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Jose Alvarado named MVP of NBA Rising Stars Game

THE FLATS – The legend continues to grow as Jose Alvarado earns MVP honors of the Rising Stars game during NBA All-Star Weekend … Josh Okogie has earned his spot in the Suns’ starting lineup …  more in this week’s #ProJackets Report.

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ALVARADO IS MVP OF THE NBA RISING STARS GAME

The NBA’s top young talent was on full display during the Jordan Rising Stars Game at All-Star Weekend in Utah on Friday night. The format for the annual exhibition has shifted over the years in order to make the game more competitive, and this time around it featured four teams coached by prominent former NBA players.

The four total teams competed in a three-game mini-tournament that featured the always-exciting Elam Ending — the first two games were played to 40 points, and the championship game was played to 25.

Team Pau bested Team Deron 40-25 in the first game of the tournament, thanks largely to New Orleans Pelicans guard Jose Alvarado, who accounted for 13 of his team’s 40 points. Led by New York Knicks guard Quentin Grimes (13 points), Team Joakim took down Team Jason 40-32 in the second game to set up a championship battle between Team Pau and Team Joakim. Those two teams engaged in a competitive affair, and ultimately it was Team Pau that pulled out the 25-20 win to claim the crown.

After hitting the game-winning basket in the final game to propel Team Gasol to victory, Alvarado was rewarded with the MVP Award.

Just as he does during his regular play with the Pelicans, Alvarado’s energy and effort set the tone for his team, and he showed exactly why he’s become a staple in New Orleans’ rotation on the big stage.

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ALVARADO DISHES ON ZION, CHRIS PAUL

Before Zion Williamson and Jose Alvarado became teammates with the New Orleans Pelicans, they competed against one another in college. Alvarado recalls the time Williamson blocked his shot with two hands — an event that made the guard despise the forward.

More from Basketball Network

New Orleans Pelicans point guard Jose Alvarado is just in his second year in the NBA yet he’s already in a heated rivalry with Phoenix Suns star guard Chris Paul. Alvarado admits to not being a fan of the Point God, crushing all expectations that young guns like him are expected to get friendly with league icons.

More from The Basketball Network

Jose Alvarado at NBA Rising Stars Game

Photos courtesy of NBA/Getty Images

OKOGIE KNOCKS DOWN SIX THREES VS. CLIPPERS

While the Valley was introduced to Phoenix’s newest wing Kevin Durant earlier on Thursday, it was another wing who took over for the Suns offensively against the Los Angeles Clippers.

Josh Okogie led his team with 24 points on 9-of-16 shooting, including 6-for-12 from three-point range in a 116-107 loss at Footprint Center.

He added five rebounds, three steals and one assist in a team-high 41 minutes played.

More from ArizonaSports.com

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OKOGIE EARNS HIS STARTING ROLE WITH SUNS

If the Suns’ Thursday night loss to the Clippers taught us anything, it is that Josh Okogie has earned his starting role.

The Suns’ big four, which includes Chris Paul, Devin Booker, Deandre Ayton, and Kevin Durant, have the attention, they are the identity of this team.

The big question is whether Monty Williams will look at Josh Okogie, Torrey Craig, or even T.J. Warren to fill that final slot in the lineup.

And there seems to be an obvious answer here. Over the past four games since Okogie has seen consistent playing time, the 24-year-old has averaged over 21 PPG, 5 RPG, and has shot 15 of 27 from behind the arc.

This streak stands out tremendously considering Okogie did not score his 20th point on the season until the 18th game.

The consistent playing time has allowed Okogie to prove himself as a dynamic threat on the court. And even better, his performance from the three-point line will force defenses to respect him, taking pressure off the big four.

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#PROJACKETS IN THE NBA/G LEAGUE IN 2024-25

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PLAYERDATANUMBERSTEAM
JOSE ALVARADO
Team: New Orleans Pelicans
Number: 15
NBA Experience: 4th season
Years at Georgia Tech: 2017-21
Hometown: Brooklyn, N.Y.
Status: Active		6-0, 179 lbs
2024-25 Stats
9.8 ppg
2.0 rpg
4.9 apg
39.4% FG
40.9% 3pt FG		Record: 12-32
Standing: 14th place, -24 GB
Streak: W4
Last 10: 7-3
JOSH OKOGIE
Team: Charlotte Hornets
Number: 12
NBA Experience: 7th season
Years at Georgia Tech: 2016-18
Hometown: Snellville, Ga.
Status: Active		6-4, 213 lbs
2024-25 Stats
6.0 ppg
2.9 rpg
0.6 apg
47.5% FG
37.8% 3pt FG		Record: 11-28
Standing: 13th place, -23.5 GB
Streak: W3
Last 10: 4-6