Ray Allen scored 28 points, including three straight 3-pointers in the last minutes and LeBron James added 27 as the East beat the West 134-128 in the 2008 NBA All-Star Game held in New Orleans on Sunday.

James, who slammed a powerful dunk for the go-ahead basket with 55 seconds left, was elected the Most Valuable Player of the game, capturing his second MVP award in the last three years. He also had eight rebounds and nine assists.

James was honored in 2006 in Houston after he sparked the East's big rally in a 122-120 victory.

Carmelo Anthony, Brandon Roy and Amare Stoudemire each had 18 points for the West, with hometown favorite Chris Paul adding 16 points and 14 assists.

Layups by Dwyane Wade and Allen boosted the lead to 131-125 and after Roy's three-pointer for the West, Allen clinched the win with three free throws.

(Xinhua News Agency February 18, 2008)