Image via Kobe Scalees

by: SeMaj Musco, Contributing Writer 

Indiana Pacers guard Bennedict Mathurin and Team Jalen Rose took home the win in the 2024 Rising Stars Challenge, concluding an exciting first day of All-Star Weekend. Mathurin was named MVP of the night and won his second consecutive Rising Stars Challenge, winning last year as a part of Team Pau Gasol.

“I feel like the main thing [difference] for me was just to enjoy the time this weekend,” Mathurin said. “Seeing family and friends from home traveling all the way just to see me and having a good time.” 

Mathurin notched the highest point total of the night, scoring a game-high 18 of 40 points in the first matchup against Team Tamika Catchings and adding four of the teams 25 points in the championship game against Team Detlef Schempf. Oklahoma City forward Jalen Williams knocked down the game-winning three for Team Jalen, capping off a five-point effort of 25 team points in the championship game.

Team Detlef surprised many watching the game. The team of G-League players eliminated Team Pau and number one overall pick Victor Wembanyama in the first game and kept the championship game close to start, but experience made the difference in crunch time as Team Jalen went on an 8-0 run to close the game. 

The All-Star Weekend festivities will continue Saturday with the NBAxHBCU Classic between Virginia Union and Winston-Salem State at 1:15  PM and the State Farm All-Star Saturday Night at 7:30.

Copy Edited by: Kobe Scales, Sports Editor