All-Star Game Ends In Boredom

Six straight free-throws mar what was a pretty competitive contest. Dirk Nowitzki was second on the West team in scoring with 22 points. (AP Photo/Jed Jacobsohn, Pool)

With 1:05 left in the fourth quarter and the game tied 137-137, TNT cameras panned out to show what was earlier in the night a record setting crowd at 108,713.

Unfortunately, it seems, fans at the game would rather have beaten traffic than to see who won as you could see many empty seats. It turned out to be a smart move, though, as referees decided to get involved and then Western Conference coach George Karl decided to draw-up a give-up play designed for Carmelo Anthony to end it.

Anthony led the West squad with 27 points and 10 rebounds on 13-22 shooting, but his off-balance shot from about 28-feet out was short as the buzzer sounded. Dwyane Wade, the game's MVP, led the East with 28 points and 11 assists, while Lebron James scored 25. James and Wade combined to score 12 of the East's final 19 points.

Dallas Connections

Dallas native Chris Bosh made the game-winning free throws and finished with 23 points and 10 rebounds. Bosh was 9-16 from the floor for the game.

Deron Williams scored 14 points, dished out six assists and had three steals for the game and got the West squad running as soon as he was put into the game. Williams did make a bone-headed play at the end of the game, intentionally fouling Dwyane Wade with 12 seconds left in a tie game. It appeared as though The Colony native forgot what the score was as you could see Nowitzki in the background screaming "NO!".

Dirk Nowitzki, the star of the show, scored 22 points on 8-15 shooting. Nowitzki had a chance to win it with seven seconds left but he couldn't get the ball in the air after being fouled by Dwight Howard behind the three-point line. The Mavs MVP scored six points in the fourth quarter, all on free throws in the last three minutes.

The dunk contest blew and the All-Star Game could have ended better, but all-in-all a great event and showcase for Cowboys Stadium.

The real thing starts Tuesday against the Oklahoma City Thunder. Caron Butler will start at shooting guard and Brendan Haywood will likely start at center as the Mavericks will show-off their recent additions for the first time.