Westbrook tapped All-Star reserve pick

Russell Westbrook and Kevin Durant are teammates again. Gordon Hayward, DeAndre Jordan and Kemba Walker are about to get their first opportunity on the All-Star stage.

Meanwhile, Dwyane Wade’s run of 12 straight selections in the NBA’s midseason showcase is on the cusp of ending.

Westbrook – the NBA’s scoring leader and triple-double machine – was among 14 reserves selected by the league’s coaches for the All-Star Game that will be played in New Orleans on Feb. 19. The Oklahoma City guard and two-time reigning AllStar MVP is averaging 31 points, 10.6 rebounds and 10.2 assists per game, so his selection was likely an easy one.

“There’s no question in my mind that he should be starting,” Thunder coach Billy Donovan said Thursday night. “However, I understand that there’s certain things that have to do with who does start. I’m not taking anything away from anybody who is starting, but ... Russell, in my opinion, should be starting.”

Being picked reunites Westbrook in the Western Conference locker room with Durant, his former Thunder teammate who is now part of a record- tying feat for Golden State. The Warriors tied the league mark with four selections, with reserves Draymond Green and Klay Thompson joining two teammates announced as starters last week – Durant and Stephen Curry.

“It’s a blessing,” a thankful Westbrook said in a televised interview after scoring 45 points in Oklahoma City’s win over Dallas. “I never take it for granted. I’m honored, obviously, to play in the All- Star Game.”

Other West reserves include Sacramento’s DeMarcus Cousins, Memphis’ Marc Gasol and first-time selections Hayward of Utah and Jordan of the Los Angeles Clippers.

“Bout time!!! Congrats big fella!!” Clippers guard Chris Paul to Jordan, who entered Thursday as the NBA’s rebounding leader.

The Eastern Conference reserves are Indiana’s Paul George, Cleveland’s Kevin Love, Toronto’s Kyle Lowry, Atlanta’s Paul Millsap, Boston’s Isaiah Thomas, Washington’s John Wall and Charlotte’s Walker, who is going for the first time.