Team Stripes didn’t ease into this one. They detonated it.
Behind a surreal burst from Kawhi Leonard, Team Stripes eliminated Team World with a 48-45 win Sunday night, setting up a rematch with Team Stars for the All-Star title.
Leonard finished with 31 points in just 12 minutes, turning the game on its head with a flurry of jumpers, pull-ups, and catch-and-shoot threes in his home building at Intuit Dome.
He shot 11-of-13 from the field and 6-of-7 from three, essentially deciding the outcome by himself during a stretch when the game stopped feeling like an exhibition.
Team World got strong performances from Victor Wembanyama, who scored 19 points on efficient shooting, and Jamal Murray, who added eight and four assists. Pascal Siakam chipped in six, but World couldn’t keep pace once Leonard caught fire.
LeBron James and Kevin Durant played supporting roles for the Stripes, while Jalen Brunson knocked down a pair of threes to help steady things.
Three games in, the new format continues to deliver real urgency. And now, a fitting finish.
Stripes and Stars, one more time.
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