Player Jose Alvarado takes center stage and receives the Rising Stars MVP

New Orleans guard Jose Alvarado seals the deal for Team Pau (Gasol) in a thrilling title game of the Rising Stars event, held during the All-Star weekend in Salt Lake City. With a drifting 3-pointer, Alvarado's crucial basket secures a 25-20 victory, earning him the Most Valuable Player award.

Despite only scoring five points in the title game, Alvarado's strong defensive play down the stretch proves critical as he wraps up New York's Quentin Grimes, who had a game-high 14 points. Grimes admits to being surprised by Alvarado's physical play, which included some grabbing and holding, but acknowledges it was all in good fun.

The Rising Stars event features four teams, consisting of 21 first- and second-year NBA players, along with seven G League players, who compete in semifinal games to a target score of 40. In the first semifinal, Alvarado's 13 points lead Team Pau to a 40-27 victory over Team Deron (Williams). In the second semifinal, Grimes scores 13 points, including the game-winning 3-pointer, to lift Team Joakim over Team Jason (Terry), composed of G Leaguers.

For Gasol, the win is the highlight of a memorable day that saw him named a finalist for the Basketball Hall of Fame earlier in the day. Gasol, who made his coaching debut in the event, jokingly suggests that he may retire from coaching on a high note.

In the end, Alvarado's impressive performance, both offensively and defensively, earns him the Rising Stars MVP award. While his defensive tactics may have raised some eyebrows, his skills and determination ultimately lead Team Pau to victory.