OKLAHOMA CITY, Feb. 15, 2017 – Oklahoma City Thunder guard Alex Abrines was selected today to the BBVA Compass Rising Stars Challenge to be held on Friday, Feb. 17 at Smoothie King Center in New Orleans, LA during NBA All-Star 2017.

During his rookie season with the Thunder, Abrines is averaging 5.4 points to go along with 1.1 rebounds while shooting 37.3 percent from behind the 3-point arc (ranks 4th among rookies). Abrines now joins fellow Thunder rookie Domantas Sabonis on the Rising Stars International Team.

Abrines and Sabonis became the first pair of rookie teammates named to the Rising Stars Challenge from a team with a winning record since 2009 (Portland Trail Blazers).

The Spanish native has come off the Thunder bench to score in double figures seven times this season. Additionally, Abrines became the first Thunder rookie to make five 3-point field goals in a game (Dec. 21 at New Orleans) since James Harden accomplished the feat during the 2009-10 season.

During the Oklahoma City era, the Thunder has had eight players named to the Rising Stars Challenge which ranks tied for third most during this span. Of these teams, the Thunder is the only franchise with a winning record dating back to the start of the 2008-09 season.

Abrines was selected to replace injured Philadelphia 76ers center Joel Embiid.

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