NBA All-Star Weekend grades for dunk contest, Rising Stars, extra

It is NBA All-Star Weekend, however not all the celebrities will shine equally. To focus on the most effective and worst performances all weekend lengthy in Indianapolis, we’re grading the members in each occasion from the Rising Stars on Friday by means of Sunday’s All-Star Recreation.

Friday’s star-studded Rising Stars match at All-Star Weekend featured the main two contenders for Rookie of the 12 months — the Oklahoma Metropolis Thunder’s Chet Holmgren and San Antonio Spurs’ Victor Wembanyama — in addition to 2023 award winner and first-time All-Star Paolo Banchero.

For the third consecutive yr, the NBA’s finest rookies and sophomores have been break up into three groups drafted by honorary coaches, with a workforce representing the NBA G League filling out the four-team bracket. These groups performed to a goal rating of 40 factors within the semifinals and 25 factors within the ultimate.

Crew Jalen, coached by former NBA participant Jalen Rose, ended up beating a workforce of gamers from the G League (coached by three-time All-Star Detlef Schrempf) within the ultimate. These groups had earlier defeated groups coached by Corridor of Famers Tamika Catchings and Pau Gasol within the semifinals.

Bennedict Mathurin of weekend host Indiana Pacers was named MVP after scoring 18 factors within the semis.

Which of the NBA’s stars of tomorrow confirmed probably the most potential with their play? Let’s grade the efficiency of all 28 gamers in motion.

RISING STARS

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Crew Jalen

Chet Holmgren, Oklahoma Metropolis Thunder
Grade: B

Recreation 1: 5 PTS | 2-4 FG | 3 REB | 1 AST
Last: 2 PTS | 0-0 FG | 2 REB | 1 BLK

Evaluation
The highest decide for Crew Jalen did not find yourself taking part in the most important position in his workforce’s victory. Holmgren had 5 turnovers within the semifinals, when he matched up with 2022 No. 1 decide Paolo Banchero and scored solely on the free throw line within the ultimate. On the plus facet, Holmgren twice drove previous Banchero on the perimeter, as soon as for a operating layup and the opposite drawing a foul.

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Jalen Williams, Oklahoma Metropolis Thunder
Grade: A-

Recreation 1: 2 PTS | 1-1 FG | 3 REB | 3 AST
Last: 5 PTS | 2-3 FG | 1-2 3PT | 3 AST

Evaluation

Williams capably dealt with the position of level guard for the aptly named Crew Jalen, handing out a game-high three assists in each the semifinals and the ultimate. His solely rating within the semifinals was the workforce’s opening basket, beginning a comeback from a 10-0 deficit. Williams additionally capped the evening’s scoring with a pull-up 3 to succeed in — and really surpass — the goal rating and win the match.

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Bennedict Mathurin, Indiana Pacers
Grade: A

Recreation 1: 18 PTS | 7-13 FG | 2-4 3PT | 2 REB
Last: 4 PTS | 1-3 FG | 2 AST | 1 STL

Evaluation
Mathurin redeemed himself for lacking what might have been a pair of game-winning free throws by making a pull-up jumper to succeed in the goal rating within the tightly contested semifinal win. In fact, Crew Jalen was in that place solely due to Mathurin’s takeover, which earned him MVP honors.

Mathurin scored practically half of his workforce’s factors within the semifinals, repeatedly attending to the rim and making a pair of 3-pointers. Mathurin made much less noise within the ultimate, the place his finest play was a nifty flip go to Kessler for a layup.

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Jeremy Sochan, San Antonio Spurs
Grade: C+

Recreation 1: 0 PTS | 0-0 FG | 2 REB
Last: 0 PTS | 0-2 FG

Evaluation
Taking part in on the perimeter as a part of a supersized Crew Jalen beginning 5, Sochan was the workforce’s solely participant to not rating, lacking each of his shot makes an attempt.

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Dereck Energetic II, Dallas Mavericks
Grade: A

Recreation 1: 6 PTS | 3-3 FG | 2 REB
Last: 6 PTS | 3-3 FG | 1 AST

Evaluation
Energetic’s above-the-rim ending and willingness to run the court docket have been difference-makers for Crew Jalen, which rallied from an early deficit quickly after he checked into the semifinals. Energetic rapidly completed an alley-oop and was 6-of-6 from the sphere total, throughout the rim.

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Jordan Hawkins, New Orleans Pelicans
Grade: A

Recreation 1: 7 PTS | 3-5 FG | 5 REB | 2 AST
Last: 5 PTS | 2-2 FG | 1-1 3PT | 2 AST

Evaluation
Arguably the most effective shooter on this yr’s rookie class, Hawkins showcased his ability with a pair of pull-up 3-pointers in transition and completed 5-of-7 through the competitors. Extra spectacular, nonetheless, was Hawkins’ playmaking. He discovered teammates Walker Kessler and Dereck Energetic II for alley-oop finishes.

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Walker Kessler, Utah Jazz
Grade: B

Recreation 1: 2 PTS | 1-1 FG | 2 REB | 1 AST
Last: 4 PTS | 2-2 FG | 1 REB

Evaluation
It was a gradual begin for Kessler, who was really known as for an unlawful display within the semifinals — possibly the primary in All-Star Weekend historical past. Kessler did have a robust block in that sport and a pair of finishes across the rim within the finals.

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Crew Detlef

Izan Almansa, G League Ignite
Grade: B+

Recreation 1: 2 PTS | 1-2 FG | 1 REB | 1 BLK
Last: 0 PTS | 1 MIN

Evaluation
The 18-year-old Almansa, No. 24 in ESPN’s draft rankings, noticed the least motion of any participant on Crew Detlef. Almansa nonetheless discovered time for a memorable sequence wherein he swatted Bilal Coulibaly’s shot, then raced downcourt for a dunk on the different finish. Worse was Almansa’s choice to contest Victor Wembanyama in transition, organising a three-point play.

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Matas Buzelis, G League Ignite
Grade: B+

Recreation 1: 7 PTS | 3-7 FG | 2 REB | 2 AST
Last: 0 PTS | 0-3 FG | 0-1 3PT | 1 STL

Evaluation

The very best-rated prospect on G League Ignite at No. 6 in ESPN’s rankings, Buzelis despatched Crew Detlef to the ultimate by flattening a tough turnaround jumper after an prolonged offensive drought.

He additionally showcased his shotmaking by hitting a step-back jumper with a excessive launch and a contested 3. That did not carry over to the ultimate, the place Buzelis missed all three of his pictures and dribbled the ball off his foot for a turnover.

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Emoni Bates, Cleveland Cost
Grade: B-

Recreation 1: 5 PTS | 2-6 FG | 2 AST | 1 STL
Last: 2 PTS | 1-3 FG | 2 REB | 1 AST

Evaluation
Bates, who’s on a two-way contract with the Cleveland Cavaliers, was lively all through. He had a powerful end in transition within the ultimate and a protracted rainbow 3 off the dribble within the semifinals, when he additionally laid the ball off to teammate Oscar Tshiebwe for a dunk. General, nonetheless, Bates shot simply 3-of-9 from the sphere.

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Tyler Smith, G League Ignite
Grade: C+

Recreation 1: 2 PTS | 1-5 FG | 3 REB | 1 STL
Last: 0 PTS | 0-1 FG | 0-1 3PT

Evaluation
Ranked nineteenth in ESPN’s draft rankings, Smith bought his first take a look at Victor Wembanyama with combined outcomes. Wembanyama stole the ball from Smith whereas matched up one-on-one, then Smith later tried a hook shot over him and bought predictable outcomes with a wild miss.

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Mac McClung, Osceola Magic
Grade: A-

Recreation 1: 12 PTS | 5-9 FG | 5 REB | 3 AST
Last: 0 PTS | 0-1 3PT | 3 AST

Evaluation
It is amusing that McClung, who will defend his title in Saturday’s dunk contest regardless of not being signed to an NBA contract (he is taking part in for the G League’s Osceola Magic), scored a game-high 12 factors within the semifinals and not using a single dunk. As an alternative, McClung relied on powerful layup finishes. A miss after McClung was despatched to the road for a three-shot foul delayed Crew Detlef reaching the goal rating, nevertheless it bought there largely due to McClung’s power, which produced three offensive rebounds and three assists. He once more had three assists within the ultimate.

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Oscar Tshiebwe, Indiana Mad Ants
Grade: A

Recreation 1: 2 PTS | 1-1 FG | 8 REB
Last: 8 PTS | 4-5 FG | 2 REB | 1 AST

Evaluation
Representing the hometown workforce on a two-way contract with the Pacers, Tshiebwe was within the combine all through each video games. He pulled down a game-high eight boards within the semifinals, together with 4 of them on the offensive finish. Within the ultimate, Tshiebwe discovered his footing as a scorer, making a tip-in to open the sport, dunking dwelling a pick-and-roll feed and finishing a drop step for a layup.

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Alondes Williams, Sioux Falls Skyforce
Grade: A-

Recreation 1: 11 PTS | 5-10 FG | 1-6 3PT | 2 AST
Last: 3 PTS | 1-1 3PT | 1 REB | 1 BLK

Evaluation
Just lately signed to a two-way contract by the Miami Warmth, Williams impressed along with his all-around play within the semifinals. He went at Victor Wembanyama and got here away with an and-1, then made a spotlight dunk in transition when he pulled the ball again earlier than ending. Williams additionally hit a rainbow 3 over Wembanyama and was credited for a rating when he attacked the offensive glass and bought Wembanyama to tip the ball into his personal basket, and. within the ultimate, Williams had as many turnovers as factors (three apiece).

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Crew Pau

Victor Wembanyama, San Antonio Spurs
Grade: A

Recreation 1:11 PTS | 5-6 FG | 7 REB | 2 BLK

Evaluation

We are able to quibble with Wembanyama’s 5 turnovers, a few of them the results of careless ball dealing with, however he nonetheless showcased the breadth of his one-of-a-kind expertise. Wembanyama made 5 of his six shot makes an attempt, most of them across the rim. That included a transition dunk wherein he waited for the protection to return to him, drawing an and-1 within the course of. He threw a lob to Jaime Jaquez Jr. after operating pick-and-roll, grabbed a team-high seven rebounds and had a pair of blocks — one in every of them erasing a Mac McClung shot that would have ended the sport.

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Brandon Miller, Charlotte Hornets
Grade: C

Recreation 1: 0 PTS | 0-4 FG | 2 REB | 2 STL

Evaluation
The No. 2 total decide from the 2023 draft has been sizzling currently, charging up our rookie rankings, however his capturing contact abandoned him Friday. Miller missed all 4 of his shot makes an attempt, together with an air ball from 3 in transition that he salvaged by hustling again to steal an outlet go.

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Brandin Podziemski, Golden State Warriors
Grade: B+

Recreation 1: 3 PTS | 1-3 FG | 4 AST | 2 REB

Evaluation
Thrust into the atypical position of level guard on Crew Pau, Podziemski recorded a team-high 4 assists. He arrange Victor Wembanyama with a pleasant entry go after which had a drop go to Bilal Coulibaly for a dunk. Podziemski’s solely basket was a step-back 3.

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Jaime Jaquez Jr., Miami Warmth
Grade: A

Recreation 1: 6 PTS | 3-4 FG | 3 AST | 2 REB

Evaluation
Jaquez’s sturdy rookie marketing campaign carried over into Friday. A pump faux that arrange a drive and dunk was the excessive level of an evening that noticed Jaquez make three of his 4 shot makes an attempt and hand out three assists.

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Jabari Smith Jr., Houston Rockets
Grade: B-

Recreation 1: 4 PTS | 2-4 FG | 1 REB

Evaluation
Smith had only one board in 9 quiet minutes. He scored two of his 4 factors early, rising over his defender to knock down a jumper from the foul line.

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Cason Wallace, Oklahoma Metropolis Thunder
Grade: B-

Recreation 1: 8 PTS | 3-8 FG | 2-6 3PT | 1 AST

Evaluation
Crew Pau repeatedly turned to Wallace in want of 3s down the stretch, and he went simply 2-of-6 past the arc. A kind of makes was a high-arcing shot from the nook. Wallace additionally transformed his personal steal right into a mini-windmill dunk.

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Bilal Coulibaly, Washington Wizards
Grade: B

Recreation 1: 4 PTS | 2-3 FG | 1 AST | 1 STL

Evaluation
A affected person drive for a layup adopted by a strip for a steal in a key scenario was Coulibaly’s finest sequence. Sadly, he was on the fallacious finish of Izan Almansa’s spotlight block.

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Crew Tamika

Paolo Banchero, Orlando Magic
Grade: B

Recreation 1: 5 PTS | 2-7 FG | 0-4 3PT | 3 REB

Evaluation
Banchero helped Crew Tamika’s dominant begin with a reverse dunk in transition and had a pleasant driving dunk, however he struggled from past the arc. Banchero missed all 4 of his 3-point makes an attempt, together with a step-back that got here up in need of the rim. Banchero may have an opportunity to seek out his contact in Sunday’s All-Star Recreation.

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Jaden Ivey, Detroit Pistons
Grade: A

Recreation 1: 8 PTS | 4-7 FG | 4 STL | 3 REB

Evaluation
Ivey ended up on the fallacious finish of what become a one-on-one battle with Bennedict Mathurin, who was drafted one decide after Ivey in 2022, but nonetheless acquitted himself effectively. Ivey was aggressive attacking the basket with energy and scored eight factors on 4-of-7 capturing along with recording a game-high 4 steals.

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Jalen Duren, Detroit Pistons
Grade: C

Recreation 1: 2 PTS | 1-4 FG | 1 REB | 1 STL

Evaluation
Duren, who’s capturing 63% from the sphere, had his least correct outing of your complete season (1-of-4). Duren’s sole basket got here when he confirmed off his ballhandling capacity within the open court docket for a dunk, and he had a pleasant go to arrange a missed nook 3, however for probably the most half it was a quiet evening.

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Keegan Murray, Sacramento Kings
Grade: B+

Recreation 1: 5 PTS | 2-4 FG | 3 REB | 2 AST

Evaluation
Murray’s pull-up 3 in transition was a part of Crew Tamika’s 10-0 run to begin the sport. Though he scored just one different basket, Murray tied for team-high honors with three rebounds and two assists.

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Scoot Henderson, Portland Path Blazers
Grade: A

Recreation 1: 10 PTS | 4-6 FG | 1-2 3PT | 1 AST

Evaluation
Taking part in in an unprecedented third consecutive Rising Stars sport after representing G League Ignite the previous two years, Henderson got here out with power, sometimes taking part in full-court protection on opposing ball handlers. He could not end a dunk after developing with a steal, however he later accomplished an and-1 over Walker Kessler after attending to the rim with a powerful in-and-out dribble. Henderson’s 10 factors led his workforce.

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Keyonte George, Utah Jazz
Grade: B

Recreation 1: 2 PTS | 1-4 FG | 1 STL | 1 BLK

Evaluation
By scoring a reverse end over Jazz teammate Walker Kessler, George had one of many evening’s most memorable highlights. That was George’s solely discipline objective, as he missed all three tries past the arc. He did impress on protection, stealing a backdoor go and stripping Bennedict Mathurin.

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Vince Williams Jr., Memphis Grizzlies
Grade: B

Recreation 1: 3 PTS | 1-2 3PT | 2 AST | 1 STL

Evaluation
A final-minute alternative for the injured Dyson Daniels, Williams made a pull-up 3 in transition for his solely basket of the evening.