Thunder duo Durant, Westbrook among reserves selected to NBA All-Star Game
Despite early-season injures to Kevin Durant and Russell Westbrook that led to a sluggish start for the Oklahoma City Thunder, both stars were selected as All-Star reserves for the Western Conference on Thursday.
The duo will be accompanied by a strong supporting cast led by NBA leading scorer James Harden of the Houston Rockets.
Durant, Westbrook and Harden will team up with New Orleans Pelicans 21-year-old phenom Anthony Davis, who was among five starters voted in by fans last week.
| Player | Position | Team |
|---|---|---|
| James Harden | G | Rockets |
| Klay Thompson | G | Warriors |
| Tim Duncan | FC | Spurs |
| Kevin Durant | FC | Thunder |
| LaMarcus Aldridge | FC | Trail Blazers |
| Russell Westbrook | WC | Thunder |
| Chris Paul | WC | Clippers |
Related: Stephen Curry leading vote getter for 64th NBA All-Star Game
NBA coaches were tasked with picking seven reserves, with spots for two guards, three frontcourt players and two wild cards of any position.
A season-ending shoulder injury to Los Angeles Lakers superstar Kobe Bryant will create another roster spot, which could generate an opening for Damian Lillard or DeMarcus Cousins, who were among the top players left off the star-studded West team.
Related: Injury-replacements spots offer hope for All-Star snubs
Tim Duncan was named to his 15th All-Star Game, while Golden State Warriors sharpshooter Klay Thompson received the honor for the first time.
Let's GOOOOOOOOOO! Congrats @KlayThompson making the All-Star team! Big time accomplishment my man. Going to be fun in NYC #splashbrothers
— Stephen Curry (@StephenCurry30) January 30, 2015
The Eastern Conference-best Atlanta Hawks were rewarded for their scorching start, as three-fifths of the team's starting unit were chosen to participate in the Feb. 15 game at New York's iconic Madison Square Garden.
Jeff Teague, Al Horford and Paul Millsap accounted for three of the seven reserves who will complete an East team led by Cleveland Cavaliers superstar LeBron James.
Teague joins Thompson and Chicago Bulls guard Jimmy Butler as first-time All-Stars.
| Name | Position | Team |
|---|---|---|
| Jeff Teague | G | Hawks |
| Dwyane Wade | G | Heat |
| Al Horford | FC | Hawks |
| Paul Millsap | FC | Hawks |
| Chris Bosh | FC | Heat |
| Kyrie Irving | WC | Cavaliers |
| Jimmy Butler | WC | Bulls |
The Hawks' trio has propelled the team to a 17-game winning streak and its best start in franchise history.
An additional member of the Hawks could also be headed to the game, as Kyle Korver is expected to generate serious consideration as an injury replacement for Miami Heat guard Dwyane Wade, according to Adrian Wojnarowski of Yahoo Sports.
Wade's teammate, Chris Bosh, was selected to his 10th consecutive All-Star Game, while Cavaliers point guard Kyrie Irving got the nod fresh off a career-high 55-point performance.