NBA Special: Individual performances in the NBA Rookie Challenge
Coming into the match, it was thought that the older, stronger and the more experienced bunch of players - the sophomores - would trash the rookies all out. However, on the night the rookies turned the tables on their much touted rivals, as they downed the
sophomores 148-140 on Friday night at the Staples Centre in Los Angeles.
Here is brief review of the sizzling performances of the rookies:
John Wall
The Washington Wizards guard won the Most Valuable Player (MVP) award at the NBA Rookie Challenge, as he scored 12 points and dished out a game-high 22 assists in the victory. Wall’s 22 assists are the most in the 17-year history of the event. The previous
assist leader was Chris Paul with a game-high 17 assists in the 2007 game.
DeMarcus Cousins
The Sacramento Kings centre struggled to be named MVP throughout the contest. Unfortunately, his dream did not come true this time, as his team-mate John Wall took the coveted honour. However, Cousins played one of his best games of the 2010-11 season as
he scored a game-high 33 points and pulled down 14 rebounds.
Wesley Johnson
The oldest player in the contest, guard Wesley Johnson played a simple but effective game as he contributed 25 points, one assist and one rebound for the victors.
Gary Neal
The San Antonio Spurs guard came off the bench to have a productive game as he scored 20 points, grabbed four assists and as many rebounds for the rookies.
Landry Fields
The New York Knicks guard finished the game with 15 points, three assists and six rebounds. It was Fields who hurt the sophomores the most with his crucial three-pointer from downtown in the second half, which put the sophomores away when it looked like
they might be able to steal the win.
Blake Griffin
The Los Angeles Clippers forward was one of the main attractions at this year’s game and was expected to not only make it more competitive, but also help the rookies score a win. Unluckily, Griffin was hit in the nose by an accidental elbow from DeJuan Blair,
while playing defence in the opening minutes.
Griffin left the game midway through the first half but returned in the second. He did not seem bothered by the nose injury as he continued his mid-range shooting display, finishing with 14 points and three rebounds.
The 21-year-old Griffin said after the game, "I didn't get to go to practice today, so that was all on the fly. (Wall) is a great passer, so he made it easy for me. It is an once-in-a-lifetime opportunity, so I am making the best out of it. Being home for
the All-Star weekend is a lot of fun."
Greg Monroe
The Detroit Pistons centre looked rejuvenated with the rookies, as he ended with 14 points, three assists and eight rebounds.
Derrick Favors
The New Jersey Nets forward once again showed the new, explosive dimension he brings to the rookies offence. The 19-year-old Favors scored nine points and grabbed a single assist.
Eric Bledsoe
The Los Angeles Clippers guard did a good job of staying active despite only making six field goal attempts. Bledsoe finished with just six points, but had five assists and also made some nice hustle plays.
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