Danny Granger didn't have to worry about his team's losing record stopping him from making the All-Star team. The Pacers' fourth-year forward was named as a reserve for the Eastern Conference.
"I want to thank my teammates and coaches for helping me out and also thank the Eastern Conference coaches," Granger said. "I wouldn't have been able to do this without them. It's a goal I set for myself when I was drafted. One check-mark on my list." Granger said he preferred to be selected by the coaches because it means they respect his game.
"With the fans, it comes down to a popularity contest," he said. "Coaches, you play against their teams multiple times throughout the year and they know the better players in the league. Being selected by them is a great honor."
Granger is fourth in the league in scoring (25.6), which includes 14 games of at least 30 points. The Pacers are nine games under .500.
"Our whole franchise is so proud of Danny," Pacers coach Jim O'Brien said. "It's a testament to his commitment, his work ethic throughout the year. He's really separated himself as a player. We could not be any happier for him right now."
PACERS 114, HEAT 103: Guard Mike Dunleavy finally looked like the player that had a career year last season when he had a season-high 30 points to go with six rebounds and five assists. Forwards Troy Murphy and Danny Granger had 19 points each for the Pacers, who led by as many 22 points and have won seven straight home games.
