Credit: Twitter
The 2023 NBA All-Star Weekend began with the Celebrity Game and the Rising Stars Challenge. Team Pau defeated Team Joakim to claim the Rising Star Challenge as New Orleans Pelicans guard Jose Alvarado was named the MVP on Friday night. Before hitting the game-winner three-pointer, the 24-year-old Alvarado placed a bet with Cleveland Cavalier star guard Donovan Mitchell for the final shot.
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Jose Alvarado was named the 2023 Rising Stars MVP with unanimous decision and owes Donovan Mitchell dinner after hitting the match-winner. Ahead of his final shot, Alvarado asked Mitchell, "How much do you want to bet I win it? If I get the ball, I'm making the shot."
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Team Pau featured Orlando Magic forward Paolo Banchero, Indiana Pacers forward Bennedict Mathurin, New Orleans Pelicans guard Jose Alvarado, and Sacramento Kings forward Keegan Murray among others. On the other hand, Team Joakim included Cleveland Cavaliers forward Evan Mobley, Oklahoma City Thunder guard Josh Giddey, and San Antonio Spurs forward Jeremy Sochan among others.
In the post game interview, Alvarado reacted on playing the underdog role and said, "Anything is possible. I'm not 6'5", I'm not athletic, I don't got the crazy wingspan, but I got heart that you can't measure."
In the first game of the 2023 NBA All-Star Rising Stars Challenge, Team Pau beat Team Deron 40-25 while Team Joakim beat Team Jason 40-32 in the second game. The final was set for 25 points and Team Pau beat Team Joakim 25-20 as Alvarado scored the last gasp three-pointer.
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