Team USA defeats Team World in the Rising Stars Game

For the first time since the the 2009-10 season, multiple Memphis Grizzlies would be featured in the NBA All-Star’s Rising Stars Game. This year, the Grizzlies would send three youngin’s to Chicago. Ja Morant, Jaren Jackson Jr., and Brandon Clarke would headline this event for the city of Memphis.

Morant, and Jackson Jr., would start for Team USA along with Brandon Clarke for Team World.

Before anyone could take a deep breathe, the Rising Stars were off and running. Morant, and Jaren would start the game off with a lob to one another.

Then, Clarke would catch a few lobs for Team World. Closing out the first quarter Team World held a 39-30 lead over Team USA.

The second quarter started and Grizzlies fans would have to wait until the four minute mark for the starters to start trickling in from both sides. Upon the trio’s arrival to the floor, Morant was a human highlight reel, connecting with Zion Williamson on this crazy alley-oop.

At the end of the first half, Brandon Clarke and Ja Morant would lead the trio in scoring with six points, as Team World led Team USA 81-71.

Coming out of the locker rooms, Morant and Jackson Jr., put their fingerprints on a Team USA run to cut the Team World lead to six. Jackson Jr., snagged a rebound and put back for an and-one. Then, Morant took Luka Doncic to the hole for a finish.

Team USA would go on to outscore Team World 44-24 in the third quarter and flip the script on the game. USA would lead the World 115-105 after three quarters in Chicago.

The fourth quarter, it was more of Team USA building on their lead, and Zion would pay Morant back for all of those assists.

Team USA led by as much as 26 in the fourth quarter, and would defeat Team World 151-131 in Chicago.

Final Stats:

Ja Morant: 10 points, 6 assists, 5/9 FG

Jaren Jackson Jr.: 12 points, 7 rebounds, 4/7 FG

Brandon Clarke: 22 points, 11/15, 8 rebounds.