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Kuzma named MVP as USA tops World in Rising Stars game

Jesse D. Garrabrant / National Basketball Association / Getty

Los Angeles Lakers forward Kyle Kuzma's 35-point effort was enough to secure the MVP award at the Rising Stars game Friday as he led the USA Team to a 161-144 win over the World Team.

The win snaps a two-game losing skid for the USA Team in the event.

Boston Celtics forward Jayson Tatum chipped in with 30 points and nine rebounds for the USA Team, while Atlanta Hawks rookie Trae Young added 25 points and 10 assists.

Philadelphia 76ers All-Star Ben Simmons led the way for the World Team with 28 points in the loss. Dallas Mavericks rookie Luka Doncic disappointed relative to his high expectations, finishing with 13 points and nine assists.

The loss dropped the World Team's record to 3-2 over the USA Team since the Rising Stars game shifted to an international format between the up-and-coming rookies and sophomores.

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