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Anthony Is Tapped for All-Star Game
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Carmelo Anthony is going to the All-Star Game after all.
The NBA's leading scorer was picked by Commissioner David Stern yesterday as an injury replacement and will make his first all-star appearance on Feb. 18 in Las Vegas.
Anthony said he was not bothered being named as an injury replacement.
"It's still the All-Star Game, it still feels great, and I'm going to make the best out of it."
Stern also added Dallas F Josh Howard to the Western Conference team. He needed to replace Houston C Yao Ming and Utah F Carlos Boozer, who will be unable to play because of injuries.
Anthony averages an NBA-high 30.8 points, but wasn't voted in by the fans and then wasn't chosen as a reserve by West coaches. He was undoubtedly hurt by missing 15 games when Stern suspended him for his role in the brawl at Madison Square Garden in December.
"I was remaining optimistic a little bit," Anthony said. "I wish it would have happened earlier. I didn't want to think about it that much, but I'm glad it happened. It's an honor."
But Stern said he would not consider Anthony's penalty when deciding whether to consider him for a replacement spot.
"I guess it's a forgive-and-forget type of situation," Anthony said. "I'm glad he did."
Howard also is a first-time all-star, giving the team with the NBA's best record two players in the game. Phoenix and San Antonio also have multiple all-stars.
Denver's Allen Iverson, bothered by a sprained ankle, has talked recently of skipping the game, if necessary. Seattle's Ray Allen or Utah's Deron Williams would be the likely candidates if another guard is needed.
West Coach Mike D'Antoni of Phoenix will choose the replacement for Yao in the West starting lineup.
-- From News Services
