The league announced Thursday that Jayson Tatum has been named a starter for the 2023 NBA All-Star game.
While this will be Tatum's fourth All-Star appearance (all consecutively), it's his first as a starter -- as he's averaging MVP numbers of 31.0 points, 8.6 rebounds, and 4.4 assists per contest through 47 games.
"It feels great," Tatum said in his postgame presser following an overtime loss to the Knicks. "It's nothing in a sense that I want to get use to and I never take for granted. While I did expect to make the team, I never want to take it for granted. It's an honor and it's something I dreamed about as a kid. To be named an All-Star starter today meant a lot and I was really excited, you know? It's pretty cool."
Tatum had a team-high 35 points on 12-of-26 shooting and 14 rebounds, nearly leading the Celtics to a comeback win against New York at TD Garden.
Bucks forward Giannis Antetokounmpo (captain), Nets forward Kevin Durant, Cavs guard Donovan Mitchell, and Brooklyn guard Kyrie Irving will join Tatum -- who finished first in the media vote, fourth in the player vote, and third in the fan vote, as the rest of the East's starters.
Three voting groups determined the starters:
— NBA Communications (@NBAPR) January 27, 2023
• Fans (50%)
• NBA players (25%)
• Media panel 25%)
Complete voting results here: https://t.co/M8btg7M0GP
Below are the overall scores for the top finishers at each position. pic.twitter.com/HQ9W20Z6Ke
Jaylen Brown just missed out on one of two starting guard spots, as he'll likely get named a reserve by the coaches next week. Brown has made one other All-Star game back in 2021. The Celtics wing finished third in the player vote, third in the fan vote, and second in the media vote.
Final fan vote totals ⬇️ https://t.co/1aGcR38yuZ pic.twitter.com/Dv0osz0jlA
— NBA Communications (@NBAPR) January 27, 2023
The Western Conference starters are Lakers forward LeBron James (captain), Nuggets forward Nikola Jokic, Warriors guard Stephen Curry, Mavericks guard Luka Doncic, and Pelicans forward Zion Williamson.
All-Star weekend kicks-off Friday, Feb. 17th in Salt Lake City, Utah. TNT will have both teams be selected on live TV Sunday night prior to the 7:30 ET tip-off of the actual game.
Joel Pavón
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