Western conference's Yao Ming blocks Shaquille O'Neal (C) of Eastern Conference at the 55th NBA All-Star Game in Houston, Texas February 19, 2006. The East defeated the West 122-120.

Shaquille O'Neal (C) of Eastern Conference controls the ball in front of western conference's Yao Ming at the 55th NBA All-Star Game in Houston, Texas February 19, 2006. The East defeated the West 122-120.

    WASHINGTON, Feb. 19 (Xinhuanet) -- Led by Cleveland's LeBron James,the East fought back from trailing by 21 to a 122-120 victory overthe West in the 2006 NBA All-Star Game at Houston on Sunday.

    James, 21, became the youngest player to win the most valubable player (MVP) of the game, which featured only a little defense anda lot of alley-oop passes and thunderous slam dunks.

    The Cavaliers forward scored 29 points, including 15 in the third quarter when the East outscored the West 41-27 to get back on the court, and grabbed six rebounds.

    "It means a lot. The hard work and dedication has paid off," said James, who was playing in his second All-Star game.

    With the score tied at 120-all, Miami's Dwyane Wade, who finished with 20 points, put back a missed Allen Iverson jumper and hit the game-winning layup with 16 seconds left.

    Another Heat All-Star Shaquille O'Neal added 17 and Iverson 12 for the East, which has won the last two meetings and holds a 35-20 lead in the all-time series.

    Tracy McGrady, the Houston Rockets forward playing on his home court, led the West and all scorers with 36 points.

    Rockets' center Yao Ming, the leading All-Star vote getter, hadfive points and two rebounds as the modest Chinese star failed further to show his brilliance after a layup in opening time. Enditem

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