Washington Wizards: Bradley Beal rocks in the 2018 NBA All-Star Game

Beal and Team LeBron

Of course when selected by the best player in the world—LeBron James—to be on his squad, it’s quite the honor. On the other hand, it’s hard to stand out when playing alongside the “King”.

However, Beal would make his presence known.

Defense wasn’t optional this year and the game was also very physical. There were two fouls very early in the first quarter. With both teams playing with a lot of energy.

Beal would enter the game with almost six minutes left in the first quarter. After the behind-the-back pass from James, he would flush in the dunk.

Beal would also share point guard duties pushing the ball up the court, and would later knock down his signature three-pointer.

Team Stephen ended the first stanza in the lead, 42-31.

However, the second quarter was a different story with Kevin Durant, Kemba Walker and James all knocking down threes to close in on the lead.

While on Team Stephen, Joel Embiid would have a deep three and then the block on the other end.

Beal would return with a little more than two minutes left in the second quarter, and he would hit a corner three.

He would make every minute count. Ending the first half with eight points in eight minutes. Shooting 3-for-5 from the field, including two shots from 3-point range.

The competitive game went into halftime. Team LeBron was only down by two points — 78-76.

With 6:04 left in the third quarter, Beal would return. The score was 95-91 with Team Stephen still holding a narrow lead.

Beal would hit back-to-back threes to put Team LeBron in the lead 107-105, in a little over one minute left to play.

His efficiency continued, now he tallied 14 points in his 14 minutes of play, including four shots from 3-point range.

However, the third frame would end with Team Stephen up 112-109.

Beal would play the first three-minutes of the fourth quarter. Although he was in his favorite spot on the three-point line waiting for the rock, the ball didn’t swing his way.

Team LeBron was down 10 points at the 6:05 mark, 133-123. By this time Russell Westbrook only had three points in 23 minutes of play. But he and Kyrie Irving would make crucial baskets down the stretch.

With 2:14 it would be one point game. Team LeBron is now only down, 142-141.

At the 1:27 mark, James would knock down the three to knot it up 144-144.

Unfortunately, the refs missed the call after the ball went off Embiid’s foot out-of-bounds. They incorrectly called the ball making contact with Kevin Durant‘s foot, and would give Team Stephen the possession.

There’s 10.7 seconds left in regulation and Team LeBron is now up 148-145. Team Stephen has possession and a three would send this game into overtime.

Stephen Curry was double-teamed and couldn’t get his shot off.

Team LeBron with the win, 148-145. It was a thoroughly exciting game.

Bradley Beal had an excellent showing in his first appearance, and here’s to many more to come.

Each team received money for their respective charity. While James with 29 points won the All-Star MVP.

The Wizards return to action on Thursday taking on “Team LeBron” and the Cleveland Cavaliers.