Congratulations to San Antonio Spurs’ Tim Duncan and Manu Ginobili for being named to the 2011 Western Conference All-Star squad:
San Antonio’s Tim Duncan and Manu Ginobili were selected by NBA head coaches to play in the 2011 All-Star Game to be held on Sunday, Feb. 20 in Los Angeles. This marks the 14th time in franchise history that the Spurs have sent multiple players to the All-Star Game.
Joining the two Spurs players as reserves on the West squad are: Pau Gasol (L.A. Lakers), Blake Griffin (L.A. Clippers), Dirk Nowitzki (Dallas Mavericks), Russell Westbrook (Oklahoma City Thunder) and Deron Williams (Utah Jazz). Voted to start for the West were the Denver Nuggets’ Carmelo Anthony, the Houston Rockets’ Yao Ming, the L.A. Lakers’ Bryant, and the New Orleans Hornets’ Chris Paul. (source spurs.com)
Both Duncan and Ginobili will be joining Spurs’ coach Gregg Popovich in Los Angeles as he was named the 2011 Western Conference All-Star coach last month.
Despite many who felt Duncan didn’t have the statistics to make the team, his numbers proved solid. Also, Houston Rocket’s center Yao Ming received the votes to make the squad but he’s injured and unable to play. This could have been a factor for Duncan being named as a West reserve as the West could be short-handed in the big man department.
Hit the jump to see the numbers Duncan and Ginobili are putting up this season which got them a seat on the West bench.
Duncan will make his 13th appearance at the All-Star game while this will mark Ginobili’s second appearance. Last time he made the team was back in 2005 where he joined Duncan on the West squad. Ginobili also remains the only South American player to ever make an All-Star team.
Duncan is averaging 13.6 points on .486 shooting, 9.4 rebounds, 3.0 assists and 1.9 blocks so far this season.
Ginobili rightfully earned a spot on the team. His clutch play, increased production on the court and leadership all lead up for him to receive this honer. He leads the Spurs averaging 18.8 points, 4.8 assists and 3.8 rebounds this season.
Notably left off the West bench was Tony Parker who many felt would make the team with his great play this season. But it would be tough for Parker to make the squad with many great players in the West who play his position.
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