The NBA were the big winners on Sunday as the changes to the All-Star format resulted in a competitive contest and a game that the fans were proud of.Team LeBron and Team Stephen put on a show and took the encounter down to the wire where some clutch plays on both ends of the floor were needed.It was James who was involved in the majority of them as he scored crucial points to allow his team to overturn a double-digit deficit and take the lead in the closing stages.He then helped to lock down Steph Curry as he looked to make a game-tying shot with his team down by three.With the help of Kevin Durant, LBJ was able to prevent the Golden State Warriors star getting a shot off and the reactions from him and his teammates showed just how much they wanted to win it as they secured a 148-145 triumph.

Influence

There's no doubt that the King was the driving force behind this improved showing as he once again showed that he's the best and most influential player on the planet.

The league certainly did it's part to create a watchable game, but at the end of the day, it came down to the Cleveland Cavaliers superstar caring and putting in enough effort on the night.

His teammates followed suit and you could see Durant, Russell Westbrook and Kyrie Irving on the same page.

As the captain of his team and having handpicked his players, this All-Star game truly mattered to the 33-year-old and his engagement made it a contest.

Both KD and Team LeBron coach Dwayne Casey made it clear that all the players were determined to prove that the game wasn't a joke.

This is surely from the influence of James as he's constantly stated that they need to put on the best show for the fans and it was clear that was his aim.

Last year's All-Stars were ridiculed by former players, fans and the media for their poor efforts in New Orleans and it led to commissioner Adam Silver and players' union president Chris Paul getting together to find a way to make the game more meaningful and competitive.

Power

The responsibility of making that happen was ultimately on the shoulders of the leaders of the NBA and there's no voice more powerful in this generation than LeBron.

"Myself and Steph, we took it upon ourself when we decided to do this format that we had to change the landscape of how the All-Star Game was played," he said.

He was true to his word and led by example and it saw him pick up his third MVP award after posting 29 points, 10 rebounds, and eight assists.

The small forward set the tone and played with an edge all night, which was capped by his defence on Curry on the final possession of the night.

LeBron has also advocated for the All-Star draft to be televised to add more spice to the event and commissioner Silver has admitted that it'll likely be shown to the public next year, which is another sign of how powerful James' voice is in the game.

There were many people involved in trying to make the game a better viewing but in the end, it came down to the Cavs small forward and his influence.

He gave the fans what they wanted and the NBA should thank him for bringing credibility back to the All-Star game.