Anthony Davis Breaks All Star Game Records On Way To Game MVP
Pelicans All-Star Anthony Davis played hosted for All-Star game weekend in New Orleans, putting an exclamation on it with an MVP award and record breaking performance.
With a record setting 52 points and 10 rebounds, Davis accomplished a goal he wasn't shy about achieving.
"I said I wanted to win the MVP when it was announced New Orleans was hosting this All-Star game," said Davis. "I wanted to get this trophy for the city of New Orleans."
Davis and the Western conference All-Stars defeated the East 192-182. The previous scoring high in ASG history was 42 by Wilt Chamberlain in 1962.
"I'm happy for him, especially to play here in his hometown team city," said Oklahoma City Thunder All-Star Russell Westbrook, who finished with 41 points.
Scoring came easy, as neither side played much defense, a norm for the last decade and a half in the NBA's showcase of talent.
While the regular season has been rusty for the New Orleans Pelicans (23-34), All-Star game weekend kept the team in the headlines more than they've been all season.
In addition to being the host team and being represented by the ASG MVP, trade rumors began Sunday morning of a potential trade between the Sacramento Kings and New Orleans Pelicans that would send Kings All-Star center DeMarcus Cousins to the Pelicans in exchange for rookie Buddy Hield and a pair of first-round draft picks.
Cousins, who says he thinks of Davis as a little brother, only played 2 minutes on Sunday night.
New Orleans has been attached to trade rumors involving a number of centers in recent weeks, including Jahlil Okafor of the 76ers and Brook Lopez of the Nets.
Cousins is a superior talent to both, but does carry risk. He's struggled with controlling his emotions and technical fouls during his career in Sacramento. He also averaged over 27 points and 10 rebounds a game.
"I don't like playing the 5 (center)," said Davis on Sunday night. "The way our lineup is now, I have to, but I prefer playing the 4 (forward)."
UPDATE: Adrian Wojnarowski reports the Pelicans have agreed to trade Buddy Hield, Tyreke Evans, Langston Galloway a first round pick and a second round pick for Demarcus Cousins.
For full details on the Cousins trade, click here.