"You can't help but have a good time at an event like this," said West head coach Ron La Bar.  "But, our guys lost this game last year and really wanted to go home with the win."

The East got off to a quick start, but cold shooting plagued the team and despite a furious second-half comeback, the deficit was too much to overcome.  Both teams treated the crowd to a fantastic athletic display that included several no-look passes and some awe-inspiring acrobatic baskets.

Chuck Gill (Golden State Road Warriors) was named MVP for the winning team.  Gill, Jeff Griffin (Utah Wheelin' Jazz) and Luis Blancas (L.A. Clippers Chairmen) all scored 12 points in the victory.  East MVP Bobby Nickleberry (Dallas Mavericks) led his team with 15 points and teammate Jeff Glasbrenner (Dallas Mavericks) added 14 points.

"This is a great showcase for our sport," said Gill.  "It's a chance for us to show our abilities, not focus on our disabilities."

NBA Legend JoJo White and former WNBA star Ruthie Bolton acted as honorary coaches for the East and Lynette Woodard, the first female member of the Harlem Globetrotters, joined NBA Legend David Thompson as honorary coaches for the West.

"Everything that the NBA brings to the table is so impressive," said East head coach Dave Kiley.  "From the youth clinic they host with us on Thursday to all the festivities surrounding the All-Star Classic, it shows that this event really means a lot to them."

Also adding to the evening's entertainment, six NBA/NWBA All-Stars competed at halftime to become the Guinness World Record holder for most free-throws made from a wheelchair in one minute.  Griffin, Gill, Glasbrenner, Paul Schulte (Dallas Mavericks), Jay Nelms (Dallas Mavericks) and Trooper Johnson (Golden State Road Warriors) all had a shot at the record and the contest ended in a tie.  Griffin and Johnson each made 25 free throws and both will be named in the Guinness Book of World Records.

"It's an honor to be in the Guinness Book of World Records," said Griffin. "That really made the event even more special for me and more fun for the fans."

The National Wheelchair Basketball Association is comprised of over 200 basketball teams within 22 conferences.  The NWBA was founded in 1948, and today consists of men's, women's, intercollegiate and youth teams throughout the United States and Canada.  The NBA/NWBA All-Star Wheelchair Classic has been part of the NBA's All-Star week since 1998.

Team Rosters

EAST

Jeff Glasbrenner - Dallas Wheelchair Mavericks
Paul Schulte - Dallas Wheelchair Mavericks
Jason Nelms - Dallas Wheelchair Mavericks (Division II)
Carlos Ocasio - Miami Heat Wheels
Jake Counts - Milwaukee Wheelchair Bucks
Allen Champagne - New Orleans Hornets
Michael Francis - Looney Magee Sixers
Juan Woidtke - Cleveland Cavaliers
David Snowden - New York Knicks
Eddie Lopez - New York Knicks
Donnie Langford - Charlotte Rollin' Bobcats
Bobbie Nickleberry - Dallas Wheelchair Mavericks (Division II)
Dave Kiley - Coach

WEST

Rob Knight - Denver Rolling Nuggets
William Arriaga - LA Fast Breakin Lakers
Chuck Gill - Golden State Warriors
Trooper Johnson - Golden State Warriors
Jeff Griffin - Utah Wheelin' Jazz
Luis Blancas - L.A. Clippers
Christina Ripp - Denver Rolling Nuggets
Paul "Taz" Capasso - Denver Rolling Nuggets
Tommy Schroeder - Phoenix Suns
Mike Garafola - L.A. Lakers
Ron La Bar - Coach