Jan 17, 2014; Toronto, Ontario, CAN; Minnesota Timberwolves forward Kevin Love (42) makes the outlet pass as guard Jose Barea (11) looks on against the Toronto Raptors at Air Canada Centre. The Raptors beat the Timberwolves 94-89. Mandatory Credit: Tom Szczerbowski-USA TODAY Sports
Thursday morning looked like a long shot for Minnesota Timberwolves’ forwardKevin Loveto earn his inaugural NBA All-Star Game start. But by Thursday afternoon, he received news that he pulled off a huge coup.
The people spoke loudly, and Love will be in the starting on Sunday, February 16that the New Orleans Arena.
“Surreal,” Love repeatedly used to describe his feelings more than an hour after finding out he’d made the cut.
Jan 17, 2014; Toronto, Ontario, CAN; Minnesota Timberwolves forward Kevin Love (42) passes the ball against the Toronto Raptors at Air Canada Centre. The Raptors beat the Timberwolves 94-89. Mandatory Credit: Tom Szczerbowski-USA TODAY Sports
During a TV special Thursday night, Love was announced as the fifth and final starter for the Western Conference. The two-time All-Star reserve edged out the Houston RocketsDwight Howard, drawing 661,246 fan votes cast via text message, the Internet and social media.
When the previous set of public ballot returns was released January 9th, Love trailed Howard by 26,085 votes, but Love wound up beating him out by 7,928.
But that was the January 6th, and then today happened. President of basketball operations Flip Saunders and general manager Milt Newton came to visit Love today with good news.
“‘You’re gonna be an All-Star starter, buddy,'” Love said Saunders told him.
“I guess I was hoping for the best and preparing for the worst,” said Love, in the Bay Area with his team ahead of Friday’s game against the Warriors. “But right now, I’m very happy.”
Love is the first Timberwolves player sinceKevin Garnettin 2007 to start in an All-Star Game.
Love’s transcendence as basketball’s most versatile power forward proved more than enough to merit his third All-Star selection in the past four seasons. He made it in as an alternate in 2011, and the Western Conference coaches voted him in as a reserve in 2012.
Love joinsKevin DurantandBlake Griffinin the West’s starting frontcourt, whileStephen CurryandKobe Bryant(who may or may not play due to his left leg injury) were chosen as guards. Those five will square off againstLeBron James,Paul George,Carmelo Anthony,Kyrie IrvingandDwyane Wade(if he’s healthy).
According to his coach, Love is fully deserving of the honor.
“He’s been consistent, night-in and night-out,”Rick Adelmansaid. “I mean, he’s done just about everything he could do for us.”
Heading into a road back-to-back against Golden State on Friday and Portland on Saturday, Love is averaging 25 points per game (fourth in the NBA) and 13 rebounds per game (second). His 4.1 assists an outing are a career high, and he’s on pace to become the first player sinceKareem Abdul-Jabbarin 1975-76 to average that many points, rebounds and assists throughout an entire season.
Love’s 35 double-doubles lead the league.
“I am very happy for Kevin,” Saunders said in a release. “He is certainly deserving of being voted in as a starter. You look at his numbers, his commitment to making his teammates better and his overall value to our team this year — he’s certainly having an All-Star-caliber season.
“He’s been a joy to watch this year, and I look forward to watching him represent the Timberwolves in New Orleans.”
Love said, “It means a lot, and it doesn’t go unnoticed. The fans have been so great this year, not only to me but the rest of the team. The entire team, the coaching staff, everybody’s just had my back and had our team’s back.”
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