NBA All-Star 2019: Kyle Kuzma claims MVP as Team USA topple Team World

James McKern

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NBA All-Star 2019: Kyle Kuzma claims MVP as Team USA topple Team World image

The fifth edition of the NBA Rising Stars Game took place between Team USA and Team World.

Team USA got one back in the fifth edition since the change was made to the Rising Stars Game, Team World still hold the 3-2 advantage.

Reigning Rookie of the Year Ben Simmons took control for Team World, but it was Team USA duo Kyle Kuzma and Trae Young who shone brightest.

Final Score

Team USA 161 - Team World 144

Another year and another high-scoring affair between the best first and second year players the league has to offer.

Team USA jumped out to an early 10 point lead and never looked back as they cruised to the victory.

Kyle Kuzma led all scorers with 35 points on 15-27 shooting and claimed the MVP trophy, fellow starter Jayson Tatum added 30 points and 9 rebounds while Trae Young dominated coming off the bench with 25 points, 7 rebounds and 10 assists.

Ben Simmons was at his dominant best for Team World and dropped 28 points, 5 rebounds and 6 assists while Lauri Markkanen was second best with 21 points.

Third Quarter

Team USA 123 - Team World 117

John Collins throwing down the 360 alley-oop. Team World keep clawing their way back into the contest, but Team USA are holding steady out in front.

Kyle Kuzma leads the way with 25 points, ahead of Ben Simmons (24) and Jayson Tatum (23).


Half Time

Team USA 83 - Team World 71

Ben Simmons isn't messing around and exploded to start the second quarter with a mini dunk fest. But his 18 points aren't enough to overcome Team USA or Kyle Kuzma.

Kuzma started the game on fire with a rapid 14 points and heads into the halftime break with 23 points on 10-15 shooting.

Jayson Tatum is next best for Team USA with 16 points, while Lauri Markkanen has played second fiddle to Simmons for Team World with 13 points.


First Quarter

Team USA 40 - Team World 30

Kyle Kuzma had the hot hand in the opening term as he dropped a quickfire 14 points and provided a key highlight with this no-look dime to a cutting Donovan Mitchell.

Pre-game

Team USA


Team World


James McKern