9781422287972

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F ami ly S upport

T ensions are high as the most talented players in the NBA run across the court. One of Kevin’s teammates passes him the ball. He takes a deep breath before making a mad dash for the basket. He slides past his opponents and jumps up to score a slam dunk. The ball easily drops through the basket. It all happens so fast that his opponents aren’t even sure what hit them. The fans clap and cheer, but not for long. The game is still under way. Kevin Durant is playing in the 2012 All-Star Game, being held in Orlando, Florida. The game’s players are chosen in a vote by their fans. The teams are divided into Eastern play- ers and Western players. Kevin is on the West team, because he plays for the Oklahoma City Thunder, which is in the western division. His all-star teammates include Chris Paul, Kobe Bryant, Blake Griffin, and Andrew Bynum. Kevin was named the Most Valuable Player (MVP) of the All-Star Game. It was easy to see why. He scored 36 points, 7 rebounds, and 3 assists in the game. Kevin was given a large glass trophy and asked how it felt to become an MVP at such a young age. He said, “It’s a dream come true. I’m just blessed to be here.”

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