Two former Longhorns will suit up for the West Sunday in New Orleans at this year’s NBA All Star Game.
Kevin Durant, in his fifth All Star game appearance, will be starting after receiving more fan votes than any other player in the Western Conference, and LaMarcus Aldridge will make his first All Star appearance after being selected by the Western Conference coaches.
Both players are having phenomenal years, carrying their respective teams to contender status. In fact, it could be argued that the two Longhorns in the All Star game, Durant and Aldridge, have been the two best players in the league this year.
Durant’s Oklahoma City Thunder hold the best record in the league, despite playing without former All Star Russell Westbrook. This is largely due to Durant’s stellar play. Following Westbrook’s injury, Durant went on an unprecedented scoring streak, scoring 30-plus points in 12 consecutive games.
Durant, considered by many to be the leading MVP candidate, is averaging 31.5 ppg, 5.5 apg, 7.8 rpg with a league-high PER of 30.99.
Aldridge has carried the load for a surprisingly good Portland Trail Blazers team. The Trail Blazers, who were expected to struggle to get into the playoffs, are tied for the third best record in the Western Conference.
Aldridge is averaging 23.9 ppg, 11.4 rpg and a PER of 22.44.
According to the Austin American-Statesman, Texas and Kentucky are the only two schools that will have multiple players in Sunday’s All-Star game in New Orleans.
Festivities leading up to the All Star game have already begun, with the Celebrity and Rookie/Sophomore game both being played last night. The Dunk Contest and Three Point Shootout will begin tonight, and the All Star game, featuring Durant and Aldridge, is scheduled for 7 p.m. CST, Sunday, on TNT.
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