Two-time NBA MVP Giannis Antetokounmpo has captured the Kobe Bryant MVP Award after going a perfect 16-of-16 from the field for a game high 35 points in Atlanta.

An excited Antetokounmpo told journalists that he had worked hard for the award and he was happy that the effort paid off.

“It’s fun. I was happy,” said Antetokounmpo. “I just love being around great players. It makes it easier to play with them.”

Antetokounmpo’s 16-for-16 game easily eclipsed the previous All-Star record of the Philadelphia 76ers’ Hal Greer, who went eight-of-eight in 1968. Antetokounmpo also made all three of his three point attempts.

James improved to 4-0 in All-Star games he has served as a team captain. He finished with four points in just 13 minutes of playing time.

“I always try to pick the right team, and I’ve been lucky enough for four years to pick the right team,” James said.

“Guys go out and compete and play to win. I’ve been on the winning side of all four.”

James’ participation in the annual showcase was at one time in doubt. Last month James slammed the NBA for holding the contest during the global pandemic calling it a “slap in the face.”

NBA commissioner Adam Silver responded to the criticism from James and others at a news conference earlier Sunday, saying the players he spoke to this weekend were in favor of holding the contest.

“It would have been a bigger deal not to have it,” Silver said. “I know that some players have made public comments suggesting they’d rather not be at All-Star. Many have told me directly they’re thrilled to be All-Stars.

“It should be judged, when people are looking back, as to what this meant to them as opposed to what some of the initial reactions were from the players.”

The 70th All-Star Game had a different feel to it because there were no fans in the arena due to the global pandemic.

But that didn’t stop the players from putting on a show at the State Farm Arena including a healthy dose of dunks, alley-oops, behind the back passes and long-range threes like the one by Lillard, who finished with 32 points.