NBA All-Star weekend: Team Vince wins Rising Stars Challenge
After three exciting games, it was Vince Carter’s team that became champions of the Rising Stars Challenge Friday night at the Intuit Dome, defeating Carmelo Anthony’s team 25-24 in the championship game in one of the marquee events of NBA All-Star weekend.
Philadelphia 76ers rookie shooting guard VJ Edgecombe was named Most Valuable Player after tying the game and winning free throws.
In the first semifinal, Team Melo took a 12-4 lead but found themselves trailing 30-26 to Team Rivers. Houston’s Reed Sheppard nailed a corner three-pointer that gave his team a 34-32 lead before San Antonio’s Dylan Harper completed the 40-point sprint with a 15-foot jumper to seal Team Melo’s 40-34 triumph. Portland’s Donovan Clingan led the way with nine points for the winners while the San Diego Clippers’ Yanic Konan Niederhäuser had 10 for the G Leaguers.
Then Team Vince clinched a spot in the finals with a 41-36 triumph over Team T-Mac, with Edgecombe scoring 17 points, including a long jumper that put Carter’s team over the threshold.
Cavaliers forward Jaylon Tyson led Tracy McGrady’s group with 10.
The Rookie Challenge was established in 1994 and featured two teams of first-year players. The name was changed to Rising Stars Challenge in 2012 to include second-year players, and the current tournament-style format was adopted four years ago. As of 2023, the format consists of 28 players – 21 rookies and sophomores and seven G League players.
While the Rising Stars Challenge began at the Clippers’ arena, the Celebrity Game ended two miles away at the Kia Forum, the former home of the Lakers.
San Antonio Spurs center Victor Wembanyama kicked off the jump ball, with rapper GloRilla winning the first tip against reality TV star Taylor Frankie Paul.
The score was tied 55-55 with four minutes remaining before “double time” helped Team Giannis, coached by Dodgers shortstop Mookie Betts, beat Team Anthony (coached by comedian Anthony Anderson) 65-58.
Emmy-winning actor and comedian Rome Flynn scored 17 points and had four assists to win his second consecutive MVP.
