In a battle of the United States against the World, Team World won the Rising Stars Challenge, 121-112, over Team USA. Andrew Wiggins led the way with 22 points, six rebounds and four assists to win the MVP award, joining past winners Kevin Durant, Allen Iverson, Carmelo Anthony and John Wall.
NBA Rising Stars Challenge 2015 final score: Team World rules Team USA, 121-112
Andrew Wiggins won the MVP award in a highlight-packed contest.
The Rising Stars Challenge tried something different this year, deviating from the usual rookies vs. sophomores format, and instead making the game an America vs. Everyone affair. But it looked very similar to prior editions -- a highlight reel of high-flying dunks, behind-the-back passes and, surprisingly, some defense.
The new arrangement worked, though. There was an urgency to both teams down the stretch. Team World was especially into it, egging one another on as they made big play after big play. The game was tied at 90 with 12 minutes to play when the international squad started to pull away, leading by as many as nine with six minutes to play. But Team USA wouldn't go away, with Trey Burke and Victor Oladipo keeping the game within reach and pulling their team to within three points with 2:30 to play.
The teams traded buckets in the final two minutes before Rudy Gobert blocked a Mason Plumlee shot, which led to a Dennis Schroder fast-break dunk. After that, it was all over.
Oladipo and Zach LaVine led Team USA in score at 22 points apiece.
Dunks were the stat of the night, and many of them came emphatically.
LaVine provided a preview of tomorrow night’s dunk contest by slicing through Team World’s defense with a nifty (possibly illegal) dribble before soaring through the air for a one-handed slam.
(h/t oakley and allen)
The dunk appalled the Cleveland Cavaliers’ mascot.
LaVine's Minnesota Timberwolves teammate, and first pick in the 2014 NBA Draft, Wiggins showed just how good he can be, scoring almost at will. His athleticism was on full display thanks to the fast-paced tempo. Schroder enjoyed having the high-flying Canadian running the break.
(h/t cjzero)
But the game wasn't just an offensive affair, especially if Gobert was going to have anything to do with it. The Utah Jazz big man showed Nerlens Noel why the Jazz are excited about his future with some stingy defense:
(h/t Andrew Bailey)
Gobert finished with 18 points, 12 rebounds and three blocks.
In the end, the defense was the difference, and Team World sent a clear message to Team USA.
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