The Indiana Pacers second-year guard, absorbing the cheers of his home fans, led Team Jalen to victory in the four-team round robin of the Rising Stars Challenge, scoring 18 points in the semifinals against the team Tamika and four others in the abbreviated championship against the team. Detlef. Mathurin even went at it with Pistons sophomore Jaden Ivey in the semifinals, as seen in the video below.
The other notable development of the event was Team Detlef, made up entirely of G League players, defeating Team Pau, featuring Victor Wembanyama, in the semi-finals. Dunk Contest participant Mac McClung, who currently plays for the Orlando Magic’s G-League affiliate, led the way with 12 points. Alondes Wiliams, a guard for the Sioux Falls Skyforce, the Miami Heat affiliate, chipped in with 11. Matas Buzelis, a potential 2024 lottery pick on the G League Ignite, hit the deciding bucket against Charlotte Hornets rookie Brandon Miller .
The other three teams featured a combination of NBA rookies and sophomores. Jalen Rose, Detleft Schrempf, Pau Gasol and Tamika Catchings were the coaches. Mathurin’s teammates on Team Jalen’s winning side included Chet Holmgren and Jalen Williams of Oklahoma City, Jeremy Sochan of San Antonio, Walker Kessler of Utah, Jordan Hawkins of New Orleans and Derek Lively II of Dallas.
The full results:
Semi-final 1: Team Jalen 40, Team Tamika 35
Semi-final 2: Team Detlef 41, Team Pau 36
Championship: Team Jalen 26, Team Detlef 13
