With Kyrie Irving setting the rotations for Team USA isn’t no wonder his team won Friday night’s Rising Stars Challenge over Dirk Nowitzki’s Team World. But the next time Irving decides to pick up a clipboard and call the shots, he may want to work on his team’s defense, unless he expects his players to put up a ton of points like they did in the 161-144 finish in Charlotte.
In all seriousness, much like the NBA All-Star Game, the Rising Stars Challenge is an offensive showcase. There’s next to no defense. (Definitely no cohesive, team defense.)
Among those who shined on Friday was the Boston Celtics’ own Jayson Tatum.
The NBA sophomore put on quite the offensive display, throwing down more than once.
Not only did he finished at the rim, but he also showed off his mid-range game.
In the end, Tatum finished with 30 points, nine rebounds, three assists, and two steals. He also went 12 for 24 from the floor and 6 for 14 from long-range. All of it helped Team USA pull off a win that left Coach Kyrie smiling.
