Chris Paul starts in All-Star win for the Western Conference

Los Angeles Clippers point guard Chris Paul was voted the most valuable player as the Western Conference edged tonight's NBA All-Star Game in New Orleans.

Paul scored 20 points and provided 15 assists to take the prize as the West produced a strong second half to beat the Eastern Conference 143-138.

Kobe Bryant fought an entertaining battle with LeBron James for large spells of the match as Kevin Durant top scored with 30 points.

A close match saw Clippers duo Paul and Blake Griffin combine consistently to keep the West ahead early on.

A start-studded crowd including Jay-Z and Usain Bolt saw Bryant get a crucial block on James in the fourth quarter to leave the East deflated.

Paul and Tony Parker kept providing ammunition for Durant as the West stayed strong in the closing stages to grind out a five-point win.