Team Barry won at the free throw line after a huge 3-pointer by Cade Cunningham. (0:42)
The format change for the Rising Stars Challenge was a success.
The event used a new format this season and features the top first- and second-year NBA players. Isiah Thomas, Rick Barry, James Worthy, and Gary Payton were all involved in four seven-man rosters that were coached by Hall of Famers.
In honor of the league's 75th anniversary, there were three games played, two semifinal games and a championship game.
He said he was pleased with the format change after Team Isiah lost to Team Barry 25-20.
Cunningham claimed the event's Most Valuable Player award. I had a good time.
The ellipse ending was used in all three games and first came to All-Star Weekend in Chicago two years ago.
After his team lost in the first semifinal, the guard said it felt good. It was exciting to be out there. We were just playing.
The opening moments of the games were similar to past Rising Stars games, which are usually full of dunks, 3s and hardly any intensity, but the new format did lead to some added spice in the final moments.
At the end of the first semifinal, Cole Anthony and Tyrese Maxey gave a talk to Bane, who calmly sank the second of his two free throws to give his team the win.
All three games ended on free throws, a sign of the kind of defense that was being played, at least when the games were on the line.
Hornets guard LaMelo Ball said he liked this. I feel like it was creative with the 75, 50, and 25.
The NBA's new initiative to get top prospects to skip college and spend time in the G League before being eligible for the draft was highlighted by the fact that G League Ignite players took part in the festivities for the first time.
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