NBA All-Star Rising Stars Challenge scores, highlights: Jose Alvarado, Team Pau shine in three-game tournament

By | February 17, 2023
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In an event featuring the NBA’s best young players and most exciting G League prospects, it was an undrafted player who stole the show.

Pelicans guard Jose Alvarado earned the MVP trophy at the 2023 Rising Stars Challenge on Friday night, hitting the game-winning shot for Team Pau in the final round against Team Joakim.

Alvarado predicted his clutch shot before the last possession, making a bet with All-Star guard Donovan Mitchell, who was in attendance at Vivint Arena. 

The Sporting News tracked live scoring updates from the 2023 Rising Stars Challenge on Friday. Checked out all of the action you may have missed right here.

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NBA All-Star Rising Stars Challenge: Live updates, scores, highlights

(All times Eastern)

Final: Team Pau 25, Team Joakim 20

10:50 p.m. — Jose Alvarado for the win… nothing but net. Team Pau takes down Team Joakim to capture the 2023 Rising Stars Challenge championship.

10:45 p.m. — Is it too late to add Quentin Grimes to the 3-Point Contest list?

10:35 p.m. — Scottie Barnes shows off his massive 7-2 wingspan.

Game 2: Team Joakim 40, Team Jason 32

10:20 p.m. — Quentin Grimes closes out the second game with a pull-up jumper. Team Joakim will meet Team Pau in the final round.

10:15 p.m. — Jeremy Sochan throws down a ferocious one-handed slam dunk.

10:05 p.m. — Josh Giddey drops a dime in the middle of his TNT interview.

10 p.m. — A few All-Stars are enjoying some time off in Salt Lake City before Sunday’s main event.

Game 1: Team Pau 40, Team Deron 25

9:40 p.m. — Well, that was fast. Keegan Murray drills the 3-pointer from the wing, sending Team Pau to the next round.

9:30 p.m. — Jose Alvarado is (unsurprisingly) playing with tremendous energy for Team Pau.

9:20 p.m. — Trey Murphy III, you are cleared for takeoff.

9:10 p.m. — Team Pau will face Team Deron in the first game of the night, and Team Joakim will battle Team Jason. The winners of each game will advance to the final round.

NBA All-Star Rising Stars Challenge start time

  • Date: Friday, Feb. 17
  • Time: 9 p.m. ET | 6 p.m. PT

The Rising Stars Challenge will tip off around 9 p.m. ET on Friday, Feb. 17. The event will be held at Vivint Arena in Salt Lake City.

NBA All-Star Rising Stars Challenge rosters

Team Pau

Player Team
Paolo Banchero Magic
Bennedict Mathurin Pacers
Jaden Ivey Pistons
Scottie Barnes Raptors
Jose Alvarado Pelicans
Keegan Murray Kings
Andrew Nembhard Pacers

Team Deron

Player Team
Franz Wagner Magic
Ayo Dosunmu* Bulls
Alperen Sengun Rockets
Trey Murphy III Pelicans
AJ Griffin Hawks
Bones Hyland Clippers
Walker Kessler Jazz

* Injury replacement for Rockets guard Jalen Green

Team Joakim

Player Team
Evan Mobley Cavaliers
Josh Giddey Thunder
Jalen Williams Thunder
Jeremy Sochan Spurs
Quentin Grimes Knicks
Jabari Smith Jr. Rockets
Tari Eason* Rockets

* Injury replacement for Pistons center Jalen Duren

Team Jason

Player Team
Sidy Cissoko G League Ignite
Scoot Henderson G League Ignite
Mojave King G League Ignite
Kenneth Lofton Jr. Memphis Hustle
Mac McClung Delaware Blue Coats
Leonard Miller G League Ignite
Scotty Pippen Jr. South Bay Lakers

NBA All-Star Rising Stars Challenge format

Here is the full breakdown of the three-game mini-tournament, per NBA.com:

All three games will be played to a Final Target Score, which means the game will end on a made basket or free throw rather than time expiring.

The two semifinal games — Game 1 and Game 2 — will be played to a Final Target Score of 40.

The final game, featuring the winners, will be played to a Final Target Score of 25 to determine the tournament champion.

  • Game 1: Team A vs. Team B
  • Game 2: Team C vs. Team D
  • Game 3: Winner of Game 1 vs. Winner of Game 2

2023 NBA All-Star schedule

Fans in the U.S. can watch this year’s All-Star events on Sling TV, which is now offering HALF OFF your first month! Stream Sling Orange for $20 in your first month to catch all regular season games on TNT, ESPN & ABC. For games on NBA TV, subscribe to Sling Orange & Sports Extra for $27.50 in your first month. Local regional blackout restrictions apply.

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Friday, Feb. 17

  • Celebrity Game (7 p.m. ET)
  • Rising Stars Challenge (9 p.m. ET)

Saturday, Feb. 18

  • HBCU Classic (4 p.m. ET)
  • Skills Challenge, 3-Point Contest and Slam Dunk Contest (8 p.m. ET)

Sunday, Feb. 19

  • 2023 NBA All-Star Game (8 p.m. ET)

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