The 2012 NBA All-Star Game at Orlando’s Amway Center delivered a historic moment on Feb. 27 when Los Angeles Lakers guard Kobe Bryant became the event’s all-time leading scorer, moving past Michael Jordan on the career list.
Entering the night, Bryant needed 18 points to eclipse Jordan’s 262-point total compiled over 13 All-Star appearances. The milestone came late in the third quarter: Kevin Durant tipped a pass from LeBron James, sprinted the other way and fed Bryant for a two-handed breakaway dunk, pushing the Lakers star past Jordan.
Star-studded lineups
The Western Conference opened with a unit drawn from only three franchises—Bryant and Andrew Bynum (Lakers), Chris Paul and Blake Griffin (Clippers), plus Durant (Thunder). The East countered with Derrick Rose, Dwyane Wade, James, Carmelo Anthony and hometown favorite Dwight Howard, the leading overall vote-getter.
Fast start, tight finish
Guided by West coach Scott Brooks, the West raced to a 39-28 first-quarter lead and took an 88-69 cushion into halftime, leaving East coach Tom Thibodeau searching for stops. The East rallied after intermission, outscoring the West 80-64 over the final two periods, yet fell just short as the West prevailed 152-149.
Durant secured All-Star MVP honors with 36 points, seven rebounds, three assists and three steals. Bryant finished with 27 points, lifting his career All-Star total to 290 across 15 appearances, a mark that stood until James overtook it and now sits at 434 points in 21 selections.
Although the scoring record has since changed hands, Bryant’s 2012 performance remains a defining chapter in All-Star history, underscoring the long-running Jordan-Bryant comparison that shaped a generation of NBA debate.
Source: lakersnation.com
