2019 NBA RISING STARS CHALLENGE - FINAL
TEAM USA 161 - TEAM WORLD 144
Halftime: Team USA 83, Team World 71
MVP: Kyle Kuzma - 35 Points, 6 Rebounds, 2 Assists
2019 NBA Rising Stars Challenge Recap
The 2019 NBA Rising Stars Challenge was played on February 15, 2019, at Spectrum Center in Charlotte, North Carolina, during NBA All-Star Weekend. Team USA defeated Team World 161-144, snapping a two-game losing streak and earning its second victory since the event adopted the USA-versus-World format in 2015.
Los Angeles Lakers forward Kyle Kuzma won Most Valuable Player honors after scoring a game-high 35 points, grabbing six rebounds and distributing two assists. Kuzma made 15 of 27 field-goal attempts, including three three-pointers, and converted both free throws. His aggressive scoring helped Team USA establish an early advantage and maintain control of the contest.
Boston Celtics forward Jayson Tatum added 30 points and a team-high nine rebounds. Tatum made 12 of 24 field-goal attempts, including six three-pointers, providing Team USA with another productive perimeter scorer.
Atlanta Hawks rookie Trae Young recorded a double-double with 25 points and 10 assists. Young made six three-pointers and grabbed seven rebounds, demonstrating the scoring range and passing ability that would become central to his NBA career.
Utah Jazz guard Donovan Mitchell contributed 20 points, seven rebounds, nine assists and five steals. Mitchell shot eight-for-13 from the field and three-for-six from three-point range, delivering one of the game's strongest all-around performances.
Sacramento Kings guard De'Aaron Fox scored only two points but recorded a remarkable 16 assists and five steals. Fox's playmaking helped Team USA distribute 45 assists and score 161 points.
Sacramento rookie Marvin Bagley III scored 14 points and collected five rebounds, while Atlanta forward John Collins contributed 12 points on six-for-seven shooting. New York Knicks rookie Kevin Knox added 11 points, and Memphis Grizzlies rookie Jaren Jackson Jr. scored 10 points and grabbed six rebounds.
Brooklyn Nets center Jarrett Allen scored two points, collected five rebounds and blocked two shots. Allen's interior defense helped Team USA despite limited offensive opportunities.
Team World was led by Philadelphia 76ers guard Ben Simmons, who scored 28 points on outstanding 14-for-17 shooting. Simmons also collected five rebounds, six assists and three steals, using his size and athleticism to attack the basket.
Chicago Bulls forward Lauri Markkanen added 21 points and six rebounds, making nine of 17 field-goal attempts and three three-pointers.
Phoenix Suns rookie Deandre Ayton scored 15 points, grabbed a team-high eight rebounds and recorded five assists. Ayton made seven of 12 field-goal attempts and converted his only free throw.
Sacramento Kings guard Bogdan Bogdanovic, the 2018 Rising Stars MVP, scored 15 points on five three-pointers and added six assists. Los Angeles Clippers rookie Shai Gilgeous-Alexander also scored 15 points while recording five rebounds, six assists and three steals.
Dallas Mavericks rookie Luka Doncic finished with 13 points, five rebounds and a team-high nine assists. Doncic made three three-pointers and showed the versatility that would eventually establish him among the NBA's premier offensive players.
Minnesota Timberwolves rookie Josh Okogie scored 13 points and added four rebounds and four assists. Toronto Raptors forward OG Anunoby contributed 12 points on six-for-eight shooting, while Brooklyn Nets rookie Rodions Kurucs scored 10 points and recorded five assists.
Cleveland Cavaliers forward Cedi Osman finished with two points, three rebounds and four assists.
Team USA took control early, outscoring Team World 40-30 in the first quarter. The American team extended its advantage with a 43-41 second quarter, entering halftime ahead 83-71.
Team World attempted to close the gap after halftime, winning the third quarter 46-40. However, Team USA responded by outscoring Team World 38-27 in the fourth quarter, securing the 17-point victory.
Team USA made 67 of 121 field-goal attempts and connected on 21 three-pointers. Team World made 62 of 112 field-goal attempts and 16 three-pointers. Both teams shot 55.4 percent from the field, but Team USA's advantage in three-point shooting and offensive rebounding helped decide the game.
The contest featured 305 combined points, continuing the high-scoring tradition of the Rising Stars Challenge. Team USA also held a 56-50 advantage in total rebounds when team rebounds were included.
The 2019 Rising Stars Challenge brought together several players who would become prominent NBA stars, including Luka Doncic, Trae Young, Jayson Tatum, Donovan Mitchell, Shai Gilgeous-Alexander, De'Aaron Fox and Jaren Jackson Jr.
With Kuzma's 35-point MVP performance, Fox's 16 assists and outstanding contributions from Tatum, Young and Mitchell, Team USA delivered one of the most balanced offensive performances in the history of the event.
2019 NBA Rising Stars Challenge Game Information
Date: February 15, 2019
Arena: Spectrum Center
Location: Charlotte, North Carolina
Final Score: Team USA 161, Team World 144
Halftime: Team USA 83, Team World 71
Second Half: Team USA 78, Team World 73
Combined Points: 305
Winning Margin: 17 points
Most Valuable Player: Kyle Kuzma, Los Angeles Lakers
MVP Statistics: 35 points, 6 rebounds, 2 assists, 1 block
MVP Shooting: 15-27 FG, 3-10 3PT, 2-2 FT
Leading Scorer: Kyle Kuzma, 35 points
Leading Rebounder: Jayson Tatum, 9 rebounds
Leading Assists: De'Aaron Fox, 16 assists
Team USA Head Coach: Darvin Ham
Team World Head Coach: Wes Unseld Jr.
Officials: Mitchell Ervin, Gediminas Petraitis, Aaron Smith
Game Format: USA vs. World
2019 NBA Rising Stars Challenge Score by Quarter
| Team | 1st | 2nd | 3rd | 4th | Final |
|---|
| Team USA | 40 | 43 | 40 | 38 | 161 |
| Team World | 30 | 41 | 46 | 27 | 144 |
2019 NBA Rising Stars Box Score - Team USA
Head Coach: Darvin Ham | Result: Won 161-144
| Player | NBA Team | MIN |
FG | 3PT | FT |
OR | DR | REB |
AST | STL | BLK |
TO | PF | PTS |
| Jayson Tatum | Boston Celtics | 26:19 | 12-24 | 6-14 | 0-0 | 2 | 7 | 9 | 3 | 2 | 0 | 0 | 1 | 30 |
| Donovan Mitchell | Utah Jazz | 26:10 | 8-13 | 3-6 | 1-1 | 1 | 6 | 7 | 9 | 5 | 1 | 4 | 2 | 20 |
| De'Aaron Fox | Sacramento Kings | 22:56 | 1-3 | 0-0 | 0-0 | 0 | 2 | 2 | 16 | 5 | 0 | 3 | 0 | 2 |
| Kyle Kuzma (MVP) | Los Angeles Lakers | 22:04 | 15-27 | 3-10 | 2-2 | 1 | 5 | 6 | 2 | 0 | 1 | 1 | 1 | 35 |
| John Collins | Atlanta Hawks | 14:58 | 6-7 | 0-0 | 0-0 | 1 | 1 | 2 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 1 | 1 | 12 |
| Trae Young | Atlanta Hawks | 24:00 | 9-19 | 6-11 | 1-2 | 0 | 7 | 7 | 10 | 0 | 1 | 2 | 1 | 25 |
| Marvin Bagley III | Sacramento Kings | 16:54 | 7-11 | 0-2 | 0-0 | 4 | 1 | 5 | 3 | 3 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 14 |
| Kevin Knox | New York Knicks | 16:08 | 5-9 | 1-3 | 0-0 | 0 | 2 | 2 | 1 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 11 |
| Jaren Jackson Jr. | Memphis Grizzlies | 15:32 | 4-6 | 2-4 | 0-0 | 3 | 3 | 6 | 0 | 1 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 10 |
| Jarrett Allen | Brooklyn Nets | 14:59 | 0-2 | 0-1 | 2-2 | 2 | 3 | 5 | 1 | 0 | 2 | 2 | 1 | 2 |
| TEAM TOTAL | | 200:00 | 67-121 | 21-51 | 6-7 | 14 | 37 | 51 | 45 | 16 | 5 | 13 | 7 | 161 |
Team USA shooting: 55.4% FG, 41.2% 3PT, 85.7% FT. Player rebounds: 51. Team rebounds: 5. Total rebounds: 56.
Roster note: New York Knicks rookie Kevin Knox replaced Los Angeles Lakers guard Lonzo Ball, who was unable to participate because of an ankle injury.
2019 NBA Rising Stars Box Score - Team World
Head Coach: Wes Unseld Jr. | Result: Lost 161-144
| Player | NBA Team | MIN |
FG | 3PT | FT |
OR | DR | REB |
AST | STL | BLK |
TO | PF | PTS |
| Luka Doncic | Dallas Mavericks | 24:01 | 5-12 | 3-9 | 0-0 | 1 | 4 | 5 | 9 | 2 | 0 | 2 | 1 | 13 |
| Bogdan Bogdanovic | Sacramento Kings | 24:00 | 5-11 | 5-11 | 0-0 | 2 | 3 | 5 | 6 | 1 | 0 | 4 | 0 | 15 |
| Lauri Markkanen | Chicago Bulls | 22:24 | 9-17 | 3-7 | 0-0 | 0 | 6 | 6 | 2 | 0 | 0 | 2 | 1 | 21 |
| Deandre Ayton | Phoenix Suns | 22:13 | 7-12 | 0-4 | 1-1 | 2 | 6 | 8 | 5 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 15 |
| Ben Simmons | Philadelphia 76ers | 20:34 | 14-17 | 0-0 | 0-1 | 0 | 5 | 5 | 6 | 3 | 0 | 4 | 1 | 28 |
| Shai Gilgeous-Alexander | Los Angeles Clippers | 19:52 | 5-10 | 3-7 | 2-2 | 1 | 4 | 5 | 6 | 3 | 0 | 2 | 2 | 15 |
| Josh Okogie | Minnesota Timberwolves | 18:40 | 6-10 | 0-2 | 1-1 | 1 | 3 | 4 | 4 | 0 | 0 | 1 | 2 | 13 |
| OG Anunoby | Toronto Raptors | 17:36 | 6-8 | 0-1 | 0-0 | 1 | 1 | 2 | 1 | 0 | 0 | 1 | 0 | 12 |
| Rodions Kurucs | Brooklyn Nets | 15:33 | 4-9 | 2-6 | 0-0 | 1 | 3 | 4 | 5 | 0 | 0 | 2 | 0 | 10 |
| Cedi Osman | Cleveland Cavaliers | 15:07 | 1-6 | 0-5 | 0-0 | 0 | 3 | 3 | 4 | 2 | 0 | 1 | 0 | 2 |
| TEAM TOTAL | | 200:00 | 62-112 | 16-52 | 4-5 | 9 | 38 | 47 | 48 | 11 | 0 | 19 | 7 | 144 |
Team World shooting: 55.4% FG, 30.8% 3PT, 80.0% FT. Player rebounds: 47. Team rebounds: 3. Total rebounds: 50.
2019 NBA Rising Stars Challenge Team Statistics
| Statistic | Team USA | Team World |
|---|
| Final Score | 161 | 144 |
| First Quarter | 40 | 30 |
| Second Quarter | 43 | 41 |
| Third Quarter | 40 | 46 |
| Fourth Quarter | 38 | 27 |
| Field Goals | 67-121 | 62-112 |
| Field Goal Percentage | 55.4% | 55.4% |
| Three-Pointers | 21-51 | 16-52 |
| Three-Point Percentage | 41.2% | 30.8% |
| Free Throws | 6-7 | 4-5 |
| Free Throw Percentage | 85.7% | 80.0% |
| Offensive Rebounds | 14 | 9 |
| Defensive Rebounds | 37 | 38 |
| Player Rebounds | 51 | 47 |
| Team Rebounds | 5 | 3 |
| Total Rebounds | 56 | 50 |
| Assists | 45 | 48 |
| Steals | 16 | 11 |
| Blocked Shots | 5 | 0 |
| Turnovers | 13 | 19 |
| Personal Fouls | 7 | 7 |
| Combined Points | 305 |
2019 NBA Rising Stars Challenge Statistical Leaders
| Category | Player | Team | Total |
|---|
| Points | Kyle Kuzma | Team USA | 35 |
| Rebounds | Jayson Tatum | Team USA | 9 |
| Assists | De'Aaron Fox | Team USA | 16 |
| Steals | Donovan Mitchell / De'Aaron Fox | Team USA | 5 |
| Blocked Shots | Jarrett Allen | Team USA | 2 |
| Three-Pointers Made | Jayson Tatum / Trae Young | Team USA | 6 |
| Team World Scoring Leader | Ben Simmons | Team World | 28 |
| Team World Rebounds Leader | Deandre Ayton | Team World | 8 |
| Team World Assists Leader | Luka Doncic | Team World | 9 |
2019 NBA Rising Stars Challenge Historical Notes
Kyle Kuzma Wins MVP with 35 Points
Los Angeles Lakers forward Kyle Kuzma scored 35 points and grabbed six rebounds to win Rising Stars MVP honors. Kuzma made 15 field goals, the most of any player in the game.
De'Aaron Fox Records 16 Assists
Sacramento Kings guard De'Aaron Fox recorded 16 assists and five steals despite scoring only two points. His performance highlighted the value of playmaking in the exhibition format.
Jayson Tatum Scores 30 Points
Boston Celtics forward Jayson Tatum scored 30 points and grabbed nine rebounds, making six three-pointers.
Trae Young Records a Double-Double
Atlanta Hawks rookie Trae Young scored 25 points and distributed 10 assists. Young made six three-pointers and collected seven rebounds.
Donovan Mitchell Delivers an All-Around Performance
Utah Jazz guard Donovan Mitchell recorded 20 points, seven rebounds, nine assists, five steals and one blocked shot. He made eight of 13 field-goal attempts.
Ben Simmons Scores 28 Points
Philadelphia 76ers guard Ben Simmons led Team World with 28 points, shooting 14-for-17 from the field. He also contributed five rebounds, six assists and three steals.
Luka Doncic Makes His Rising Stars Debut
Dallas Mavericks rookie Luka Doncic scored 13 points, grabbed five rebounds and recorded nine assists. He later won the 2018-19 NBA Rookie of the Year award.
Shai Gilgeous-Alexander Represents Team World
Los Angeles Clippers rookie Shai Gilgeous-Alexander contributed 15 points, five rebounds, six assists and three steals.
Kevin Knox Replaces Lonzo Ball
New York Knicks rookie Kevin Knox joined Team USA after Los Angeles Lakers guard Lonzo Ball withdrew because of an ankle injury. Knox scored 11 points in the game.
2019 NBA All-Star Weekend in Charlotte
Charlotte hosted the 2019 NBA All-Star festivities. Team LeBron defeated Team Giannis 178-164 in the main All-Star Game on February 17, with Kevin Durant winning MVP. Hamidou Diallo won the Slam Dunk Contest, Joe Harris won the Three-Point Contest, and Jayson Tatum won the Skills Challenge.
2019 NBA Rising Stars Challenge FAQ
Who won the 2019 NBA Rising Stars Challenge?
Team USA defeated Team World 161-144 on February 15, 2019.
Who was the 2019 Rising Stars MVP?
Kyle Kuzma of the Los Angeles Lakers won MVP after scoring 35 points and collecting six rebounds.
Where was the 2019 Rising Stars Challenge played?
The game was held at Spectrum Center in Charlotte, North Carolina.
Who scored the most points?
Kyle Kuzma led all players with 35 points for Team USA.
How many assists did De'Aaron Fox record?
Fox recorded 16 assists, the most by any player in the game.
How many points did Luka Doncic score?
Doncic scored 13 points and added five rebounds and nine assists for Team World.
Who led Team World in scoring?
Ben Simmons scored 28 points, making 14 of 17 field-goal attempts.
Who coached Team USA and Team World?
Darvin Ham coached Team USA, while Wes Unseld Jr. coached Team World.
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