WASHINGTON, D.C. - A last-second heave from James Harden fell short, giving D.C.'s Goodman League all-stars a thrilling 135-134 victory over Los Angeles' Drew League all-stars in front a sell-out crowd (and then some) at Trinity University in Washington.
Fans crawled into every seat, aisle and any other available space to see the game that featured top-notch NBA talent and an intensity that belied its exhibition status. In fact, many fans who bought tickets to the game were denied entry to the building after it reached its capacity; the number is rumored to be about 500 people.
Their misfortune was compounded by the thrilling hardwood spectacle that at times dazzled a capacity crowd, as Oklahoma City Thunder star Kevin Durant willed the Goodman team to victory with 44 points, including the game-winning free throws. He was named the game's MVP.
Durant consistently went head-to-head with Oklahoma City Thunder teammate James Harden, who often grabbed and shoved the prolific scorer while guarding him on the perimeter. Harden, along with Milwaukee Bucks guard Brandon Jennings, led a second-half run that gave the Drew League all-stars a six-point lead after trailing by 11 at the half.
However, in the end, LA's all-stars lacked the fire power to keep up with Durant, Washington Wizards point guard John Wall, and Sacramento Kings big man DeMarcus Cousins. All three had several highlight-reel sequences, including Cousins, who appeared to dominate Wizards center JaVale McGee for much of the second quarter.