NBA Rising Stars Challenge: Knicks' Quentin Grimes, Team Joakim Prevail, Move to Final

The New York Knicks' sophomore put in 13 points en route to a victory over the best of the G League.

Though his teammate Jericho Sims is officially listed as part of Saturday's Slam Dunk Contest, Quentin Grimes perhaps provided him some inspiration during Friday's Rising Stars Challenge.

Behind a game-best 13 points from the New York Knicks sophomore, a team represented by NBA veteran Joakim Noah earned a 40-32 victory in the first round of the Rising Stars Challenge at Vivint Arena, topping a team led by fellow NBA star of the new century Jason Terry. The latter's team consisted of NBA G League standouts, adding a new wrinkle to the long-running young stars competition.

Most of Grimes' scoring was accumulated via dunk, as Team Noah reached the victorious target score to advance to the championship round. His first pair, earned via alley-oop from Jeremy Sochan (San Antonio) gave Team Joakim a permanent lead. 

Jeremy Sochan ↗️ Quentin Grimes 💥pic.twitter.com/zU5Cu5rabw

— Spurs Nation (@SpursNationCP) February 18, 2023

Thanks to Grimes' early efforts, Team Joakim built a 24-11 lead before Team Jason whittled the gap to one on a 16-4 run while top contributors Grimes, Sochan, and Josh Giddey (Oklahoma City) were on the bench. The young Association reps handled business the rest of the way, embarking on a 12-5 run to secure the win. Grimes himself closed it out for Team Joakim with a triple that reached the target score.

GAME.

Quentin Grimes turns defense to offense to reach the target score and send Team Joakim to the #JordanRisingStars final! 🎯#NBAAllStar | Live on TNT pic.twitter.com/5X2ROdOO6s

— NBA (@NBA) February 18, 2023

Mac McClung, a Philadelphia prospect stationed with G League Delaware, led Team Jason with 10 points. McClung will remain in Salt Lake City to face off against Sims in the Slam Dunk Contest, becoming the first G League rep to do so. 

With the win, Grimes and Team Noah will next take on a team repped by Pau Gasol, who no doubt incurred the wrath of the Utah crowd by disposing of a squad led by former Jazz star Deron Williams 40-25. Jose Alvarado (New Orleans) led the way with 13 points. 

The championship game's target score will be 25 points. 

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Geoff Magliocchetti is on Twitter @GeoffJMags

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