New York Knicks star Carmelo Anthony was instrumental in the Eastern Conference coming back from an 18-point deficit in the second half en route to a 163-155 victory over the Western Conference in the 2014 NBA All-Star Game. Anthony set an All-Star game record by knocking down eight 3-pointers in helping the East earn its first All-Star game victory since 2010.
Anthony said going into All-Star weekend in New Orleans that he may not be able to enjoy it as much due to the struggles of the Knicks this season, but he seemed to have the time of his life while knocking 3-pointer after 3-pointer for the East.
Anthony finished with an All-Star career-high of 30 points while shooting 10-for-18 and adding five rebounds and two assists.
The Knicks have had a disappointing start to the season after owner James Dolan proclaimed them to be a championship contender prior to the start of the season. The Knicks went 20-32 before the All-Star break and currently sit 2-1/2 games out of the final playoff spot in the Eastern Conference, currently held by the Charlotte Bobcats.
Anthony admitted that even though the Knicks' struggles have weighed him down, he managed to enjoy the weekend.
"I've been telling you that it was going to be hard for me to try and enjoy this weekend but I did," Anthony told the New York Daily News. "I found a way."
The Knicks' struggles have led to rumors that head coach Mike Woodson may be fired or that the team will make a move to shakeup the roster before the NBA's trade deadline on Thursday. The Knicks may even bring in an All-Star to try and sway Anthony to stay when he becomes a free agent for the first time in his career this July.
Anthony wasn't the only star shining brightly in New Orleans as Cleveland Cavaliers point guard Kyrie Irving, 21, took home the MVP honors during the game over Anthony and such former MVPs like Dwyane Wade and LeBron James of the Miami Heat.
"It was definitely special, just being out there with all these great athletes," Irving said via ESPN. "There's so many different MVPs out there on that floor, and to be named MVP amongst all those great stars is truly an honor."
Irving, like James did when he was 21, will bring the All-Star MVP hardware back to Cleveland.
"It's a great accomplishment, bringing this [trophy] back to Cleveland," Irving told ESPN. "That's the most important thing."
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