Kyle Kuzma was very motivated to make sure Team USA snapped its two-game losing streak in the Rising Stars Challenge.
Money always helps.
“Facts,” Kuzma said with a smile, when asked if what he said on the court postgame — that the $25,000 bonus going to each member of the winning team was part of his motivation — was true. “I think it was the second timeout, and I broke the huddle by saying, ‘1-2-3-bonus.’ So there you go.”
Kyle had an MVP game.
Kyle Kuzma tallies a game-high 35 PTS and Trae Young puts up 25 PTS (6 3PM), 10 AST, 7 REB to lead USA Team over World Team, 161-144! #MTNDEWICERisingStars
Jayson Tatum: 30 PTS, 6 3PM
Donovan Mitchell: 20 PTS, 9 AST, 7 REB
De'Aaron Fox: 15 AST
Ben Simmons: 28 PTS, 6 AST, 5 REB pic.twitter.com/sIJAebxREV— NBA (@NBA) February 16, 2019
“I played last year and was lackadaisical,” Kuzma said, “so I didn’t want to do that again.
? @ROSGO21 presents the #MTNDEWICERisingStars MVP to U.S Team’s @kylekuzma (35 PTS)! #NBAAllStar pic.twitter.com/g00fFPdzhI
— NBA (@NBA) February 16, 2019
“There was a lot of great players out there, All-Stars, we’re all young rising stars in this league. Obviously it’s an exhibition, but it’s always better to have bragging rights whenever you can.”
Kuz wanted that money, and he got it in style.
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