East v/s West: Stuffing the Awards sheet

The NBA All-Star game starters have been announced. Unsurprisingly enough, Kobe Bryant led the vote race from start to finish. On the face of it, the West looks more likely to take this offensive exhibition, but stranger things have happened in All-Star games.Before the teams duel it on the court, let’s take a look at how the two starting lineups match up on the awards and recognitions’ front.

#1 NBA Championships

Kobe o’ Kobe! Kobe has as many rings as the East combined (5), and has more championships under his belt than the entire opposition unit combined (given that LeBron and D-Wade were part of the same Heat team that won back-to-back championships).

West: 7 championships

Kobe (2000, 2001, 2002, 2009, 2010), Leonard (2014), Curry (2015)

East: 3 championships

Wade (2006), Wade and LeBron (2012, 2013)

West 1 East 0

#2 NBA Finals MVP

This is a close one. Both sides have 3 NBA Finals MVP honors, with Kobe co-leading the pack (2) with LeBron. Kawhi Leonard and Wade with one apiece make it 3-3.

West: 3 NBA Finals MVPKobe (2009, 2010), Leonard (2014)

East: 3 NBA Finals MVP

Wade (2006), LeBron (2012, 2013)

West 1.5 East 0.5

#3 NBA MVP

If you’ve been wondering where LeBron will show his class, here it is. LeBron leads all starters in NBA season MVP honors with 4, and this time, repays the favor by having more MVP honors than the West combined (3).

West: 3 NBA MVP

Kobe (2008), Durant (2014), Curry (2015)

East: 4 NBA MVPLeBron (2009, 2010, 2012, 2013)

West 1.5 East 1.5

#4 Scoring Champions

A list containing the Durantula but not highlighting him. One of the most naturally gifted offensive players of all time, Kevin Durant ensures the West takes a lead in this Honors matchup. Durant with his 4 Scoring Titles, tops the East’s starting lineup.

West: 7 Scoring Titles

Kobe (2006, 2007), Durant (2010, 2011, 2012, 2014), Westbrook (2015)

East: 3 Scoring Titles

LeBron (2008), Wade (2009), Carmelo (2013)

West 2.5 East 1.5

#5 NBA All-Star Game appearances

Since we’re talking about the All-Star game, how could we ignore past appearances in it. Kobe for his gazillions of years in the NBA leads the pack at 17 excluding this year’s appearance, but this one is trickier than you think it would be.

West: 29

Kobe (17), Durant (6), Westbrook (4), Curry (2)

East: 33

LeBron (11), Wade (11), Carmelo (8), Paul George (2), Kyle Lowry (1)

West 2.5 East 2.5

#6 Offense fails where defense prevails

While we’ve primarily looked at offense-led honors so far, let’s take a step back and not hit the jumper, but look at some hard-ball D.

There is only one Defensive Player of the Year on this list, the reigning DPOY, Kawhi Leonard, and he is what possibly separates these two lineups, in this high-octane game.

West 3.5 East 2.5