After leading third-quarter rally, LeBron wins MVP

HOUSTON – “The Chosen One” was an obvious choice for All-Star game MVP.

LeBron James led a big second-half comeback by the East on Sunday night, taking a victory away from the West and probably the MVP award away from hometown favorite Tracy McGrady.

James finished with 29 points in the East’s 122-120 victory while showing the all-around skills that have made him perhaps the NBA’s most talented young player. The 21-year-old Cleveland star became the youngest MVP of the game, surpassing Oscar Robertson.

“I was just showcasing my talent today and we got another win,” James said.

James added six rebounds, two assists and two steals. He needed only two tries to win the MVP award of the NBA’s showcase event. He finished with 13 points last year in the East’s win.

The West was seemingly in control of the game before James took over in the third quarter. He did nearly everything in a 10-0 run that gave the East a chance after it trailed by as many as 21 early in the period.

He grabbed a rebound that led to Dwyane Wade’s jumper, then dunked on the next trip. James then had steals on consecutive possessions, finding Allen Iverson for a jumper on the first one and then draining a 3-pointer that got the East within 85-78.

“I think Charles Barkley kick-started us,” James said. “I heard at halftime he said the game was over. I’d like to thank Charles for kick-starting us.”