2016 NBA All-Star Friday Recap

All-Star Weekend 2016 kicked off on Friday night with the Celebrity Game and the BBVA Compass Rising Stars Challenge. In case you missed the action, here is a recap of the night’s events:

BBVA Compass Rising Stars Challenge

In the second year of a new Team USA vs. Team World format, the Rising Stars Challenge saw Team USA jump out to an 88-79 lead at halftime. In the first half, Jordan Clarkson led the way for Team USA with 19 points while Emmanuel Mudiay had 21 points to lead the World team.

The first half featured multiple highlight-reel dunks from Canadian-native Andrew Wiggins. Mario Hezonja paced the scoring off of the bench for the World team by scoring 19 points in 14 minutes.

Kristaps Porzingis dazzled the Toronto crowd by throwing down a couple of strong dunks, while also knocking down a couple of three-pointers. Porzingis also tried to show off his inner Stephen Curry by trying a three-pointer from well behind the line, but missed wide left.

The World team made a comeback in the second half, but came up just short as Team USA won by a final score of 157-154. Zach LaVine was named the game’s Most Valuable Player, as he finished with 30 points for Team USA.

Porzingis and Mudiay each scored 30 points in the game to lead the World team, while Wiggins added 29 points.

All-Star weekend now shifts its attention to Saturday night, where the Skills Challenge, Three-Point Contest and Slam Dunk Contest will take place. LaVine will be competing in the Slam Dunk Contest tomorrow.

All-Star Celebrity Game

Team Canada, coached by Drake, proved to be victorious on Friday night as they defeated Team USA, 74-63.

Tracy McGrady led Team Canada with 18 points, while Win Butler took MVP honors in the game after scoring 15 points.

Actor Jason Sudeikis had 14 points in the game for Team USA after showing off his shooting range and ability to finish at the rim.

Team USA received an unexpected contribution after head coach Kevin Hart inserted himself into the game in the second half.

Hart had previously won four Celebrity Game MVP awards, but his addition didn’t prove to be enough as Canada pulled out the win in the end.