The first game under the new Rising Stars format was an instant classic.
Team Isiah beat Team Worthy 50-49 in the inaugural match in the mini-tournament setup, coming from behind to win and advance to the finals. The game was played under first-to-50-wins rules.
Both teams kept an even pace for much of the game, trading big shots and highlight dunks over the course of the opening minutes. Things began to heat up down the stretch, as the teams entered the 40s neck-and-neck.
Desmond Bane of the Grizzlies put in a floater to make it 46-43 in favor of Team Isiah, but Team Worthy wasn't going anywhere. Jalen Suggs of the Magic hit a deep three to tie it up, then his teammate Cole Anthony threw down a big slam in transition to go up 48-46.
After another empty possession by Team Isiah, Suggs went to the free-throw line with a chance to win it for Team Worthy. He hit the first to make it 49-46 but whiffed on the second, and Saddiq Bey of the Pistons and Team Isiah controlled the miss.
Bey took it the other way and laid in a finger roll to cut it to a one-point game and effectively make it next basket wins. Jalen Green of the Rockets put up a three for Team Worthy, but saw his attempt cleanly blocked by Bey.
Saddiq Bey with the clutch block to keep Team Isiah in it!
— NBA (@NBA) February 19, 2022
NEXT BUCKET WINS in Round 1 of #CloroxRisingStars on TNT pic.twitter.com/D9FoBfOlay
After a timeout, Team Isiah gave the ball to Bane, who drew a foul off Suggs. Bane, known for his shooting ability, was money from the line on both of his attempts to seal the come-from-behind victory.
"Desmond Bane with ice in his veins!"
— NBA (@NBA) February 19, 2022
This #CloroxClutch free throw sends Team Isiah to the final round of #CloroxRisingStars on TNT pic.twitter.com/88ogiestxd
Bey finished with 16 points and Bane added 10 for Team Isiah. Green led all scorers with 20, and Suggs poured in 16 as well.
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