It was the West over the East 129 to 125 in last night’s Jordan Brand classic as Kyrie Irving from Elizabeth, New Jersey provided the theatrics with a barrage of baskets in a late comeback that almost brought the East all the way back from a prior 20 point plus deficit. Irving looks like the second coming of Dr. J in style and play, of course for now the guard version as he lists at 6’2. He delighted the crowd with swirling surreal drives to the hoop and his outburst at the end of the game included back to back steals each with a converted basket of the inbounds pass and a near 40 foot three pointer off the bounce. Overall everybody looked good; Josh Shelby from Baltimore showed he is the offensive dynamo that can rule the court on that end of things. Tristan Thompson, now closer to 7 feet rather than his listed height of 6’10 looked extra special in dunking at will all game long. He is particularly quick and fleet of foot and this combined with extra height means he is unlikely to face a defense equal to the task unless maybe when he is in the pros. Harrison Barnes from Iowa who was named MVP for the West team, displayed a combination of offensive skills that was unstoppable, with sizzling drives to the hoop and a radar jump shot from any spot on the floor. At 6’8, very strong and an acrobatic high flyer, he scores at will. Deshaun Thomas from Indiana scored on just about every touch. Josh Smith a big 6.11 center from Washington dominated inside. Overall it was great to see this collection of talent together on the court in the Big Apple at Madison Square Garden.
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