Thunder Gameday: Three Players Will Represent Oklahoma City in Rising Stars Challenge
The most exciting part of the NBA regular season has finally arrived.
All-Star weekend, live in Indianapolis, Ind., will kick off on Friday with the Rising Stars challenge, a mini-tournament that includes four teams that are comprised of rookies, sophomores and G League players.
The Oklahoma City Thunder will have three players representing the organization during the event: sophomore Jalen Williams and rookies Chet Holmgren and Cason Wallace. Williams and Holmgren will play together as part of Team Jalen Rose, while Wallace will join Team Pau Gasol.
This will be the first glimpse of the weekend at Oklahoma City's talented young roster, as Shai Gilgeous-Alexander awaits his All-Star Game starting spot on Sunday.
Jan 13, 2024; Oklahoma City, Oklahoma, USA; Orlando Magic guard Jalen Suggs (4) shoots between Oklahoma City Thunder forward Jalen Williams (8) and forward Chet Holmgren (7) during the first quarter at Paycom Center. Mandatory Credit: Alonzo Adams-USA TODAY Sports
Alonzo Adams-USA TODAY Sports
FORMAT:
Just like last year's Rising Stars Challenge, it will take place in a tournament setting with four respective teams. The coaches will consist of Rose, Gasol, Tamika Catchings and Detlef Schrempf.
Three games will be played during the tournament, all with a final target score, meaning that each game must end on a made basket or free throw rather than the time expiring.
The two semifinal games will be played to a final target score of 40, while the final game will be played to 25, determining the final champion.
The games will consist of these matchups:
- Game 1: Team Jalen vs. Team Tamika
- Game 2: Team Detlef vs. Team Pau
- Game 3: Winner of Game 1 vs. Winner of Game 2
Can Williams and Holmgren or Wallace come out on top in the tournament?
WHEN:
Friday, Feb. 16, 2023 at 8, 8:30 and 9 p.m. CT
LOCATION:
Gainbridge Fieldhouse - Indianapolis, IN
TV/RADIO:
TNT
FINAL WORD:
Every year young talent gets to showcase their skillset on a grander stage, which Oklahoma City players will certainly look to take advantage of. A lot of attention is set on the event, meaning NBA fans that may not know much about the Thunder get a chance to see what the No. 2 seed in the Western Conference is made of.
Want to join the discussion? Like Inside the Thunder on Facebook and follow us on Twitter to stay up to date on all the latest Thunder news. You can also meet the team behind the coverage.
