If you like defense, then you probably didn't enjoy Friday night's 2019 NBA Rising Stars Challenge. If you're all about highlight reel dunks and ill-advised alley-oop passes, then bring on the rookies and sophomores.
In a wild up-and-down game, Team USA ran away from the World Team for a 161-144 victory to help open up the first day of NBA All-Star weekend in Charlotte, N.C.
If you needed a quote to describe the action on the court, 40-year-old honorary coach for the World Team Dirk Nowitzki had you covered.
"Our transition defense is like I'm out there," Nowitzki said during the broadcast.
Kings star De'Aaron Fox picked up the start for the American team at point guard, and looked to set up his teammates. He scored just two points, but chipped in a game-high 16 assists in the win, including a clean look to Sacramento teammate Marvin Bagley III.
The Scores showing the world what we already know 🙌
pic.twitter.com/VLdtFMRdeP— Kings on NBCS (@NBCSKings) February 16, 2019
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After taking home the MVP hardware last season, Kings sixth man Bogdan Bogdanovic started for the World team and finished with 15 points on 5-for-11 shooting from long range. He added six assists and five rebounds in the loss.
Bagley, meanwhile, brought his jumping shoes, and put on an aerial assault on the rim.
Marvin windmill 😲
pic.twitter.com/ODyZYFI42z— Kings on NBCS (@NBCSKings) February 16, 2019
The 19-year-old made an impact on the offensive end, finishing with 14 points and five rebounds in 16 minutes off the bench. He and Fox both missed a pair of crazy dunks in the final minute, but Bogdanovic threw his rookie a bone to finish the night.
Your #RisingStars play of the night. Bogi to...Bagley? pic.twitter.com/OOFSPeZR9G— James Ham (@James_HamNBCS) February 16, 2019
[RELATED: Fox sdends message on potential Kings-Warriors series]
Los Angeles Lakers guard Kyle Kuzma dropped in 23 of his 35 points in the first half for Team USA, and came away with MVP honors. Philadelphia 76ers guard Ben Simmons scored 28 points on 14-for-17 shooting to lead the World Team.
Fox will return to the Spectrum Center to compete in the Skills Challenge on Saturday. He'll likely stick around to cheer on Kings teammate Buddy Hield, who is scheduled to compete in the 3-point contest later that night.
