2010 NBA ROOKIE CHALLENGE - FINAL
ROOKIES 140 - SOPHOMORES 128
Halftime: Rookies 67, Sophomores 55
MVP: Tyreke Evans - 26 Points, 6 Rebounds, 5 Assists, 5 Steals
Attendance: 19,200
2010 NBA Rookie Challenge Recap
The 2010 NBA Rookie Challenge was played on February 12, 2010, at American Airlines Center in Dallas, Texas, as part of NBA All-Star Weekend. The Rookies defeated the Sophomores 140-128, ending seven consecutive losses to the second-year players and earning their first victory in the event since 2002.
Sacramento Kings guard Tyreke Evans earned Most Valuable Player honors after scoring 26 points, collecting six rebounds, distributing five assists and recording five steals. Evans made 11 of his 15 field-goal attempts and helped the Rookies control the game despite an extraordinary 40-point performance by Oklahoma City Thunder guard Russell Westbrook.
The 2010 game was especially memorable because it featured several players who would eventually become NBA superstars. The Rookie roster included Stephen Curry, James Harden, Evans and Brandon Jennings, while the Sophomores featured Westbrook, Derrick Rose's replacement Anthony Morrow, Kevin Love, Marc Gasol and Brook Lopez.
San Antonio Spurs rookie DeJuan Blair delivered one of the most remarkable rebounding performances in the event's history. Blair scored 22 points and collected 23 rebounds, including 10 offensive rebounds. His 23 rebounds established a Rookie Challenge record, and he became the first player in the event's history to record at least 20 points and 20 rebounds in a game.
Blair's performance was particularly noteworthy because he had been selected with the 37th overall pick in the 2009 NBA Draft. Despite being a second-round selection, he dominated the glass against several highly regarded young NBA frontcourt players.
Milwaukee Bucks rookie Brandon Jennings scored 22 points and led the Rookie team with eight assists. Jennings also recorded four steals and six rebounds. His quickness and aggressive offensive approach helped the Rookies maintain a fast tempo throughout the game.
Oklahoma City Thunder guard James Harden added 22 points on nine-of-14 shooting, including two three-pointers. Harden also contributed five rebounds and two assists. His efficient scoring gave the Rookies another dangerous offensive option alongside Evans and Jennings.
Golden State Warriors rookie Stephen Curry scored 14 points, making six of his 11 field-goal attempts and two three-pointers. Curry also recorded two assists and one rebound. The game represented an early All-Star Weekend appearance for a player who would later revolutionize NBA perimeter shooting.
Sacramento Kings forward Omri Casspi contributed 13 points, five rebounds and three assists. Minnesota Timberwolves guard Jonny Flynn scored nine points and handed out seven assists, while Detroit Pistons forward Jonas Jerebko and Chicago Bulls forward Taj Gibson scored six points apiece.
The Sophomores were led by Russell Westbrook, who scored a game-high 40 points on 18-of-29 shooting. Westbrook made two three-pointers and added five rebounds, four assists and two steals. His 40-point performance was the second-highest scoring total in Rookie Challenge history at the time, behind Kevin Durant's 46 points in 2009.
Westbrook scored 29 of his 40 points in the second half, attempting to bring the Sophomores back from a 12-point halftime deficit. Although the second-year players matched the Rookies with 73 points after halftime, they were unable to overcome the early margin.
Miami Heat forward Michael Beasley added 26 points and seven rebounds for the Sophomores. Beasley made 12 of his 25 field-goal attempts and contributed two assists.
Golden State Warriors guard Anthony Morrow scored 15 points, while Minnesota Timberwolves forward Kevin Love finished with 12 points and six rebounds. Memphis Grizzlies center Marc Gasol added 10 points, six rebounds and two blocked shots.
Memphis guard O.J. Mayo recorded a game-high 10 assists, along with eight points and three rebounds. New Jersey Nets center Brook Lopez finished with six points, seven rebounds and one blocked shot. New York Knicks forward Danilo Gallinari added five points.
Los Angeles Clippers guard Eric Gordon contributed six points, four rebounds and two assists. The Sophomore team also originally included Chicago Bulls guard Derrick Rose, but Rose was replaced by Anthony Morrow after being selected for the main NBA All-Star Game and the Skills Challenge.
The Rookies established control during the first half, taking a 67-55 lead into halftime. Both teams scored 73 points in the second half, leaving the Rookies with a 12-point victory. The first-year players shot 53.9 percent from the field and collected 52 player rebounds, compared with 42 for the Sophomores.
The Sophomores actually shot a higher percentage from the field, connecting on 56.7 percent of their attempts. However, the Rookies attempted more shots, dominated the offensive glass and committed fewer turnovers. Those advantages proved decisive in ending the Sophomores' long winning streak.
The 2010 Rookie Challenge remains one of the most historically significant editions of the event. It brought together future MVP winners Stephen Curry, James Harden and Russell Westbrook, along with future All-Stars such as Kevin Love and Marc Gasol. It also featured Blair's record-setting rebounding performance and Evans' MVP-winning all-around game.
2010 NBA Rookie Challenge Game Information
Date: February 12, 2010
Arena: American Airlines Center
Location: Dallas, Texas
Attendance: 19,200
Final Score: Rookies 140, Sophomores 128
Halftime Score: Rookies 67, Sophomores 55
Second Half: Rookies 73, Sophomores 73
Most Valuable Player: Tyreke Evans, Sacramento Kings
MVP Statistics: 26 points, 6 rebounds, 5 assists, 5 steals
Leading Scorer: Russell Westbrook, 40 points
Leading Rebounder: DeJuan Blair, 23 rebounds
Leading Assists: O.J. Mayo, 10 assists
Rookies Coach: Adrian Dantley
Rookies Assistant Coach: Carmelo Anthony
Sophomores Coach: Patrick Ewing
Sophomores Assistant Coach: Chris Bosh
2010 NBA Rookie Challenge Score by Half
| Team | First Half | Second Half | Final |
|---|
| Rookies | 67 | 73 | 140 |
| Sophomores | 55 | 73 | 128 |
2010 NBA Rookie Challenge Box Score - Rookies
Head Coach: Adrian Dantley | Assistant: Carmelo Anthony | Result: Won 140-128
| Player | NBA Team | MIN |
FG | 3PT | FT |
OR | DR | REB |
AST | PF | STL |
TO | BLK | PTS |
| Omri Casspi | Sacramento Kings | 24:23 | 5-14 | 0-2 | 3-4 | 2 | 3 | 5 | 3 | 2 | 1 | 1 | 0 | 13 |
| Stephen Curry | Golden State Warriors | 22:53 | 6-11 | 2-7 | 0-0 | 0 | 1 | 1 | 2 | 0 | 0 | 2 | 0 | 14 |
| DeJuan Blair | San Antonio Spurs | 30:33 | 11-19 | 0-1 | 0-1 | 10 | 13 | 23 | 4 | 0 | 0 | 1 | 0 | 22 |
| Brandon Jennings | Milwaukee Bucks | 27:00 | 11-23 | 0-4 | 0-0 | 3 | 3 | 6 | 8 | 0 | 4 | 3 | 0 | 22 |
| Tyreke Evans (MVP) | Sacramento Kings | 29:37 | 11-15 | 0-1 | 4-5 | 1 | 5 | 6 | 5 | 0 | 5 | 3 | 0 | 26 |
| Taj Gibson | Chicago Bulls | 09:27 | 2-3 | 0-0 | 2-2 | 1 | 1 | 2 | 0 | 2 | 1 | 0 | 0 | 6 |
| James Harden | Oklahoma City Thunder | 23:09 | 9-14 | 2-4 | 2-2 | 1 | 4 | 5 | 2 | 2 | 0 | 1 | 0 | 22 |
| Jonny Flynn | Minnesota Timberwolves | 17:40 | 4-10 | 1-3 | 0-0 | 1 | 0 | 1 | 7 | 0 | 0 | 1 | 1 | 9 |
| Jonas Jerebko | Detroit Pistons | 15:18 | 3-6 | 0-0 | 0-0 | 3 | 0 | 3 | 1 | 1 | 2 | 0 | 0 | 6 |
| TEAM TOTAL | | 200:00 | 62-115 | 5-22 | 11-14 | 22 | 30 | 52 | 32 | 7 | 13 | 12 | 1 | 140 |
Field goals: 53.9% | Three-pointers: 22.7% | Free throws: 78.6% | Team rebounds: 2 | Total turnovers: 12
2010 NBA Rookie Challenge Box Score - Sophomores
Head Coach: Patrick Ewing | Assistant: Chris Bosh | Result: Lost 140-128
| Player | NBA Team | MIN |
FG | 3PT | FT |
OR | DR | REB |
AST | PF | STL |
TO | BLK | PTS |
| Michael Beasley | Miami Heat | 25:43 | 12-25 | 1-3 | 1-2 | 3 | 4 | 7 | 2 | 2 | 0 | 2 | 0 | 26 |
| Danilo Gallinari | New York Knicks | 13:08 | 2-4 | 1-3 | 0-0 | 0 | 1 | 1 | 1 | 2 | 1 | 0 | 0 | 5 |
| Brook Lopez | New Jersey Nets | 21:53 | 3-5 | 0-0 | 0-0 | 4 | 3 | 7 | 0 | 4 | 2 | 1 | 1 | 6 |
| O.J. Mayo | Memphis Grizzlies | 26:53 | 4-10 | 0-5 | 0-0 | 1 | 2 | 3 | 10 | 0 | 1 | 5 | 0 | 8 |
| Russell Westbrook | Oklahoma City Thunder | 32:16 | 18-29 | 2-8 | 2-2 | 3 | 2 | 5 | 4 | 1 | 2 | 3 | 0 | 40 |
| Marc Gasol | Memphis Grizzlies | 14:17 | 5-6 | 0-0 | 0-1 | 2 | 4 | 6 | 2 | 2 | 0 | 2 | 2 | 10 |
| Kevin Love | Minnesota Timberwolves | 18:07 | 6-9 | 0-1 | 0-0 | 1 | 5 | 6 | 0 | 1 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 12 |
| Anthony Morrow | Golden State Warriors | 26:52 | 7-12 | 1-4 | 0-0 | 0 | 3 | 3 | 1 | 1 | 1 | 2 | 0 | 15 |
| Eric Gordon | Los Angeles Clippers | 20:51 | 2-4 | 0-2 | 2-2 | 0 | 4 | 4 | 2 | 1 | 1 | 2 | 1 | 6 |
| TEAM TOTAL | | 200:00 | 59-104 | 5-26 | 5-7 | 14 | 28 | 42 | 22 | 14 | 8 | 17 | 4 | 128 |
Field goals: 56.7% | Three-pointers: 19.2% | Free throws: 71.4% | Team rebounds: 7 | Total turnovers: 17
Derrick Rose: Originally selected for the Sophomores but replaced by Anthony Morrow because of his NBA All-Star Game and Skills Challenge commitments.
2010 NBA Rookie Challenge Team Statistics
| Statistic | Rookies | Sophomores |
|---|
| Final Score | 140 | 128 |
| First Half | 67 | 55 |
| Second Half | 73 | 73 |
| Field Goals | 62-115 | 59-104 |
| Field Goal Percentage | 53.9% | 56.7% |
| Three-Pointers | 5-22 | 5-26 |
| Three-Point Percentage | 22.7% | 19.2% |
| Free Throws | 11-14 | 5-7 |
| Free Throw Percentage | 78.6% | 71.4% |
| Offensive Rebounds | 22 | 14 |
| Defensive Rebounds | 30 | 28 |
| Player Rebounds | 52 | 42 |
| Team Rebounds | 2 | 7 |
| Assists | 32 | 22 |
| Steals | 13 | 8 |
| Blocked Shots | 1 | 4 |
| Turnovers | 12 | 17 |
| Personal Fouls | 7 | 14 |
2010 NBA Rookie Challenge Statistical Leaders
| Category | Player | Team | Total |
|---|
| Points | Russell Westbrook | Sophomores | 40 |
| Rebounds | DeJuan Blair | Rookies | 23 |
| Assists | O.J. Mayo | Sophomores | 10 |
| Steals | Tyreke Evans | Rookies | 5 |
| Blocked Shots | Marc Gasol | Sophomores | 2 |
| Rookie Scoring Leader | Tyreke Evans | Rookies | 26 |
| Rookie Rebounds Leader | DeJuan Blair | Rookies | 23 |
| Rookie Assists Leader | Brandon Jennings | Rookies | 8 |
| Sophomore Scoring Leader | Russell Westbrook | Sophomores | 40 |
2010 NBA Rookie Challenge Historical Notes
Rookies End Seven-Game Losing Streak
The Rookies defeated the Sophomores for the first time since 2002, ending a seven-game losing streak in the annual exhibition.
Tyreke Evans Wins MVP
Sacramento Kings guard Tyreke Evans scored 26 points, grabbed six rebounds, handed out five assists and recorded five steals to earn Rookie Challenge MVP honors.
DeJuan Blair Records 23 Rebounds
San Antonio Spurs forward DeJuan Blair collected a record 23 rebounds, including 10 offensive rebounds, and scored 22 points. He became the first player in Rookie Challenge history to record a 20-point, 20-rebound game.
Russell Westbrook Scores 40 Points
Oklahoma City Thunder guard Russell Westbrook scored 40 points on 18-of-29 shooting, including 29 points in the second half. At the time, his total was second only to Kevin Durant's 46-point performance in 2009.
Stephen Curry Makes His Rookie Challenge Debut
Golden State Warriors guard Stephen Curry scored 14 points, including two three-pointers, during his first Rookie Challenge appearance.
James Harden Scores 22 Points
Oklahoma City Thunder rookie James Harden scored 22 points on nine-of-14 shooting, contributing five rebounds and two assists.
Brandon Jennings Adds 22 Points and Eight Assists
Milwaukee Bucks rookie Brandon Jennings scored 22 points and recorded eight assists, six rebounds and four steals.
Derrick Rose Replaced by Anthony Morrow
Chicago Bulls guard Derrick Rose was originally selected for the Sophomore roster but was replaced by Golden State Warriors guard Anthony Morrow because of his All-Star Game and Skills Challenge commitments.
2010 NBA All-Star Weekend
The Eastern Conference defeated the Western Conference 141-139 in the main NBA All-Star Game on February 14, 2010, at Cowboys Stadium in Arlington, Texas. Dwyane Wade earned MVP honors. Nate Robinson won the Slam Dunk Contest, Paul Pierce won the Three-Point Shootout and Steve Nash won the Skills Challenge.
2010 NBA Rookie Challenge FAQ
Who won the 2010 NBA Rookie Challenge?
The Rookies defeated the Sophomores 140-128 on February 12, 2010.
Who was the 2010 NBA Rookie Challenge MVP?
Tyreke Evans of the Sacramento Kings won MVP after scoring 26 points, grabbing six rebounds and recording five assists and five steals.
Where was the 2010 Rookie Challenge played?
The game was played at American Airlines Center in Dallas, Texas.
How many points did Russell Westbrook score?
Russell Westbrook scored a game-high 40 points, including 29 in the second half.
How many rebounds did DeJuan Blair collect?
DeJuan Blair collected 23 rebounds, setting a Rookie Challenge record.
How did Stephen Curry perform?
Stephen Curry scored 14 points on six-of-11 shooting, including two three-pointers.
How many points did James Harden score?
James Harden scored 22 points on nine-of-14 shooting for the Rookies.
Who led the game in assists?
O.J. Mayo recorded 10 assists for the Sophomores.
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