As first-time All-Star starter, Irving validates fan vote with 31 points, 14 assists, MVP
{{#rendered}} {{/rendered}}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.
{{#rendered}} {{/rendered}}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.