The starters for the annual NBA All Star Game which will take place in New York have been named. While the players chosen were not really surprising, it is the fact that Stephen Curry of the Golden State Warriors outvoted Lebron James of the Cleveland Cavaliers as the top vote-getter this year.
Curry ended up with more than 1.5 million votes and 42,000 more than James. He will be the first player since Chris Mullin to be chosen as a starter for two consecutive seasons after being snubbed two years ago.
"This means a lot; it's something that I don't take for granted," Curry said in a statement. "To have support of fans not only in the Bay Area but across the nation and across the world, supporting not only myself but our team, it means a lot. I want to represent the Warriors the best way I know how, every single game, and will do that proudly in New York thanks to the fans and their votes. Something that's definitely a dream come true, and to be two times in a row, I'm proud of that" says Curry in an interview from ESPN.
Here is the complete list of starters for each conference.
Eastern Conference
- Lebron James (Cleveland Cavaliers)
- Pau Gasol (Chicago Bulls)
- Carmelo Anthony (New York Knicks)
- John Wall (Washington Wizards)
- Kyle Lowry (Toronto Raptors)
Western Conference
- Stephen Curry (Golden State Warriors)
- Anthony Davis (New Orleans Pelicans)
- Kobe Bryant (Los Angeles Lakers)
- Marc Gasol (Memphis Grizzlies)
- Blake Griffin (Los Angeles Clippers)
On the list, it should be noted that Kobe Bryant of the Lakers may not suit up at all. Bryant tore his right rotator cuff against New Orleans and could be out for the remainder of the season. The same holds true for other starters where changes could be made before the event.
First year coach Steve Kerr of the Golden State Warriors will be coaching the Western All-Stars while Mike Budenholzer of the rising Atlanta Hawks will call the shots for the East.
The reserves for each squad are expected to be named by their respective coaches next Thursday. But this early, the names of James Harden, Kyrie Irving, Dwyane Wade, Jimmy Butler, Kevin Durant, Chris Paul, Chris Bosh, and even Kevin Love are buzzing around.
And then there is of course Klay Thompson who surprised everyone when he made into the NBA record books after scoring 37 points in just one quarter.
There is simply too many to mention so stay tuned!
