Kevin Durant Named Western Conference Starter

Oklahoma City Thunder forward Kevin Durant was named a starter for the 2012 NBA All-Star game Thursday, marking his third All-Star appearance and his second-consecutive year as a starter.

After winning last season's scoring title, Durant currently sits third in the league in scoring, averaging 26.6 points per game, while grabbing 8.1 rebounds and 3.1 assists per contest. The fifth-year star has led the Thunder to a league-best 17-4 record and a three-game lead for the division crown.

Joining Durant on the Western Conference starting five will be the Lakers' Kobe Bryant and Andrew Bynum and the Clippers' Chris Paul and Blake Griffin.