Game Recap: Where McGee makes a dunking spree. Kobe makes a toss to Rose. And Pacman almost stole the spectacle.

by sports_dude33 on Jul 25, 2011 3:24 AM MST

The Smart All-Stars leaved the Philippines with a 2-0 win-loss record against a PBA selection and the Smart Gilas Pilipinas, As expected Filipinos can’t match the taller and more talented NBA players. But the national team gave the NBA selection a scare in their 2nd exhibition game.

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1st game. Smart All-Stars Versus the PBA All-Stars

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It was a blowout, a cake walk. But it’s all about fun and entertainment. 18,000 plus fans witnessed a once in a lifetime show featuring thundering dunks, steals, ankle-breakers, blocks, fade-aways etc, It is simply awesome in every way. NBA players, dubbed the Smart All-Stars, easily ran the PBA selection, 131-105

The Smart All-Stars took the first quarter, 30-26, behind Durantula's nine early points. But the PBA All-Stars wouldn't come any closer after that. CP3 set up Bryant for a nasty alley-oop jam with a pass off the backboard that made it 39-32, With 5:45 left in the third, Kobe provided the highlight move of the night, tossing the ball underhand to the rim to set up Rose for a terrific slam that made it 90-66. The guests established their biggest lead with 7:00 left after a James Harden triple made it 121-86.

McGee led the Smart All-Stars with 25 points and some disgusting dunks and blocks, while Durant had 22, including 20 in the first half. Derrick Williams and Tyreke Evans chipped in 19 and 17, respectively. Bryant had 12. Fisher was the only NBA player who failed to score.

The scores:

Smart All-Stars (131) — McGee 25, Durant 22, Williams 19, Evans 17, Harden 16, Bryant 12, Paul 11, Rose 9, Fisher 0.

PBA All-Stars (105) — Santos 25, Pingris 9, Cabagnot 9, Mercado 8, David 8, Al-Hussaini 8, Norwood 7, Reyes 6, Caguioa 4, Thoss 4, Castro 4, Seigle 4, Intal 4, Fonacier 3, Tenorio 2, Yap 0.

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2nd Game. Smart All-Stars versus the Smart Gilas Pilipinas.

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The Filipino basketball enthusiasts at Araneta Coliseum truly got their money's worth as they not only saw NBA superstars in a close game with the Smart Gilas Pilipinas National Team, but were also treated to a sighting of pound-for-pound king Manny "Pacman" Pacquiao.

If yesterday's game at Araneta Coliseum was strictly for amusement purposes, this one was taken a little more seriously. Compared to their PBA counterparts, who were mesmerized and were just pleased to be on the same court as their NBA heroes, the team stuck to their promise of treating this as more than just an exhibition game. The crowd just appreciated the effort of the Nationals that fell short on their comeback.

The Mamba led all scorers with 17 points, and Dunking McGee and Kevin Durantula added 16 apiece for the NBA selection, which led 28-16 after the first quarter and 55-37 at the turn. The lead was 79-60 after three, prompting Bryant(playing coach) to pull out McGee and go with a smaller line-up.

By the 3rd period, it was clear that the visitors were taking the nationals seriously, as Kobe and Kevin Durant were seen posting up against their smaller defenders instead of settling for jumpshots.

Possibly inspired by Pacquiao's presence, JV Casio went on a hole, scattering 13 of his team-high 16 points in the fourth to fuel that comeback. His last triple cut the lead to 96-89, but there simply wasn't enough time left. Derrick Williams put an exclamation point on the game and this whole basketball extravaganza with a tomahawk jam for the final score.

The scores:

Smart All-Stars (98) — Bryant 17, McGee 16, Durant 16, Harden 15, Evans 9, Williams 8, Rose 6, Paul 6, Fisher 3.

Smart Gilas (89) — Casio 16, Douthit 14, Lutz 12, Hontiveros 11, Lassiter 9, Tiu 8, Aguilar 6, Williams 4, Ababou 4, Alapag 3, Baracael 2, Barroca 0, Taulava 0, Ballesteros 0.

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Post-game notes: (c/o ABS-CBN News and Yahoo Philippines)

After the game, it was the turn of a couple of NBA stars to become star-struck. Durant and Paul both approached Pacquiao and requested to have their picture taken with him.
Viloria was honored at halftime with a plaque of appreciation for winning the WBO flyweight championship last week. Telecommunications mogul Manny Pangilinan(MVP) and TV5 president Ray Espinosa presented Viloria with the plaque.
Some amusing signs held up by fans: "Kobe Marry Me", "We Want Scalabrine", "Kobe Marry My Wife", and "MVP Fix the Lockout".
Chris Paul of the New Orleans Hornets even tried to challenge the Pacman to a sparring session, but the Hornets point guard admitted that he will only last "15 seconds" against the boxing champion.
After the game, the NBA players were seen asking Pacquiao for his autograph, and all the players had their pictures taken with him.
Later, the visitors posted their pictures with Pacquiao on Twitter, with Paul's brother, CJ Paul, saying that Pacquiao was the "man with the fastest hands."
Derrick Williams, who earlier tweeted that he wanted to see Pacquiao, also posted a picture of himself and James Harden with the Filipino fighting congressman.
Dondon Hontiveros brought home perhaps the most coveted item: Bryant's playing jersey.