1995 NBA Rookie Game - White 83, Green 79 (OT)

The second annual NBA Rookie Game took place on February 11, 1995, at America West Arena in Phoenix, Arizona, during the NBA's All-Star Weekend festivities. The White team defeated the Green team 83-79 in overtime in a game that featured several of the league's most promising young players. Los Angeles Lakers guard Eddie Jones earned Most Valuable Player honors after scoring a game-high 25 points for the losing Green team.

Following the inaugural Rookie Game in Minneapolis in 1994, the NBA continued its showcase of first-year players with another matchup between two eight-man squads. The teams were identified by their uniform colors rather than the traditional Eastern and Western Conferences. Former Phoenix Suns head coach Cotton Fitzsimmons coached the White team, while longtime Golden State Warriors coach Al Attles led the Green team.

The game brought together members of a talented 1994 NBA Draft class. The White team featured Milwaukee Bucks forward Glenn Robinson, the first overall selection in the 1994 draft, along with Los Angeles Clippers forward Lamond Murray, Boston Celtics center Eric Montross and Phoenix Suns guard Wesley Person. The Green team included Dallas Mavericks point guard Jason Kidd, Washington Bullets forward Juwan Howard, Denver Nuggets guard Jalen Rose and Jones.

White established an early advantage behind Robinson, who demonstrated the scoring ability that had made him one of college basketball's most highly regarded prospects at Purdue. Wesley Person provided outside shooting, while Miami Heat guard Khalid Reeves helped direct the offense.

White led 46-39 at halftime, but Green mounted a comeback during the second half. Jones supplied much of the scoring, making nine of his 20 field-goal attempts and connecting on four three-pointers. His ability to create shots helped Green erase the seven-point halftime deficit.

Juwan Howard added 14 points and seven rebounds for Green, while Jalen Rose contributed 12 points and six assists. Kidd scored four points but helped organize the offense with five assists. The contributions of Howard, Rose and Kidd illustrated the depth of young talent entering the NBA during the mid-1990s.

Green outscored White 40-33 during the second half, tying the game at 79 and forcing overtime. Although Green had the momentum entering the extra period, White regained control and held its opponent scoreless.

White scored all four points in overtime to secure an 83-79 victory. The result made the 1995 contest the first NBA Rookie Game to require overtime.

Robinson led White with 21 points on eight-of-17 shooting, including two three-pointers. Lamond Murray provided 15 points and nine rebounds, while Wesley Person added 13 points. Reeves finished with 11 points and a game-high 11 assists, giving White an important source of playmaking.

Jones was selected as MVP after leading all players with 25 points. His performance was especially notable because it marked the second consecutive year that the Rookie Game MVP came from the losing team. Anfernee "Penny" Hardaway had earned the honor in 1994 despite the Sensations losing to the Phenoms.

The 1995 game also showcased two players who would share the NBA Rookie of the Year Award at the conclusion of the season. Jason Kidd and Grant Hill were named co-Rookies of the Year for 1994-95, although Hill did not participate in the Rookie Game because he was selected to play in the main NBA All-Star Game.

With its overtime finish, emerging stars and strong individual performances, the 1995 Rookie Game helped establish the event as a regular part of NBA All-Star Weekend. The competition continued to evolve in later years, eventually becoming the NBA Rising Stars event.

Date: February 11, 1995
Location: Phoenix, Arizona
Arena: America West Arena
Attendance: 18,755
Event: Second NBA Rookie Game
Final Score: White 83, Green 79 (Overtime)
Halftime Score: White 46, Green 39
Regulation Score: White 79, Green 79
Most Valuable Player: Eddie Jones, Los Angeles Lakers
MVP Statistics: 25 points, 4 assists
White Leading Scorer: Glenn Robinson, 21 points
Green Leading Scorer: Eddie Jones, 25 points
Leading Rebounder: Lamond Murray, 9 rebounds
Leading Playmaker: Khalid Reeves, 11 assists
White Coach: Cotton Fitzsimmons
Green Coach: Al Attles

Head Coach: Cotton Fitzsimmons | Result: Won 83-79 (OT)

Head Coach: Al Attles | Result: Lost 83-79 (OT)

First Overtime Game in Rookie Game History

The 1995 Rookie Game was the first in the event's history to require overtime. The teams finished regulation tied at 79 before White scored four unanswered points to win.

Eddie Jones Wins MVP for the Losing Team

Eddie Jones scored a game-high 25 points and was named MVP despite Green's defeat. It was the second consecutive year that the award went to a player on the losing team.

Glenn Robinson Leads White

Milwaukee Bucks forward Glenn Robinson scored 21 points to lead the winning team. Robinson had been selected first overall in the 1994 NBA Draft.

Khalid Reeves Records 11 Assists

Miami Heat guard Khalid Reeves finished with 11 points and 11 assists, producing one of the game's most impressive all-around performances.

Lamond Murray Nearly Records a Double-Double

Los Angeles Clippers forward Lamond Murray scored 15 points and collected nine rebounds for White.

Jason Kidd Participates in the Rookie Game

Dallas Mavericks guard Jason Kidd played for Green and recorded four points, four rebounds and five assists. Kidd later shared the 1994-95 NBA Rookie of the Year Award with Grant Hill.

Juwan Howard and Jalen Rose Reunite

Former University of Michigan teammates Juwan Howard and Jalen Rose both represented Green. Howard scored 14 points, while Rose added 12 points and six assists.

Cotton Fitzsimmons Coaches White

Cotton Fitzsimmons returned to a familiar setting in Phoenix, where he had previously coached the Suns, and led White to the overtime victory.

Al Attles Coaches Green

Former Golden State Warriors player and head coach Al Attles led Green. Attles had coached Golden State to the 1975 NBA championship.

1995 NBA All-Star Weekend

The Rookie Game was part of the 1995 All-Star Weekend in Phoenix. The Western Conference won the main All-Star Game 139-112, with Sacramento Kings guard Mitch Richmond earning MVP honors. Harold Miner won the Slam Dunk Contest, and Glen Rice won the Three-Point Shootout.

Who won the 1995 NBA Rookie Game?

The White team defeated the Green team 83-79 in overtime.

Who was the 1995 NBA Rookie Game MVP?

Eddie Jones of the Los Angeles Lakers won MVP after scoring 25 points for Green.

Where was the 1995 NBA Rookie Game played?

The game took place at America West Arena in Phoenix, Arizona, on February 11, 1995.

Who led White in scoring?

Glenn Robinson of the Milwaukee Bucks scored 21 points.

Who led the game in assists?

Khalid Reeves of the Miami Heat recorded 11 assists for White.

Did the 1995 NBA Rookie Game go into overtime?

Yes. The game was tied at 79 after regulation, and White outscored Green 4-0 in overtime.

Who coached the teams?

Cotton Fitzsimmons coached White, while Al Attles coached Green.

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