The NBA's Rising Stars Challenge was a great way to start off NBA All Star Weekend in Orlando. The game's youngest stars put on a thrilling show, full of highlight reel dunks and alley-oops. But in the end, it was the outside shooting of Kyrie Irving which was the difference, as the No. 1 picked led Team Chuck to a 146-133 win over Team Shaq. Irving was a remarkable eight for eight from behind the arc, and finished with a game-high 34 points in one of the best performances ever in this game. Irving's 34 points came on just 13 shots. Irving's teammate, Tristan Thompson, led Team Shaq with 20 points.
In addition to Irving, Team Chuck was led by John Wall - the reigning MVP of this game. Wall went on a run of uncontested dunks to finish off the game, putting on one highlight after another. They were uncontested until Greg Monroe decided he had enough and pulled a fast one on the Washington Wizards' sophomore.
The second half was highlighted by Ricky Rubio nutmeg of Demarcus Cousins, as the Spaniard went right between the legs of Cousins as he started a run out.
And, as always, the game was highlight by a wide array of dunks. The NBA's reigning slam dunk champion of course got in on the action.
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