East bests West 122-120 in 55th NBA All-Star
(AP)
Updated: 2006-02-20 13:42

After playing to a 28-28 first-quarter tie, the West outscored the East 42-25 in the second quarter to take a 70-53 halftime lead.

Western Conference center Yao Ming (L) and guard Steve Nash (R) battle Eastern Conference center Shaquille O'Neal for a rebound during first half action at the 55th NBA All-Star Game in Houston, Texas, February 19, 2006. [Reuters]

The West was sparked by the 26-year-old McGrady, appearing in his sixth All-Star game. He said last week that his performance has suffered because of personal problems that he has declined to discuss publicly. But he seemed loose during the game, scoring 17 first-half points on 8-of-12 shooting from the floor.

"I've finally got a peace of mind," McGrady said during a halftime television interview. "I'm coming out here and enjoying this weekend."

The East rallied in the third quarter, outscoring the West 41-27 behind James of the Cleveland Cavaliers to cut the deficit to 97-94 entering the final quarter.

Then the Pistons provided another spark. The East pulled even at 97 when Billups was fouled on a layup and converted the free throw for a three-point play. And the East surged ahead on a jumper by Rasheed Wallace.

The Pistons' finest moment came on a 3-on-1 fast break that culminated in Billups' layup to give the East a 105-101 lead.