The Rookies won the Rookie-Sophomore Challenge for a second year in a row with a 148-140 victory on Friday night. Washington Wizards rookie John Wall took home the game's MVP award for his 12-point, 22-assist performance. Wall was usually on the giving end of balls that wound up being dunked, but late in the game he did have his own dunk (video).
Kings center DeMarcus Cousins of the Rookie Squad led all scorers with 33 points. His 14 rebounds were second to DeJuan Blair's game-high 15. Minnesota's Wesley Johnson had 25 points off the bench for the Rookies. Oklahoma City Thunder James Harden led the Sophomores with 30 points. DeJuan Blair was right behind him with 28 points.
Rookie Blake Griffin played only 13:47 and was out for the last several minutes of the game. Griffin will be in Saturday's dunk contest and then in Sunday's All-Star Game.
Before these last two victories by the Rookies, the Sophomores had won seven straight.