Wolves forward Kevin Love made up 26,000 votes on Rockets center Dwight Howard in the final voting period for the NBA’s All-Star game, and he will be a starter for the Western Conference for the midseason showcase Feb. 16.
It is the third consecutive year Love has been named an All-Star, and he will be joined by Clippers forward Blake Griffin and Oklahoma City forward Kevin Durant in the frontcourt, while Kobe Bryant and Warriors guard Stephen Curry will start in the backcourt.
The start comes as somewhat of a surprise, as Love previously said that if he came within 10,000 votes of Blake Griffin, whom he was closest to beating out at last voting check, it would be a moral victory.
Blake Griffin AND Kevin Love jumped Dwight Howard in the voting. Previous round vote totals: KD 1,054K, Dwight 509K, Blake 500K, Love $483K.
— Mr. Statistician Face Man (@tomhaberstroh) January 24, 2014
He didn’t beat out Griffin, but he did top Howard.
Love is averaging 25 points per game this year, fourth in the NBA, and 13 rebounds per contest, second in the league, while Howard trails love by less than a rebound and more than six points.
The UCLA alum becomes the first member of the Wolves to be named an All-Star starter since Kevin Garnett in 2007. His reaction echoes his thought that he didn’t have much of a chance to close the gap.
Wow, what an amazing feeling! I'm still in shock. Thanks to all the fans who voted. Can't wait to… http://t.co/x09HG3Hj0y
— Kevin Love (@kevinlove) January 24, 2014
The East’s starters will be Lebron James and Dwyane Wade of the Miami Heat, Kyrie Irving of the Cavaliers, Carmelo Anthony of the Knicks, and Indiana’s Paul George.
It’s been a good day for Love, as he was also named to the 28-player pool that Team USA will draw from for the upcoming 2014 FIBA World Championships in Spain, as well as the 2016 Olympics.
