:format(webp)/cdn.vox-cdn.com/uploads/chorus_image/image/45689786/usa-today-8381969.0.jpg)
The Orlando Magic were well represented in the annual BBVA Compass Rising Stars challenge on Friday night. Both Victor Oladipo and Elfrid Payton appeared, and started, for the United States team in a 121-112 loss to the World side. Minnesota Timberwolves rookie Andrew Wiggins won the MVP, finishing with 22 points, six rebounds and four assists.
From the start, it was clear Oladipo was out to prove something. Early on, the second-year guard was not gun shy, getting shots up on almost ever possession. After a long rest, Oladipo came back in firing on all cylinders, going on an 8-0 run of his own to help the United States team get back into it. By the time the halftime bell rang, the former Indiana Hoosier had racked up a game high 16 points, four assists and two rebounds.
Payton didn't fare as well early on. The rookie point guard was one of two players on the United States side to not score in the opening half -- Philadelphia's Robert Covington was the other. Despite not scoring Payton did dish out three assists, but overall, it was a quite half from the 10th pick.
Chicago Bulls big man Nikola Miortic made all five of his shots, including four threes, en route to 14 points to lead the World team at the half. Top overall pick Andrew Wiggins showed off his hops, throwing down four monster dunks on his way to a 13 point half. Giannis Antetokounmpo did a little bit of everything, scoring seven points, grabbing seven rebounds, dishing out four assists and notching three steals in the half.
Out of halftime, neither Oladipo or Payton started for the US side. Both got in, with Payton checking in around the 13minute mark of the half, with Payton playing five minutes, before sitting for the remainder of the half. Payton finished the night with two points, three assists and three rebounds.
Oladipo played nearly the entire second half after checking in at the 15 minute mark. The second-year man struggled with his shot, finishing the night 8-of-19, including 3-of-8 in the second half for a mere six points. Oladipo did, however, finish in a tie for the highest scorer, finishing with 22 points, four assists, four steals and three rebounds.
Wiggins strong play continued, as the rookie from Kansas led the way for the World side with 22. Rudy Gobert wrecked havoc at the rim, finishing the night with an impressive 18 points, 12 rebounds and three blocks. Mirotic and Bojan Bogdanovic finished with 16 apiece for the World side as well.