Ben Simmons shines but Team World falls to Kyle Kuzma’s USA team in 2019 Rising Stars Challenge

Ben Simmons shines but Team World falls to Kyle Kuzma’s USA team in 2019 Rising Stars Challenge

NBA

Ben Simmons shines but Team World falls to Kyle Kuzma’s USA team in 2019 Rising Stars Challenge

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CHARLOTTE, NC — On the morning of the Rising Stats Challenge, Ben Simmons made it clear that he - 2016’s No. 1 overall pick - technically belonged in the game.
That evening, he showed why it was a good call to put him in the All-Star Game, too.

The Australian point guard led the way for the World Team, dropping 28 points, five rebounds, and six assists, but couldn’t help his team pick up the win; the USA team walking away with a 161-144 victory at Spectrum Center.

As is always the case, the game was highlighted by… highlights. Dunk after dunk and three after three made up the theme of the game, which was the first main event of Charlotte’s All-Star Weekend.

“Guys just want to get up and play. I don't think it’s really a serious thing. I think it's just more of a fun thing. I had a lot of fun, met a few people that I haven’t really talked to in a while. It's good, though. It's good to get out and just get up and down with guys that you don't usually play with.”

Kyle Kuzma finished with a game-high 35 points for the USA, walking away with MVP honours, while Trae Young dazzled off the bench with 25 points and 10 assists.

Simmons was the only Australian in the game, and spoke postgame about being able to represent his country on this sort of stage.

“It's huge,” the Melbourne-native said.

“Every time I step on the floor, whatever I'm doing, I'm always representing Australia and especially Philadelphia. I've got two homes now. It's always an amazing feeling stepping on the floor, knowing I'm representing something much bigger than myself and my family.”

The weekend isn’t over for Simmons, who’ll come off the bench for Team LeBron in the All-Star Game, which tips off on Monday (AEDT).