Team Jalen 26, Team Detlef 13: Jalen Williams wins NBA Rising Stars .
In a thrilling display of young talent, Chet Holmgren and Team Jalen emerged victorious in the 2024 NBA Rising Stars Challenge, held in Indianapolis. The former Gonzaga standout played a pivotal role in guiding his team to a championship, overcoming challenges and showcasing his skills on the grand stage.
The Rising Stars Challenge kicked
off with a competitive first-round matchup against Team Tamika, led by Paolo
Banchero. Despite an early deficit, Team Jalen, featuring Holmgren,
orchestrated a comeback, securing a hard-fought 40-35 victory. Holmgren's contribution
included five points, a crucial rebound, and an assist. The 7-footer's impact
became evident when he checked back into the game, using his length to make a
coast-to-coast drive, grabbing a rebound, and finishing in traffic.
Team Jalen's journey to the title reached its climax in the final round against Team Detlef, a squad comprising NBA G-League players. Holmgren, alongside teammates such as Jalen Williams, Bennedict Mathurin, Derek Lively II, Jordan Hawkins, Walker Kessler, and Jeremy Sochan, dominated the championship game with a decisive 26-13 victory. Mathurin, the Indiana Pacers guard, earned the event's MVP honors, capping off a stellar performance.
Holmgren's versatility and teamwork were on full display throughout the tournament, culminating in a spectacular game-winner by Jalen Williams in the final. The Thunder duo combined forces to secure the championship for Team Jalen, with Holmgren finishing the finale with two points from free throws and a rebound. His defensive prowess, highlighted by back-to-back stops at the rim, made it challenging for opponents to score flashy plays.
The Rising Stars Challenge also marked the fifth consecutive year that a former Gonzaga player stood out in the event for rookies and sophomores. Holmgren's impact echoed the success of previous Gonzaga alumni, including Andrew Nembhard, who contributed to Team Pau's victory in the previous season.
In summary, Chet Holmgren's
impressive performance, coupled with the collective effort of Team Jalen, made
the 2024 NBA Rising Stars Challenge an unforgettable showcase of emerging
talent. As the basketball world witnessed these rising stars in action, Holmgren's
contributions and the team's triumph added another chapter to the legacy of
Gonzaga players excelling on the big stage.