Pistons rookie guard Cade Cunningham, the No. 1 overall pick of the 2021 draft, was named MVP of the Rising Stars event on Friday night, writes Rod Beard of The Detroit News.
The event had a unique format this year, with two semifinals featuring an “Elam Ending” with a target score of 50. Both contests were competitive, with Team Isiah defeating Team Worthy by a score of 50-49, followed by Team Barry’s 50-48 victory over Team Payton. The final was played to 25 in honor of the NBA’s 75th anniversary (50+25), with Team Barry emerging victorious over Team Isiah, 25-20.
Cunningham led Team Barry to consecutive victories, totaling 18 points, seven rebounds, nine assists, two steals and two blocks in the process. He was 7-for-13 from the floor across the two games, including 3-for-6 from deep.
“It means a lot. This is a game I was looking forward to, to being around so much big-time talent, and just have fun but try to compete and go get a win,” Cunningham said, per Beard. “To bring the trophy home in my first All-Star Weekend really means a lot.”
No. 3 overall pick Evan Mobley of the Cavaliers also had a couple nice games for Team Barry, totaling 18 points, 11 rebounds and two assists while shooting 8-16 from the field.
Pistons sophomores Saddiq Bey and Isaiah Stewart both had strong performances for Team Isiah, Beard notes.
Really liked the format…very enjoyable. Good move by the NBA. I think that they should do something similar with All Star game. These 191-176 games are not my cup of tea. 6 teams of 4 playing 3 v3 in 5 minute games. 2 groups play round robin and winner of each group plays in a championship game. After a basket, one player from each team rotates out and the sub goes in.
Cunningham, Bey, Stewart ….. all 1st rd picks. That’s how you build a team, a Real team. Pistons on right track now.
Stewart sucks 6 ‘8 center. Lol . He’s goinh to get blocked by Isaiah Thomas
Yeah those 6’8 centers can’t guard the rim..(inserts Ben Wallace)
Just saying he “sucks” is an incompetent remark. Every single team would have him on their team. Not all would start him but he is absolutely a rotational player with a high energy output. Rodman & Wallace were the same way. Always a place in the league for high energy overachievers. People like you are so quick with a negative comment instead of saying insightful and positive.
Glad this article mentions how well Evan played