Philly Sports Jabronis
NEW ORLEANS –– Michael Carter-Williams entered Friday’s BBVA Compass Rising Stars Challenge as the NBA’s rookie leader in points, rebounds, and assists. He kept that trend alive, filling out the stat sheet for Team Webber with 17 points (7/12 FG), nine assists, and six rebounds in 24 minutes of action. Unfortunately, his squad could not overcome a late surge by Team Hill, falling 140-134 in regulation.
“I had a lot of fun. Great moments out there. Just wish we could have gotten the win, but it’s alright,” said Carter-Williams after the game. “I’m taking [All-Star Weekend] all in, having a good time, showing people my personality. I’m just loving the game.”
Michael Carter-Williams
– photo credit sixes.com
Leading Team Hill was Pistons big man Andre Drummond finished with 30 points and 25 rebounds (14 offensive) en route to MVP honors, and Cleveland guard Dion Waiters scored a team-high 31 points on 10-of-14 shooting. Leading Team Webber was Knicks guard Tim Hardaway, Jr., who scored a game-high 36 points on 12-for-23 shooting; 26 of his points game in the second half.
With nine minutes left in the game, Waiters and Hardaway Jr. simultaneously got hot, prompting their teammates to feed them the ball in isolation situations for the better part of three minutes. Neither missed a single shot as they combined for 29 of 31 points scored during the stretch.
“It was fun to watch,” said Carter-Williams of getting to watch his former Syracuse teammate Waiters and fellow-rookie Hardaway Jr. square off. “I know Dion, and played one-on-one with him all the time, and when he gets going, he’s tough to stop.
