Global talent powers LeBron James vs Kevin Durant at NBA All-Star Game

Washington - Two-time NBA Most Valuable Player Giannis Antetokounmpo and NBA scoring leader Joel Embiid lead a record-tying four international starters in Sunday's 71st NBA All-Star Game.

Greek star Antetokounmpo, last year's NBA Finals MVP after leading the Milwaukee Bucks to their first title in 50 years, will spark Team LeBron James in the elite talent showdown at James's home area of Cleveland, Ohio.

Antetokoumpo averages 29.4 points a game, second in the NBA, just ahead of Los Angeles Lakers superstar James at 29.1 per contest.

James called Antetokounmpo "the hardest playing player in All-Star history" upon taking him in a player draft and the "Greek Freak" has the Bucks contending for another crown.

"I just try to play as hard as I can, play for the team and always play to win," Antetokounmpo said.

https://t.co/Pqxh2ExSNm - Defensive Player Ladder: Mikal Bridges shines bright on NBA-leading SunsPhoenix's 4th-year forward climbs to No. 2 in the latest ranking as Giannis Antetokounmpo holds the top spot. (via @AschNBA)https://t.co/uq11joH0Dr pic.twitter.com/697yJY4AlU

"We're happy we won the championship last year, but we’re not satisfied. We're trying to put ourselves in a position that we can be one of those teams that play down the stretch in June."

Embiid, the Cameroonian forward who leads th NBA with 29.6 points a game for Philadelphia, will ignite Team Kevin Durant, whose namesake captain is injured and will not play.

The Sixers star could be the first center to win the scoring title since Shaquille O'Neal in 2000.

"You have to do whatever it takes to win," Embiid said. "I know my role and it's to go out there and dominate. I'm going to get the ball a lot and I'm going to make things happen.

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