Wade, James combine for 40 points but East loses 143-138

The game was relatively close throughout, but the Eastern Conference All-Stars couldn't close in on the game late in a 143-138 loss to the Western Conference All-Stars in the 2013 NBA All-Star game on Feb. 17.

Dwyane Wade scored 21 points, LeBron James added 19 and Chris Bosh scored six in the loss. James and Wade played 30 and 28 minutes, respectively. Veteran Boston Celtics forward Kevin Garnett played only six minutes.

Wade shot 10-f-13 from the field with seven assists while James shot 7-of-18 with five assists. There was some excitement at the end of the game when Kobe Bryant blocked a James jumpshot, which is the second All-Star game in a row in which James and Bryant have a signature moment late in the contest. Unfortunately, it didn't work in James' favor.

But James should sleep well knowing that the Heat beat the Lakers twice in the regular season and he is by far, the better player, regardless of the tiring debate about the two stars.

Heat coach Erik Spoelstra, who coached the game for the first time, let out a smirk in pre-game introductions. That was his highlight.

All-Star game MVP Chris Paul scored 20 points and had 15 assists in the game, edging Kevin Durant's 30-point performance for the hardware.

The Heat will resume play on Wednesday, Feb. 20 at Atlanta when they face the Hawks on the road.