It was World domination Friday in Los Angeles.
With a trio of 76ers helping lead the way, Team World routed Team USA, 155-124, in the Mtn Dew Kickstart Rising Stars Challenge at STAPLES Center.
Joel Embiid, Dario Saric, and Ben Simmons comprised three-fifths of the starting line-up for this year’s international contingent, which beat their American counterparts for the third time since the NBA’s annual rookie-sophomore showcase adopted its current format in 2015.
A two-time Eastern Conference Rookie of the Month, Simmons was steady throughout the evening, posting 11 points, a game-high 13 assists, 6 rebounds, and 4 steals in 22 minutes. He was a perfect 5 for 5 from the field.
Saric, appearing in the Rising Stars Challenge for a second year in a row, tallied 18 points on 7 for 11 shooting, including a 4 for 7 effort from 3-point territory. He also handed out 5 helpers.
A busy man at this year’s All-Star Weekend, Embiid started for Team World, but played just under 9 minutes. He finished with 5 points and 2 boards, his evening highlighted by this impressive third-quarter dunk.
Friday marked the fourth time in the five-year Brett Brown coaching era the Sixers sent multiple players to the Rising Stars Challenge.
Sacramento’s Bogdan Bogdanovic was named the competition’s MVP, behind a 26-point, 7 3-pointer showing.
What They’re Saying:
Ben Simmons had positive takeaways from Team World’s victory over Team USA:
Meanwhile, Dario Saric’s post-game scrum was crashed by a former teammate from last year:
Up Next:
Friday’s Rising Stars Challenge brought to an end Ben Simmons’ and Dario Saric’s involvement in All-Star Weekend. Joel Embiid will become the third Sixer ever to participate in the Taco Bell Skills Challenge, which is set for 8 PM EST Saturday night. The big man said Friday he has MVP honors on his mind for Sunday’s All-Star Game.