Kevin Durant Named All-Star Reserve

Originally Published: Jan 28, 2010 6:40 PM CDT

Dave Carty
Oklahoma Sports Staff Writer

OKLAHOMA CITY -- In an announcement that will come as a shock to none who follow the NBA or the Oklahoma City Thunder, Kevin Durant was announced as a reserve for the 2010 NBA All-Star Game.

“I am both excited and honored to be able to represent the Thunder and our organization as an NBA All-Star," Durant said in a statement released by the Thunder. "There are a lot of people who have contributed to this achievement, it is important to me that I recognize the support I have received from my teammates, our organization and my family as well as our fans. I'm looking forward to this experience and am excited to take the floor for the Western Conference.”

Durant becomes the first ever Thunder All-Star and the first franchise All-Star since Ray Allen was named a Western Conference reserve in 2007. This season, Durant is averaging 29.3 points (third in the NBA), 7.3 rebounds, 3.0 assists, 1.4 steals and 39.9 minutes in 45 games.

Last year, as a second-year player, Durant was named MVP of the Rookie-Sophomore challenge, which occurs during the All-Star festivities. He scored 46 points in the 122-116 win for the second-year players. This year, he’ll play in the big game.

The 2010 NBA All-Star Game will be played on Feb. 14 in Dallas, Texas.