Things just keep getting better for the Miami Heat's four-time NBA MVP LeBron James; he was unanimously selected to the 2012-2013 All-NBA team one day after crushing the hearts of Indiana Pacers fans with a buzzer-beating basket to steal Game 1 of the Eastern Conference finals.
James is joined on the All-NBA team by Los Angeles Lakers shooting guard Kobe Bryant, Los Angeles Clippers point guard Chris Paul. Oklahoma City Thunder forward Kevin Durant and San Antonio Spurs center Tim Duncan.
In 2012-2013, James posted career highs in field goal percentage (56.5) 3-pont percentage (40), and rebounds, while taking fewer shots than he ever has in his 10 NBA seasons. He also averaged 7.3 assists per game, the second highest in his career, and spent the majority of his time on the floor as a power forward.
Kobe Bryant's selection is the 11th of his storied NBA career. Like LeBron, Bryant had to change his game several times during a trying season to make up for deficiencies caused by injuries to his star teammates, or ineffectiveness on their part. Bryant averaged six assists per game, tying a career high he set eight years ago.
Paul led the Clippers to a franchise record 56 wins this season, an accomplishment that was somewhat marred by a mildly surprising first round flameout in the Western Conference playoffs. After taking a two game lead against the Memphis Grizzlies, the Clippers imploded following an ankle sprain that slowed power forward Blake Griffin.
Durant also averaged a career-high 4.6 assists per game while scoring 28.1 points a night, second only to Carmelo Anthony of the New York Knicks. Duncan was one tenth of a rebound away from averaging a double-double consisting of 17.9 points and 10 rebounds. He also anchored the Spurs through injuries to point guard Tony Parker and sixth man Manu Ginobili.
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