The 33-year-old American Bryant fractured his nose in the third quarter after being hit in the face by Miami Heat guard Dwyane Wade. Wade was assessed a foul for reaching in and striking Bryant with just under nine minutes to go in the quarter. Bryant finished with 27 points and had 271 career all-star game points by the end of the 61st NBA All-Star Game. A bloodied Bryant stepped up to the free-throw line and sank both shots. He remained in the game, playing eight minutes in the fourth quarter and helping the West hold off a late charge by Team East to take it 152-149.