2019 NBA All-Star Game: 4 Takeaways from a win for Team LeBron

CHARLOTTE, USA - FEBRUARY 17: LeBron James (R) is introduced before the Team LeBron vs Team Giannis at the 68th NBA Allstar 2019 at Spectrum Arena in Charlotte, NC, United States on February 17, 2019. (Photo by Peter Zay/Anadolu Agency/Getty Images)
CHARLOTTE, USA - FEBRUARY 17: LeBron James (R) is introduced before the Team LeBron vs Team Giannis at the 68th NBA Allstar 2019 at Spectrum Arena in Charlotte, NC, United States on February 17, 2019. (Photo by Peter Zay/Anadolu Agency/Getty Images)
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2019 NBA All-Star Game
(Photo by Joe Murphy/NBAE via Getty Images)

Kevin Durant continues to show why he’s changing the landscape of the NBA

There was a reason why LeBron James picked Kevin Durant first. It’s because the man can close out basketball games better than anyone in the world. He didn’t disappoint and collected another statue and MVP to add to the Hall of Fame resume.

In 25 minutes, Kevin Durant scored 31 points, grabbed 7 rebounds and had 2 assists and steals. Durant is so skilled and smooth it’s almost not fair. What Giannis does with power, Durant just does with ease. He scored his points on a wildly efficient 10-for-15 from the floor overall and 6-for-9 from the 3-point line. On top of that, he hit all of his free throws. Outside of his off and on relationship with the media, does the man do anything wrong?

Many people (Myself included…) believed Giannis deserved the MVP. But here’s the play that took it away from him…

With Team LeBron up eight and Team Giannis trying to make a final push, the ball ends up in Kevin Durant’s hand for a fadeaway 3-pointer with a hand in his face. Just sometimes you have to shake a man’s hand and give him the trophy.