NBA All-Star Friday blog: Pau Gasol's team wins Rising Stars event

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SALT LAKE CITY — The first official day of NBA All-Star weekend is underway in downtown Salt Lake City. Check back here for updates throughout the day on all the latest happenings.

Friday, 08:50 pm

Alvarado, Team Pau clutch in Rising Stars victory

Team Pau was backed into a corner, but Jose Alvarado wasn't going to let them go down for the count.With one step-back 3-pointer, his team was — PAU! PAU! — NBA Rising Stars champions.Alvarado had 5 points, including the game-winner, to lift Team Pau to a 25-20 win over Team Joakim in the NBA Rising Stars finals Friday night at Vivint Arena."The confidence that these boys behind me gave me just told me to come out here and enjoy this atmosphere," said Alvarado, who was named Rising Stars MVP. "We're at All-Star weekend, and it's just a fun game."

JOSE ALVARADO CALLED GAME ‼️

TEAM PAU WINS #JordanRisingStars pic.twitter.com/EqyNmSdlWT
— NBA (@NBA) February 18, 2023

Quentin Grimes kept Team Joakim hanging around early, scoring 14 of the his team's first 16 points en route to an 18-16 edge.But Benedict Mathurin had 7 points, and Scottie Barnes added 6 points, and Alvarado drained the game-winning 3-pointer to give Team Pau — led by Hall of Fame candidate Pau Gasol — to the 5-point win.Here are a few other highlights from the three-game evening featuring some of the top rookies in the NBA, as well as a team of G League and two-way all-stars.

Mac McClung finally made it to Utah, after the one-time BYU transfer target (who finished his collegiate career at Texas Tech) poured in 10 points in Team Jason's 40-32 loss to Team Joakim. McClung currently plays for the Delaware Blue Coats, a Philadelphia 76ers affiliate.

Walker Kessler had 2 points, two blocks, an assist and a rebound in Team Deron's 40-25 loss to Team Pau. That included a should-it-or-shouldn't-it-have-been goaltending call that eventually fell on deaf referee ears, despite legions of Jazz fans booing inside Vivint Arena.

Loud boos as Kessler is called for this "goaltend."

Agree or disagree? #RisingStars #NBAAllStar pic.twitter.com/ZQltptLyQL
— KSL.com Sports (@KSLcomSports) February 18, 2023

The other local celebrity — besides Kessler, Deron Williams and Jazz assistant coach Jason Terry — was the Utah Jazz Bear, who was one of four "mascot all-stars" named for the event, along with the Pacers, Rockets and Trail Blazers. And no, we're not accepting calls for a recount.

Any neutral observer with little knowledge of the NBA who only watched Friday's game might be convinced that Quentin Grimes is the best player in the league. And are they wrong? Yes, yes they are; but for one night, give the youngster his moment.

Alvarado, too.

See you tomorrow at the skills challenge, which will include former Weber State star Damian Lillard in the 3-point contest and an all-Jazz team of Jordan Clarkson, Walker Kessler and Collin Sexton.

Friday, 08:17 pm

Team Joakim advances to face Team Pau in Rising Stars final

The finals are set.Quintin Grimes had 13 points to lead Team Joakim to a 40-32 win over Team Jason in the second Rising Stars semifinal.After trailing early, former BYU transfer recruit Mac McClung led a 16-4 run to pull Team Jason — a team consisting of G League and two-way player standouts like Sidy Cissoko and Scoot Henderson from G League Ignite — within one, 28-27.McClung, who plays for the Delaware Blue Coats in the Philadelphia organization, finished with 10 points.

This Mac McClung finish is smooth 🌊

Team Jason is on a 16-4 run on TNT 👀#JordanRisingStars | #NBAAllStar pic.twitter.com/dMhb0xIJgy
— NBA (@NBA) February 18, 2023

But Grimes finished off the scoring with a fast-break triple to lift moments later to lift Team Joakim to the 8-point win and advance to face Team Pau in the finals.Here's a reminder that the finals are a first-to-25 setup.

Friday, 07:37 pm

Kessler bows out as Team Pau eliminates Team Deron

And that's all she wrote for Walker Kessler and Team Deron.Jose Alvarado scored13 points, and Paolo Banchero added 9 points as Team Pau eliminated Team Deron, 40-25 in the first semifinal.Trey Murphy led Team Deron with 9 points, and Kessler added 2 points, two blocks, an assist and a rebound.

What a find from Andrew Nembhard to Jose Alvarado 🤯

Team Pau is 6 points away from the target score on TNT 👀#JordanRisingStars | #NBAAllStar pic.twitter.com/EwrAtwnWVU
— NBA (@NBA) February 18, 2023

Friday, 07:19 pm

A memorable NBA All-Star Celebrity Game

The always lovable Guillermo Rodriguez, Jimmy Kimmel's sidekick, could do nothing wrong on the court Friday night to open up the main events of NBA All-Star weekend.Each time Guillermo touched the ball, the sellout crowd at the Huntsman Center erupted in cheers — he could do no wrong. Though he had several opportunities to dazzle the crowd, the highlight of the night came near the end of the third quarter of the Ruffles NBA All-Star Celebrity Game when he finally got a shot off (that wasn't blocked).The shot attempt couldn't have been scripted any better as it got stuck in between the rim and glass — a wedgie! The shot brought down the house and Guillermo raised both hands in celebration and soaked up the moment. It's exactly what the Celebrity Game was meant to be.The only thing better was the jump ball attempt between Guillermo and Seattle Seahawks receiver DK Metcalf, who easily won the attempt. Guillermo was later seen on the bench eating a piece of pizza from The Pie — and then attempting to deliver said pie to Shaquille O'Neal, who might have something to do with a different pizza company.

WE HAVE A GUILLERMO WEDGIE pic.twitter.com/A6yEnYWzPP

— KSL.com Sports (@KSLcomSports) February 18, 2023

DK METCALF GOING CRAZY. 🔥🔥

pic.twitter.com/mTyCc3SgWC

— Hoop Central (@TheHoopCentral) February 18, 2023The game itself was what you'd expect from a game of celebrities, whose main reason for being famous is not basketball. But there were a few other moments from the game:

DK Metcalf going ham and dominating the game on both ends of the court — scoring points, blocking shots and creating highlight reel dunks. It's obvious he's just generally a talented athlete whose competitive drive continues in whatever sport he's playing. Oh, and he was named the game's MVP for good reason.

Each quarter there's a two-minute "Crunch Time" where every scored basket is worth double. While it sounds like a good idea, there were bright, flashing LED lights on the backboard. How do you shoot with that in your face?

Alex Toussaint has some actual basketball skills and hoped to showcase them in the game, but sometimes it was a little too much effort. Still, he could ball.

Rapper Fat Joe yelling "box out" repeatedly as one of the assistant coaches from the baseline.

Utah Jazz owner Ryan Smith beating Dwayne Wade in a 3-point contest — it was only by one, but Smith managed to put in 11 triples in the impressive effort.

Fan favorite 21 Savage getting all the love every time he touched the ball.

It's #FreeJanelle time! Singer and actress Janelle Monáe got no love in her limited time on the court. Nobody gave her a free pass as they stole the ball any time she touched it or blocked the one shot attempt she had. There's one thing they couldn't stop, though: her vibe!

The Miz making a half court buzzer beating shot at the end of regulation to tie up the game — but it clearly came too late after the buzzer. But it was worth celebrating anyway.

Singer Janelle Monáe with the Celebrity Game vibe early on #AllStarGame pic.twitter.com/zsGiX7NcbI

— Josh Furlong (@JFurKSL) February 17, 2023

Friday, 07:07 pm

Walker Kessler, Deron Williams receive loud ovation ahead of Rising Stars tipoff

It's time for the NBA All-Star Games' Rising Stars event, with Utah Jazz rookie Walker Kessler leading Team Deron (yes, that Deron ... the former Jazz all-star Williams kind). Kessler and Team Deron will take on the young rising stars led by fellow former All-Stars Pau Gasol, Joakim Noah and Jason Terry. Team Pau and Team Deron will play one game to 40 points, followed by Team Joakim and Team Terry. The winners will advance to a third game, with the first team to 25 points crowned the winner.

Loud cheer coming from the home crowd for Kessler and Deron Williams. #TakeNote x #RisingStars pic.twitter.com/oIgRkKA0qP
— KSL.com Sports (@KSLcomSports) February 18, 2023

Here are the full rosters:Team Pau

Paolo Banchero (Magic)

Benedict Mathurin (Pacers)

Jaden Ivey (Pistons)

Scottie Barnes (Raptors)

Jose Alvarado (Pelicans)

Keegan Murray (Kings)

Andrew Nembhard (Pacers)

Team Deron

Franz Wagner (Magic)

Jalen Green (Rockets)

Alperen Sengun (Rockets)

Trey Murphy III (Pelicans)

AJ Griffin (Hawks)

Bones Hyland (Nuggets)

Walker Kessler (Jazz)

Ayo Dosunmu (Bulls)

Team Joakim

Evan Mobley (Cavaliers)

Josh Giddey (Thunder)

Jalen Williams (Thunder)

Jeremy Sochan (Spurs)

Quentin Grimes (Knicks)

Jabari Smith Jr. (Rockets)

Jalen Duren (Pistons)

Tari Eason (Rockets)

Team Jason

Sidy Cissoko, G League Ignite

Scoot Henderson, G League Ignite

Mojave King, G League Ignite

Kenneth Lofton Jr., Memphis Hustle

Mac McClung, Delaware Blue Coats

Leonard Miller, G League Ignite

Scotty Pippen Jr., South Bay Lakers

Friday, 05:16 pm

Celebrity Game red carpet appearances

The stars of the All-Star Celebrity Game made their grand entrances on the red carpet at the Huntsman Center.

Comedian Hasan Minhaj talks about playing basketball in the thin Utah air pic.twitter.com/CGln0YnSTE

— KSL.com Sports (@KSLcomSports) February 17, 2023

Janelle Monae bringing the spice to tonight's game pic.twitter.com/Y7bSvpEFk7

— KSL.com Sports (@KSLcomSports) February 17, 2023

Friday, 04:56 pm

Checking in at the All-Star Celebrity Game

The stars are out to take part in the Ruffles NBA All-Star Celebrity Game.

Singer Janelle Monáe with the Celebrity Game vibe early on #AllStarGame pic.twitter.com/zsGiX7NcbI

— Josh Furlong (@JFurKSL) February 17, 2023

One of the most popular people here is Guillermo Rodriguez pic.twitter.com/3Gtg3BX3Vi

— Josh Furlong (@JFurKSL) February 17, 2023

Tonight's #NBAAllStar Celebrity Game is being played to benefit cancer charity Five for the Fight.

Utah native Jossiah got to ring the bell before tonight's game to signal he is cancer free. pic.twitter.com/kcpappRINO

— KSL.com Sports (@KSLcomSports) February 17, 2023

Big dad energy from Ben tonight https://t.co/2EODCj5UJu pic.twitter.com/YltizRkoA3

— Caleb Turner (@calebturner23) February 17, 2023

Friday, 04:09 pm

Jazz part-owner Dwyane Wade is HOF finalist; Holly Rowe wins media award

Utah Jazz broadcaster Holly Rowe won the Naismath Basketball Hall of Fame Curt Gowdy Media Award for electronic/broadcast media, the Hall of Fame announced Friday at a press conference at Vivint Arena.Rowe, who is in her second year with the Jazz, also plays a pivotal role in ESPN's college football and basketball coverage.Another current member of the organization had a pretty big honor, too: minority owner Dwyane Wade, the former Miami Heat great, was named a finalist for the Hall of Fame."A young Dwyane Wade never thought that this moment would be here," he said at the press conference. "Sometimes when you're young and you have a dream, a lot of people don't believe in your dream — it seems so far-fetched. But I've always been a dreamer. I would be lying to you guys if I would say I didn't want to quit at that dream many times, but I didn't."And so to be here, I've had many nights throughout this journey where I have a vision of having that orange jacket, and so I'm one step closer."Wade was one of 12 players and coaches who were named as finalists on Friday — a list that included San Antonio Spurs coach Gregg Popovich, Dalls Mavericks legend Dirk Nowitzki, and former Memphis Grizzlies and Los Angeles Lakers forward Pau Gasol.Oh, and another name that fans in Utah might recognize: former Utah Starzz player Jennifer Azzi.The 2023 class will be announced during the Final Four on April 1.

Congratulations to Utah Jazz and ESPN broadcaster and Utah native @sportsiren, as well as @MarcJSpears, on being named 2023 Curt Gowdy Transformative Media Award winners by the Naismith Memorial Basketball Hall of Fame. pic.twitter.com/ATQ3oAmOLC

— KSL.com Sports (@KSLcomSports) February 17, 2023

Friday, 02:13 pm

Jalen Rose is happy to be in Utah, and not just for the All-Star Game

Friday morning was hardly Jalen Rose's first visit to Utah, but the weekend was an important visit for much of what the former first-round draft pick is doing now.Rose was in town as part of NBA All-Star weekend, but also help present a large donation to the University of Utah and its Black Cultural Center for the development of future leaders in the Black community.The project means a lot to Rose, who now works as an NBA analyst for ESPN and recently founded the Jalen Rose Leadership Academy. But mostly, the project means a lot because, as the center reminds visitors with a sign near the front door, "Black history is American history."But no, it wasn't his first time, dating back his all-NBA rookie team season with the Denver Nuggets, his decade-plus career in the league that also include a stop out west in Phoenix, and his time traveling to each NBA market with ESPN."A good friend of mine, Howard Eisley, played with John Stockton and Karl Malone and played here for multiple years. I got a better snapshot of Utah than the average visitor, because Howard would take me to all the nice restaurants, the nice breakfast spots, and I had a chance to hang out with him," Rose said. "I'm having a great time here in Utah. I'm happy you guys are hosting All-Star weekend."A lot of times, people want it to be — and this coming from a kid from Detroit — hosted in LA or New York or Miami. But the first thing I said when I arrived today was how beautiful these mountains are; I love these mountains. It's incredible." Rose and PepsiCo presented a $50,000 donation to the U.'s Black Cultural Center that will help fund scholarships and cover costs for four fellows for the center's Operation S.U.C.C.E.S.S work experience next semester.It's part of a PepsiCo's $570 million campaign over five years called Racial Equality Journey, which works to address inequity, provide opportunity and bring meaningful change to Black communities around the country."Black history is American history. I know it gets highlighted during February. But the kind of commitment that Pepsi is making to the community over the next five years is substantial," Rose said. "That isn't just influence, but resources. It gives a lot of young people who look like me, and also some who don't look like me, the opportunity to learn about our history and have the resources they need to continue to build those programs. This is paramount, and I'm really happy to be here."

Here at ⁦@UUtah⁩, where former Michigan and NBA star Jalen Rose is presenting a ,000 donation with ⁦@pepsi⁩ to the school's Black Cultural Center during #NBAAllStar weekend. pic.twitter.com/yy9jWOblhX
— Sean Walker (@ActuallyDSW) February 17, 2023

Friday, 10:08 am

Walker Kessler addresses media ahead of Rising Stars tournament

Jazz rookie Walker Kessler talked to media early Friday about being picked by Deron Williams for the Rising Stars tournament and what he's looking forward to during All-Star weekend, including picking teammate Lauri Markkanen to win the 3-point contest on Saturday night.Kessler said he hasn't met Williams but wanted to be picked by his team due to the Jazz history. When asked about whether he was gunning for Rising Stars MVP, Kessler said he might have to be the "hometown hero.""Who knows man, might have to be the hometown hero," Kessler said. "I think for me, it's just gonna be about having fun, playing with a lot of these young — talented guys. Who knows, we'll see what happens."As for playing at home, Kessler said it's definitely giving him a unique experience than the other Rising Stars. I'm waiting on them (to ask for restaurant recommendations), I got a whole list written down. It's so cool being in the city where I play. "

Jazz rookie Walker Kessler addresses the media ahead of the Rising Stars tournament tonight at #NBAAllStar pic.twitter.com/bb6KF6eUF2

— KSL.com Sports (@KSLcomSports) February 17, 2023

NBA All-Star Friday blog: Pau Gasol's team wins Rising Stars event

By KSL.com Sports | Updated - Feb. 17, 2023 at 8:58 p.m. | Posted - Feb. 17, 2023 at 10:27 a.m.

Alvarado, Team Pau clutch in Rising Stars victory

Team Joakim advances to face Team Pau in Rising Stars final

Kessler bows out as Team Pau eliminates Team Deron

A memorable NBA All-Star Celebrity Game

Walker Kessler, Deron Williams receive loud ovation ahead of Rising Stars tipoff

Celebrity Game red carpet appearances

Checking in at the All-Star Celebrity Game

Jazz part-owner Dwyane Wade is HOF finalist; Holly Rowe wins media award

Jalen Rose is happy to be in Utah, and not just for the All-Star Game

Walker Kessler addresses media ahead of Rising Stars tournament

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NBA All-Star Friday blog: Pau Gasol's team wins Rising Stars event

By KSL.com Sports | Updated - Feb. 17, 2023 at 8:58 p.m. | Posted - Feb. 17, 2023 at 10:27 a.m.

Alvarado, Team Pau clutch in Rising Stars victory

Team Joakim advances to face Team Pau in Rising Stars final

Kessler bows out as Team Pau eliminates Team Deron

A memorable NBA All-Star Celebrity Game

Walker Kessler, Deron Williams receive loud ovation ahead of Rising Stars tipoff

Celebrity Game red carpet appearances

Checking in at the All-Star Celebrity Game

Jazz part-owner Dwyane Wade is HOF finalist; Holly Rowe wins media award

Jalen Rose is happy to be in Utah, and not just for the All-Star Game

Walker Kessler addresses media ahead of Rising Stars tournament

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