February 19th, 2011 
Stephen Rhodes 
Posted in 
Anyone who follows the happenings during the NBA All-Star Weekend knows that the games between both the Rookies and Sophomores plus the NBA All-Star Game are lighthearted, by nature. In other words, playground hoops, but with NBA rules attached.
The 2011 T-Mobile Rookie Challenge was certainly no different in that regard.
The game, as was expected, was high scoring. The game was even competitive as most Rookie Challenges are usually one-sided. The Rookies, led by DeMarcus Cousins and game MVP John Wall, rallied in the second half to defeat the Sophomores 148-140 at Staples Center Friday night.
Perhaps it was fitting that two former Kentucky Wildcats – Cousins and Wall – led the charge for the Rookies, combining for 45 points during the
game.
There were lots of lead changes, but the Rookies sealed the game on a pair of free throws by Wesley Johnson with 27.6 seconds left on the game clock, sending the Rookies to their second victory over the Sophomores.
The Rookies were led by Cousins with 33 points, along with 14 rebounds, an assist, 3 steals and a block while Johnson added 25 (including three 3-pointers) with a rebound, an assist and a steal. Gary Neal chipped in 20 with 4 rebounds and 4 assists while Landry Fields poured in 15 with 6 rebounds, 3 assists and 2 steals. Wall earned the MVP award on his line of 12 points and 22 assists.
Seven Sophomores scored in double-digits, led by James Harden with 30 points (including four 3-pointers), along with a rebound, 2 assists and a steal while DeJuan Blair added 28 with 15 rebounds, 2 assists, 2 steals and 2 blocks. Wesley Matthews chipped in 15 (including three treys) with 4 rebounds and 6 assists.
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