The NBA Rising Stars Challenge was in the middle of attention last night. It marked the start of the All-Star weekend in Chicago, with the Team USA beating Team World 151-131 in this exhibition event.
Although the result wasn’t in focus, there were some glances of a competitive approach among the American players, especially in the second half.
Team USA was trailing 12 points midway through the third period, when they shifted into a higher gear, to create a 29-7 run, and leave the rivals behind. Zion Williamson, Ja Morant, and the boys outscored opponents 80-50 in the second half, coming back from behind and snatching this one in their favor.
The MVP of the game was Miles Bridges, Charlotte Hornets forward, who dropped 20 points and recorded 5 assists and boards, with three steals. He stated that playing in Chicago, were Hornets’ owner Michael Jordan created history, gave him an extra motivation to perform the best he can.
“I didn’t have any extra motivation, really, I wouldn’t say that. But MJ putting Chicago on the map, it definitely plays a big part, though,” Bridges told the reporters.
Along with Bridges, three other players from Hornets appeared in this game, and all of them wore the USA jerseys – Devonte Graham and PJ Washington.
Zion and Ja Morant also had impressive roles during this match, often making spectacular plays and getting the crowd on their feet. These two guys know one another very well, as they play played together while attending high-school in South Carolina.
Williamson was particularly in the mood for dunking and rim breaking. After one of his usual slams, the basket had to be repaired. The No.1 overall pick from this year’s draft bent the rim, and the guys who take care of the United Center’s court features had to come in at the halftime and realign the entire construction.
“We went into the halftime, and my teammates started telling me about it,” Williamson said. “I don’t know which dunk it was on, but I don’t think it was me.”
Zion ended the night with 14 points, while Morant had 10. The leading scorers among the Team USA were Eric Paschall with 23 points, the above-mentioned Bridges with 20 and Collin Sexton with 21. Trae Young added 18 hitting four threes.
On the other side, RJ Barrett scored 27 points and was by far the best player in the Team World. Brandon Clarke had 22, while Luka Doncic, Shai-Gilgeous Alexander, and Mo Wagner scored 16.
Another Canadian Nickeil Alexander-Walker added six points, and was shooting pretty and from the field, 2-for-12, missing eight threes in 10 shots. In general, the players from Canada left an excellent impression, and that is something which is great news for the national team’s head coach Nick Nurse.
Luka Doncic made a half-court three at the end of the second period, and that was the highlight of the night along with Zion’s dunks.
The All-Star Game is set for Sunday, at 8 pm Eastern time.
