NBA All-Star: Team USA storms back to beat Team World

By Satuk Bugra Kutlugun

ANKARA (AA) - The NBA All-Star weekend festivities kicked off Friday in Chicago as Team USA came back from 13 down to beat Team World 151-131 in the Rising Stars Challenge game.

Team USA was down as much as 13 points in the first half, but Mikail Bridges scored 13 of his 20 points in the third quarter to help his team come back to beat Team World. Team World used a 36-26 lead in the fourth quarter to complete their second-half dominance.

The second-year player from the Phoenix Suns, Bridges, took home the MVP honors, finishing with 20 points, five rebounds, five assists and three steals.

In the match, the fans got to see their favorite rising stars, featuring first and second year players in the NBA, such as Trae Young, Luka Doncic, Zion Williamson and Ja Morant.

Doncic drilled a half-court buzzer beater at the end of the second quarter, while Williamson threw down a ferocious dunk and bent the rim.

Morant showcased his hopping, while Young continued to hit long-distanced three pointers.

- Celebrity match: Team Wilbon beat Team Stephen A. 62-47

In the first event of the day, celebrities, including former NBA and active WNBA players, took the court.

Team Wilbon defeated Team Stephen A. 62-47 as rapper and Chicago native Common won the MVP with 10 points and 5 rebounds.

Team Wilbon led the match from the start and never allowed their opponents to come back.

The All-Star weekend will continue on Saturday with many events such as a skills challenge, three-point shootout and slam dunk contest.