Team LeBron defeats Team Stephen in 2018 All-Star Game

LeBron James is the first victorious All-Star Game captain in NBA history.

Team LeBron came from behind to down Team Stephen 148-145 in the 2018 NBA All-Star Game in Los Angeles - the first under the new format in which captains draft their own teams.

After trailing for the majority of the contest by as many as 15 points, James took matters into his own hands as he scored with 34.5 seconds remaining to break a tie and put his team up two. James then set up Russell Westbrook for another bucket, and teamed up with Kevin Durant to smother Stephen Curry on the final possession, forcing his side to run out of time before getting a shot up to tie the contest.

The Cleveland Cavaliers superstar finished with a game-high 29 points, 10 rebounds, and eight assists, and was crowned the All-Star Game MVP. Durant also stuffed the stat sheet with 19 points, six boards, five dimes, three steals, and a block.

Joel Embiid had 19 points, eight rebounds, and two blocks for Team Stephen, while local products DeMar DeRozan and Damian Lillard both chipped in 21 points apiece.

As the leading vote-getters from their respective conferences, James and Curry had the opportunity to hold a private playground-style draft to select their teammates. Team LeBron was considered the favorite, even after losing four players to injury. DeMarcus Cousins, John Wall, Kevin Love, and Kristaps Porzingis were replaced by Paul George, Andre Drummond, Goran Dragic, and Kemba Walker.

As was the goal with the revamped format - which also included more money on the line for the players and the charities they support - the game was considerably more competitive and entertaining than in years past, even featuring impassioned calls for review, key defensive stops, and intensity that made for a more meaningful affair.

Jimmy Butler of Team Stephen was the only All-Star to not play. The Minnesota Timberwolves star told coach Mike D'Antoni not to worry about getting him into the game for rest purposes, according to ESPN's Ramona Shelburne.