. He has 207 points in 11 games. With his 17 points, O’Neal passed Wilt Chamberlain for eighth place on the all-time list. He has scored 202 points in his 12 All-Star appearances. “It felt like old times,” Shaq said. “I miss those times. Bryant was really looking for me, especially when we went to the pick-and-roll. He was really looking for me.” After the East built a 20-10 lead, however, O’Neal entered the game and improved things immediately. The West started moving the ball, everyone on the floor got involved and the result was a 22-3 run that produced a 32-23 lead. O’Neal scored six points and handed out three assists in the final 6½ minutes of the first quarter. Bryant had five points during the game’s most lopsided stretch that put the West in command. “I’ll tell you what,” said East coach Mike Brown. “Those two guys together, that’s a deadly combination. If they had stayed together, no telling how many more rings they would have on their fingers and toes. Read the complete The Salt Lake Tribune article >
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