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The Sports Network
Orlando, FL (Sports Network) - Cleveland Cavaliers rookie Kyrie Irving poured
in 34 points and made all eight of his attempts from beyond the arc, helping
Team Chuck to a 146-133 victory over Team Shaq at the BBVA Rising Stars
Challenge.
Irving, who went 12-of-13 from the field and had nine assists, was named the
game's MVP as the NBA's All-Star weekend kicked off from Amway Center Friday
night.
"It's a game to have fun. I enjoyed myself so much with these guys," Irving
said.
Paul George, who will participate in the slam dunk contest Saturday night,
tallied 23 points for the winners, headed up by Charles Barkley. DeMarcus
Cousins totaled 18 points and 11 rebounds, while Evan Turner tallied 16
points, 11 rebounds and seven assists in the offensive showcase, that featured
numerous highlight-reel jams.
John Wall, who had 17 points, put on a display by going behind his back with
the ball and then dunking in the game's final minute.
It was a wire-to-wire victory for Team Chuck. The squad, picked by Shaquille
O'Neal, didn't get its first basket until Knicks sensation Jeremy Lin
delivered a lob to Blake Griffin, resulting in an alley-oop dunk for an 8-2
contest.
Team Chuck gained a 77-65 lead at the half and the double-digit margin was in
effect for nearly the entire second period.
Tristan Thompson had 20 points to lead Team Shaq, while Greg Monroe ended with
19 points and 10 rebounds.
The winning squad shot 64.5 percent, but Shaq's team was limited to 12-of-41
from three-point range. Lin had two points in nearly nine minutes of court
time.
Comedian Kevin Hart was named the MVP of the Celebrity All-Star game. He had
eight points and six assists, as celebrities from the East topped ones from
the West, 86-54, at the Orange County Convention Center.
The Sports Network