As first-time All-Star starter, Irving validates fan vote with 31 points, 14 assists, MVP

East Team's Kyrie Irving, of the Cleveland Cavaliers holds the All Star MVP trophy after the NBA All Star basketball game, Sunday, Feb. 16, 2014, in New Orleans.(AP Photo/Bill Haber) (The Associated Press)

East Team's Kyrie Irving, of the Cleveland Cavaliers speaks during a news conference with his All Star MVP trophy after the NBA All Star basketball game, Sunday, Feb. 16, 2014, in New Orleans. (AP Photo/Bill Haber) (The Associated Press)

NEW ORLEANS – Cleveland's Kyrie Irving rewarded NBA fans' judgment and offered a glimpse of how good he can be when surrounded by a good team.

Irving was selected the All-Star game most valuable player Sunday night after scoring 31 points, racking up 14 assists and playing with the energy required to help the Eastern Conference squad overcome an 18-point hole en route to a 163-155 victory.

Irving missed only three of the 17 shots he attempted, and all of those were from 3-point range, where Irving went 3 for 6.

Eastern Conference coach Frank Vogel says Irving's performance is a reminder that while winning is important, players shouldn't be judged too heavily by the records of the teams for which they play.

The Cavaliers are 20-33 at the All-Star break, 11th in the Eastern Conference.