Rising Stars Challenge Player Grades: Washington Wizards Rui Hachimura and Moritz Wagner shine

All-Star Weekend got off to an incredible start with a wild Rising Stars Challenge. Let’s take a look at how our Washington Wizards Rui Hachimura and Moritz Wagner played.

The Rising Stars Challenge might not be the most-anticipated or most-watched event during All-Star Weekend, but it’s still a whole lot of fun. And this year’s young ballers did not disappoint, thanks in part to Washington Wizards reps Rui Hachimura and Moritz Wagner.

Despite having no players in the All-Star Game, the Wizards had two guys suit up for the Rising Stars Challenge. The Charlotte Hornets, Memphis Grizzlies, and New Orleans Pelicans were the only other teams to have multiple players on either Team Wold or Team USA.

Team World jumped out to a quick start and took a ten-point lead into the half. But the tides turned in the second half and the international stars faded fast, scoring a measly 50 points over the final twenty minutes despite dropping 42 in the second quarter, alone.

Team USA stole the show in the second half thanks to some dunk contest-worthy slams from Miles Bridges and Zion Williamson. They cruised to an easy 151-131 victory. With the lead firmly in hand, the exhibition showcase evolved into a dunk contest in the final minute. Williamson, Morant, Clarke, and RJ Barrett threw down a series of jaw-dropping (and totally uncontested) jams to finish things off. By the looks of it, the NBA is in good hands.

While neither Rui Hahcimura or Moritz Wagner took home the MVP award – that went to Bridges, who finished with 20 points, 5 rebounds, 5 assists, and 3 steals -they did do D.C. proud. Let’s take a closer look at how our guys did out in Chicago.