Better late than never: NBA names Sabonis an All-Star reserve

Three days after being left out of the NBA All-Star Game — a mistake, many observers would say — Indiana Pacers star Domantas Sabonis is in.

The NBA named Sabonis to the team Friday as a replacement for Brooklyn’s Kevin Durant, who will be out until after the All-Star break with a hamstring injury.

Sabonis will play in his second consecutive All-Star Game on March 7 in Atlanta.

The 24-year-old forward/center has 24 double-doubles this season, which ranks second in the NBA. Sixteen of those came in succession when the season began, a franchise record. He also has three triple-doubles.

Sabonis is averaging 21.5 points per game, just behind team leader Malcolm Brogdon‘s 21.7, along with a Pacers-best 11.7 rebounds. He also is averaging 5.7 assists, third on the team.