Andre Drummond saved his best rebound for last. Really, for after the game.
Drummond was awarded the BBVA Compass Rising Stars Challenge MVP trophy, but there was some assembly required. As the BBVA Compass representative handed it to him, the star fell off its base and hit the floor. Tim Hardaway Jr. stole the mic and dubbed it an ESPN Not Top 10 Play.
Indeed it was. But it was the only one Drummond likely had all night.
Drummond was the garbage man for Grant Hill's team, collecting 25 rebounds, including 14 offensive rebounds, on his way to 30 points. In a game where few are playing very much defense or trying very hard to dig out rebounds. Drummond scrapped and put on a show getting his name out there.
The show was really about a second half battle between Dion Waiters and Tim Hardaway, Jr.
The mercurial Waiters started the battle by crossing over Hardaway and draining a 3-pointer. Hardaway followed with a 28 footer of his own. And the battle was on. The two young players exchanged three-pointers for a seris of about two or three minutes, putting on a show for the fans and giving us a reason to watch for those two hours.
Waiters ended with a game-high 31 points, adding seven assists. Hardaway led Team Webber with 36 points, a game high.
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This was their show. Aside from Jared Sullinger shooting way too many 3-pointers, this was a game with a ton of highlights, a ton of offense and a ton of young talent to be excited about.
Sure, Damian Lillard's "dream" of winning an award in every competition for this weekend ended early. Somehow I do not think he will be too upset.
Anthony Davis, too, had a good showing for his home court debut at the All-Star Weekend. He packed in some impressive blocks and some nice dunks as his weekend was just getting started.
It was a great opening to the All-Star Weekend. Hopefully there are no more drops.
