NEW DELHI:
Indiana Pacers
guard
Tyrese Haliburton
received the honor of being named an
Eastern Conference
starter for the NBA
All-Star Game
, set to take place in Indianapolis on February 18. The announcement came during a broadcast on TNT, with Milwaukee Bucks'
Giannis Antetokounmpo
appointed as the captain for the East team, and
LeBron James
of the Los Angeles Lakers selected as the captain for the West.
This marks a significant moment for Haliburton, who is expected to have a notable presence during the All-Star weekend in his home city. Joining him as starters for the Eastern Conference are
Joel Embiid
of the
Philadelphia 76ers
,
Jayson Tatum
of the Boston Celtics, Damian Lillard of the Milwaukee Bucks, and Giannis Antetokounmpo.
LeBron James, making his record 20th appearance in the All-Star Game, leads the West starting lineup. His fellow starters include Kevin Durant of the Phoenix Suns, Nikola Jokic of the Denver Nuggets, Luka Doncic of the Dallas Mavericks, and Shai Gilgeous-Alexander of the Oklahoma City Thunder.
Embiid, currently leading the NBA with a scoring average of 36.1, and Antetokounmpo, with a scoring average of 31.3, bring their scoring prowess to the Eastern Conference lineup. Lillard, in his first season with the Milwaukee Bucks after seven All-Star selections with the Portland Trail Blazers, adds experience to the team.
Tatum, appreciative of being selected, expressed his gratitude, stating, "You never want to take it for granted, right? There are 450 guys in the league, and the fans who consistently vote for me, it's truly an honor."
Haliburton, despite missing some recent games due to a hamstring injury, is expected to be healthy for the All-Star weekend. The talented guard has been a standout performer, averaging 23.6 points and leading the NBA with 12.6 assists per game. The NBA All-Star Game promises to be a showcase of the league's top talent, with Haliburton set to shine on his home turf.
(Inputs from Reuters)
English (US) ·