2023 Rising Stars: Josh Giddey, Jalen Williams lose in final

Recapping the 2023 Rising Stars event as Josh Giddey & Jalen Williams lose in the finals.

SALT LAKE CITY — Oklahoma City Thunder duo Josh Giddey and Jalen Williams almost tasted victory in the Rising Stars challenge.

Giddey and Williams advanced to the 2023 Rising Stars final following Team Joakim Noah’s 40-32 win over Team Jason Terry, which consisted of G League players.

In the final, Team Noah faced Team Pau Gasol and lost 25-20. The semifinal games had a target score of 40 points while the final had a target score of 25 points.

New Orleans Pelicans sophomore wing Jose Alvarado was named Rising Stars MVP following his team’s win, which included him hitting the dagger shot.

Let’s recap both games in terms of what Giddey and Williams did along with what they had to say following their five-point loss in the finals.