NBA All-Star Rising Stars Challenge 2016: Full highlights and final score

Feb 12, 2016; Toronto, Ontario, CAN; U.S player Zach LaVine (8) prepares to shoot the ball as World player Nikola Jokic (15) defends in front of World player Kristaps Porzingis (6) in the first half during the Rising Stars Challenge basketball game at Air Canada Centre. Mandatory Credit: Bob Donnan-USA TODAY Sports /

Some of the NBA’s brightest young players took the stage at All-Star Weekend for the 2016 Rising Stars Challenge

NBA All-Star Weekend 2016 from Toronto tipped off on Friday night in Toronto with the Celebrity All-Star Game, but there’s no mistaking the fact that the night was all about the best young players in the league facing off in the BBVA Compass Rising Stars Challenge. Formerly the Rookie-Sophomore Game, the Rising Stars Challenge puts the best young talent in the league on display in a Team USA vs. Team World format.

As is customary in the All-Star Game format, there was little defense played on the night. However, that doesn’t mean that there wasn’t a high amount of intrigue for the contest with the polarizing Kristaps Porzingis taking the floor for the World Team and the clubhouse leader for Rookie of the Year in Karl-Anthony Towns playing as well. More than that, it gave fans the chance to see players like D’Angelo Russell and Jahlil Okafor in far better situations than they have with their current teams.

The offense and action was fast and furious throughout the night, but it was ultimately the USA Team that got the edge in the contest. The final tally sat at Team USA: 157, Team World: 154.

Here are some highlights from the action in the Rising Stars Challenge:

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