The NBA's young stars, including the champion group from coach Rick Barry's team, put on a show Friday night in a new tournament-style setup for the Rising Stars Challenge in Cleveland.
Cade Cunningham, the 2021 No. 1 pick and Detroit Pistons star, led Team Barry to the Rising Stars title and earned most valuable player honors.
The four teams were coached by Hall of Famers Gary Payton, Isiah Thomas, James Worthy and Barry. Cunningham and Team Barry, who had beat Team Payton in the semifinal round, eclipsed Team Isiah 25-20 in the final round.
Four top prospects who play for the G League Ignite -- Jaden Hardy, Dyson Daniels, Scoot Henderson and MarJon Beauchamp -- joined 12 players from each of the 2020 and 2021 NBA draft classes in making up the 28 players who participated in the league's annual showcase for its stars of tomorrow.
Rather than two teams playing a traditional game, there were four teams made up of seven-man rosters, with the winners of two semifinal games to 50 points playing a championship game that went to 25, a nod to the league celebrating its 75th anniversary this season.
We graded all 28 players who participated on a national stage at Cleveland's Rocket Mortgage FieldHouse on NBA All-Star Weekend. Take a look at the report card:
Team Barry (beat Team Isiah in the final, 25-20)
Cade Cunningham, Detroit Pistons
Grade: A
The deserving MVP, Cunningham led Team Barry in both points (18) and assists (9). He was responsible for the final four points of the game, scoring a 3 to give his team a 24-20 lead and then setting up Franz Wagner to be fouled at the rim. Wagner made the winning free throw.
Dyson Daniels, G League Ignite
Grade: A-
The 18-year-old Daniels impressed against more experienced opposition, playing key minutes for the Rising Stars champions. He knocked down a 3 in the final and made the free throw that gave Team Barry the lead for good. Daniels was capable at the defensive end, stopping Precious Achiuwa 1-on-1 and coming up with a deflection in transition to prevent a basket.