This year’s All-Star weekend tipped off to a thrilling start as Team World defeated Team USA 150-141 in the Rising Stars Challenge.
The man of the evening was Denver Nuggets’ Jamal Murray, who was named the MVP of the game after recording a double-double with 36 points and 11 assists. He also had three rebounds.
Buddy Hield of the host team New Orleans Pelicans scored 28 points, six rebounds three assists and three steals, New York Knicks’ Kristaps Porzingis had a 24-point, 10-rebound double-double, and Joel Embiid’s teammate at the Philadelphia 76ers, Dario Saric, finished with 17 points, five rebounds and four assists.
Frank Kaminsky led Team USA with 33 points on 9-for-13 shooting from the 3-point line.
Minnesota Timberwolves’ Karl-Anthony Towns had a 24-point, 11-rebound double-double, Devin Booker of the Phoenix Suns had 17 points and six assists, and Los Angeles Lakers’ D’Angelo Russell and Indiana Pacers’ Myles Turner combined for 24 with 12 points apiece.
East stars take Celebrity Game
The East celebrities defeated the West celebrities 88-59 to win the 2017 NBA All-Star Celebrity Game.
The East’s Brandon Armstrong, who was voted MVP, tallied a double-double with 16 points and 15 rebounds, while Win Butler also got a double-double and scored 22 points and 11 rebounds.
Romeo Miller, son of hip-hop mogul Master P, led the West with 18 points and six rebounds, and Hasan Minhaj added 13 points to the West’s tally.
By Kaunda Chama
