1987 NBA ALL-STAR GAME - FINAL SCORE
WEST 154 - EAST 149 (OT)
Tom Chambers: 34 Points, 4 Steals | All-Star Game MVP
1987 NBA All-Star Game Recap
The 37th NBA All-Star Game was played on February 8, 1987, at the Kingdome in Seattle, Washington. Before 34,275 spectators, the Western Conference defeated the Eastern Conference 154-149 in overtime. Seattle SuperSonics forward Tom Chambers, who had been added to the roster as an injury replacement, scored a game-high 34 points and was named the NBA All-Star Game Most Valuable Player.
The game was one of the most entertaining contests in NBA All-Star history. The two conferences combined for 303 points, establishing a new All-Star Game scoring record at the time. The teams also combined to make 71 free throws, another event record. With numerous lead changes, outstanding individual performances and an overtime finish, the contest became one of the defining All-Star Games of the 1980s.
The Eastern Conference opened with a 33-29 first-quarter advantage, but the West answered by outscoring the East 41-32 in the second quarter. That gave the Western Conference a 70-65 halftime lead. The East responded with a 42-point third quarter, taking a 107-100 advantage into the final period.
The Western Conference fought back in the fourth quarter behind the scoring of Chambers, James Worthy and Rolando Blackman. The West outscored the East 40-33 in the period, tying the game at 140-140 and forcing overtime. The Western Conference then scored 14 points to the East's nine in the extra period to secure the five-point victory.
Chambers was the central figure in the victory. The Seattle forward made 13 of his 25 field goal attempts, including two three-pointers, and converted six free throws. He also contributed four rebounds, two assists and four steals. Chambers had not originally been selected for the Western Conference roster but received an opportunity when Houston Rockets forward Ralph Sampson withdrew because of injury.
Dallas Mavericks guard Rolando Blackman delivered one of the game's most important performances off the bench. Blackman scored 29 points, making nine of his 15 field goal attempts and 11 of 13 free throws. His scoring helped the West overcome the Eastern Conference's third-quarter surge and remain competitive late in regulation.
Los Angeles Lakers forward James Worthy added 22 points and eight rebounds, making 10 of 14 shots. Magic Johnson contributed nine points, seven rebounds, 13 assists and four steals. Johnson's passing was especially important in creating opportunities for Chambers and the other Western Conference scorers.
Houston Rockets center Hakeem Olajuwon recorded 10 points, 13 rebounds and three blocked shots. Kareem Abdul-Jabbar added 10 points and eight rebounds, while Golden State Warriors guard Sleepy Floyd scored 14 points. The West received scoring contributions from 11 of its 12 players.
The Eastern Conference was led by Washington Bullets center Moses Malone, who scored 27 points and grabbed a game-high 18 rebounds. Philadelphia 76ers forward Julius Erving added 22 points in what would be his final NBA All-Star Game appearance. Boston Celtics forward Larry Bird finished with 18 points, six rebounds and five assists.
Kevin McHale and Isiah Thomas each contributed 16 points off the Eastern Conference bench. McHale also recorded four blocked shots, while Thomas distributed nine assists. Chicago Bulls guard Michael Jordan, returning to the All-Star Game after missing the 1986 contest because of injury, finished with 11 points and four assists.
The Eastern Conference shot 52.3 percent from the field, compared with 45.1 percent for the West. However, the Western Conference attempted 50 free throws and made 39, while the East converted 32 of 41 attempts. The West also made five three-pointers compared with one for the East, helping offset its lower overall shooting percentage.
All-Star Weekend in Seattle also featured two notable individual competitions. Michael Jordan won his first NBA Slam Dunk Contest, defeating Jerome Kersey in the final round, while Larry Bird captured his second consecutive NBA Three-Point Shootout championship.
For Seattle basketball fans, the game was particularly memorable because Chambers earned MVP honors in front of his home crowd. His performance transformed an unexpected injury replacement into the star of one of the highest-scoring and most dramatic All-Star Games in league history.
1987 NBA All-Star Game Information
Date: February 8, 1987
Location: Seattle, Washington
Arena: Kingdome
Attendance: 34,275
Winning Team: Western Conference, 154-149 (OT)
Most Valuable Player: Tom Chambers, Seattle SuperSonics
Eastern Conference Coach: K.C. Jones, Boston Celtics
Western Conference Coach: Pat Riley, Los Angeles Lakers
Officials: Jess Kersey and Hue Hollins
Most Fan Votes: Michael Jordan, Chicago Bulls (1,141,733)
Television: CBS
1987 NBA All-Star Game Score by Quarter
| Conference | 1st | 2nd | 3rd | 4th | OT | Final |
|---|
| Western Conference | 29 | 41 | 30 | 40 | 14 | 154 |
| Eastern Conference | 33 | 32 | 42 | 33 | 9 | 149 |
Western Conference All-Stars - 154 Points
Head Coach: Pat Riley, Los Angeles Lakers
| Player | Team | MIN | FG | 3PT | FT | REB | AST | STL | BLK | PTS |
|---|
| Starters |
| Magic Johnson | Los Angeles Lakers | 34 | 4-10 | 0-0 | 1-2 | 7 | 13 | 4 | 0 | 9 |
| Tom Chambers (MVP) | Seattle SuperSonics | 29 | 13-25 | 2-3 | 6-9 | 4 | 2 | 4 | 0 | 34 |
| James Worthy | Los Angeles Lakers | 29 | 10-14 | 0-0 | 2-2 | 8 | 3 | 1 | 0 | 22 |
| Hakeem Olajuwon | Houston Rockets | 26 | 2-6 | 0-0 | 6-8 | 13 | 2 | 0 | 3 | 10 |
| Alvin Robertson | San Antonio Spurs | 16 | 2-5 | 0-0 | 2-2 | 2 | 1 | 0 | 0 | 6 |
| Reserves |
| Kareem Abdul-Jabbar | Los Angeles Lakers | 27 | 4-9 | 0-0 | 2-2 | 8 | 3 | 0 | 2 | 10 |
| Rolando Blackman | Dallas Mavericks | 22 | 9-15 | 0-0 | 11-13 | 4 | 1 | 0 | 0 | 29 |
| Sleepy Floyd | Golden State Warriors | 19 | 4-7 | 1-3 | 5-7 | 5 | 1 | 1 | 0 | 14 |
| Joe Barry Carroll | Golden State Warriors | 18 | 1-7 | 0-0 | 2-2 | 6 | 0 | 0 | 1 | 4 |
| Mark Aguirre | Dallas Mavericks | 17 | 3-6 | 1-2 | 2-3 | 2 | 1 | 0 | 0 | 9 |
| Walter Davis | Phoenix Suns | 15 | 3-12 | 1-1 | 0-0 | 2 | 1 | 0 | 0 | 7 |
| Alex English | Denver Nuggets | 13 | 0-6 | 0-0 | 0-0 | 0 | 1 | 0 | 0 | 0 |
| TEAM TOTALS | | 265 | 55-122 | 5-9 | 39-50 | 61 | 29 | 10 | 6 | 154 |
Injury replacement: Tom Chambers of the Seattle SuperSonics replaced Ralph Sampson of the Houston Rockets, who was unable to participate because of injury. Chambers started for the Western Conference and was named the game's MVP.
Eastern Conference All-Stars - 149 Points
Head Coach: K.C. Jones, Boston Celtics
| Player | Team | MIN | FG | 3PT | FT | REB | AST | STL | BLK | PTS |
|---|
| Starters |
| Moses Malone | Washington Bullets | 35 | 11-19 | 0-0 | 5-6 | 18 | 2 | 2 | 1 | 27 |
| Julius Erving | Philadelphia 76ers | 33 | 9-13 | 1-1 | 3-3 | 4 | 5 | 1 | 1 | 22 |
| Larry Bird | Boston Celtics | 35 | 7-18 | 0-3 | 4-4 | 6 | 5 | 2 | 0 | 18 |
| Michael Jordan | Chicago Bulls | 28 | 5-12 | 0-1 | 1-2 | 0 | 4 | 2 | 0 | 11 |
| Dominique Wilkins | Atlanta Hawks | 24 | 3-9 | 0-0 | 4-7 | 5 | 1 | 0 | 1 | 10 |
| Reserves |
| Kevin McHale | Boston Celtics | 30 | 7-11 | 0-0 | 2-2 | 7 | 2 | 0 | 4 | 16 |
| Isiah Thomas | Detroit Pistons | 24 | 4-6 | 0-0 | 8-9 | 3 | 9 | 0 | 0 | 16 |
| Charles Barkley | Philadelphia 76ers | 16 | 2-6 | 0-2 | 3-6 | 4 | 1 | 1 | 0 | 7 |
| Jeff Malone | Washington Bullets | 13 | 3-5 | 0-1 | 0-0 | 2 | 2 | 0 | 0 | 6 |
| Bill Laimbeer | Detroit Pistons | 11 | 4-7 | 0-0 | 0-0 | 2 | 1 | 1 | 0 | 8 |
| Maurice Cheeks | Philadelphia 76ers | 8 | 1-2 | 0-0 | 2-2 | 0 | 0 | 1 | 0 | 4 |
| Robert Parish | Boston Celtics | 8 | 2-3 | 0-0 | 0-0 | 3 | 0 | 0 | 1 | 4 |
| TEAM TOTALS | | 265 | 58-111 | 1-8 | 32-41 | 54 | 32 | 10 | 8 | 149 |
Statistical abbreviations: MIN = Minutes Played; FG = Field Goals Made-Attempted; 3PT = Three-Point Field Goals Made-Attempted; FT = Free Throws Made-Attempted; REB = Rebounds; AST = Assists; STL = Steals; BLK = Blocked Shots; PTS = Points.
Team shooting: West: 55-for-122 FG (45.1%), 5-for-9 three-pointers (55.6%), 39-for-50 FT (78.0%). East: 58-for-111 FG (52.3%), 1-for-8 three-pointers (12.5%), 32-for-41 FT (78.0%).
1987 NBA All-Star Game Historical Notes
Tom Chambers Wins MVP as an Injury Replacement
Tom Chambers was not initially selected for the Western Conference roster. He joined the team after Houston Rockets forward Ralph Sampson withdrew because of injury. Chambers took advantage of the opportunity by scoring 34 points and winning MVP honors before the home crowd in Seattle. His performance became one of the most memorable injury-replacement stories in NBA All-Star history.
One of the Highest-Scoring All-Star Games
The Western and Eastern conferences combined for 303 points, setting a new All-Star Game scoring record at the time. The teams also made a combined 71 free throws. The 1987 contest became a benchmark for high-scoring All-Star Games during an era known for its fast-paced basketball and offensive stars.
Rolando Blackman Scores 29 Points
Dallas Mavericks guard Rolando Blackman scored 29 points off the Western Conference bench. He made nine of 15 field goal attempts and 11 of 13 free throws. Blackman's performance was critical in keeping the West close before its fourth-quarter comeback and overtime victory.
Magic Johnson Records 13 Assists
Los Angeles Lakers guard Magic Johnson finished with nine points, seven rebounds, 13 assists and four steals. His playmaking created scoring opportunities for Chambers and other Western Conference players, helping the team score 154 points.
Moses Malone Dominates the Rebounds
Washington Bullets center Moses Malone led the Eastern Conference with 27 points and a game-high 18 rebounds. Malone collected seven offensive rebounds and 11 defensive rebounds, providing the East with a strong interior presence.
Julius Erving Plays His Final All-Star Game
Philadelphia 76ers legend Julius Erving scored 22 points on 9-for-13 shooting in his final NBA All-Star Game. Erving retired following the 1986-87 season, bringing an end to a celebrated professional career that included championships, MVP awards and numerous appearances in both the ABA and NBA All-Star Games.
Michael Jordan Returns to the All-Star Game
Michael Jordan returned to the NBA All-Star Game after missing the 1986 contest because of a foot injury. Jordan scored 11 points and recorded four assists in 28 minutes. He would become one of the most successful players in All-Star Game history.
Michael Jordan Wins His First Slam Dunk Contest
Chicago Bulls guard Michael Jordan won the 1987 NBA Slam Dunk Contest in Seattle, defeating Portland Trail Blazers forward Jerome Kersey in the final round. It was Jordan's first Slam Dunk Contest championship. He would win again in 1988.
Larry Bird Wins His Second Three-Point Shootout
Boston Celtics forward Larry Bird captured his second consecutive NBA Three-Point Shootout title during 1987 All-Star Weekend. Bird had won the inaugural competition in 1986 and would complete his three-year championship streak in 1988.
James Worthy Scores 22 Points
Los Angeles Lakers forward James Worthy scored 22 points and grabbed eight rebounds. Worthy made 10 of his 14 field goal attempts and helped the Western Conference maintain its scoring momentum throughout the game.
Hakeem Olajuwon Records 13 Rebounds and Three Blocks
Houston Rockets center Hakeem Olajuwon contributed 10 points, 13 rebounds and three blocked shots. His rebounding and interior defense were valuable against an Eastern Conference frontcourt that included Moses Malone, Kevin McHale and Robert Parish.
Seattle Hosts Its Second NBA All-Star Game
The 1987 contest marked the second time Seattle hosted the NBA All-Star Game. The city previously hosted the event in 1974. The Kingdome crowd of 34,275 helped make the game a memorable occasion for the Seattle SuperSonics and their fans.
Michael Jordan Leads the Fan Voting
Chicago Bulls guard Michael Jordan received 1,141,733 votes, the highest total of any player selected for the 1987 NBA All-Star Game. Jordan's popularity continued to grow as he established himself as one of the league's premier scorers.
Pat Riley and K.C. Jones Coach the All-Star Teams
Los Angeles Lakers head coach Pat Riley led the Western Conference, while Boston Celtics head coach K.C. Jones coached the Eastern Conference. The two coaches represented the NBA's most prominent rivalry of the decade. Later that season, Riley's Lakers defeated Jones' Celtics in the 1987 NBA Finals.
1987 NBA All-Star Game FAQ
Who won the 1987 NBA All-Star Game?
The Western Conference defeated the Eastern Conference 154-149 in overtime on February 8, 1987.
Who was the 1987 NBA All-Star Game MVP?
Tom Chambers of the Seattle SuperSonics won MVP honors after scoring 34 points and recording four steals.
Where was the 1987 NBA All-Star Game played?
The game was played at the Kingdome in Seattle, Washington.
Who scored the most points in the 1987 NBA All-Star Game?
Tom Chambers led all players with 34 points. Rolando Blackman scored 29 for the West, while Moses Malone led the East with 27.
Who had the most assists in the 1987 NBA All-Star Game?
Magic Johnson led all players with 13 assists. Isiah Thomas led the Eastern Conference with nine.
Who had the most rebounds in the 1987 NBA All-Star Game?
Moses Malone led all players with 18 rebounds. Hakeem Olajuwon led the Western Conference with 13.
Why was Tom Chambers added to the Western Conference roster?
Chambers replaced injured Houston Rockets forward Ralph Sampson and went on to win the All-Star Game MVP award.
How many fans attended the 1987 NBA All-Star Game?
The announced attendance at Seattle's Kingdome was 34,275.
Who coached the 1987 NBA All-Star teams?
Pat Riley of the Los Angeles Lakers coached the West, while K.C. Jones of the Boston Celtics coached the East.
Who won the 1987 NBA Slam Dunk Contest?
Michael Jordan of the Chicago Bulls defeated Jerome Kersey to win his first Slam Dunk Contest championship.
Who won the 1987 NBA Three-Point Shootout?
Larry Bird of the Boston Celtics won his second consecutive Three-Point Shootout title.
Did Michael Jordan play in the 1987 NBA All-Star Game?
Yes. Jordan started for the Eastern Conference and finished with 11 points and four assists.
Did Julius Erving play in the 1987 NBA All-Star Game?
Yes. Erving scored 22 points in his final NBA All-Star Game appearance.
Was the 1987 NBA All-Star Game played in overtime?
Yes. Regulation ended tied at 140-140, and the Western Conference outscored the East 14-9 in overtime.
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