Stars shine bright in high scoring BBVA Compass Rising Stars Challenge

Presenting the MVP trophy was BBVA CEO Carlos Torres Vila, making a special trip from Madrid, Spain to join in on the NBA All-Star 2017 festivities. The game’s MVP, the World Team’s Jamal Murray (Canada), poured in 36 points, 11 assists, and an astounding 9 of 14 shooting from three point range.

“Tonight was special for the game’s bright, young players and the fans in attendance,” said BBVA Compass Chief Marketing Officer Jennifer Dominiquini. “An especially bright moment for the bank was having our BBVA CEO, Carlos Torres Vila, present the MVP trophy at midcourt afterwards. As the Official Bank of the NBA, we’re proud we could be part of one of the key events of NBA All-Star.”

Tonight was special for the game’s bright, young players and the fans in attendance.

Along with Murray’s shooting clinic, World Team teammate Buddy Hield (Bahamas) chipped in 28 points, while Frank Kaminsky led the U.S. team with a 33 point night, including hitting all 7 of his three point attempts in the second half. The game’s swift, high-scoring pace was highlighted by a stretch in the first half that saw both teams trading baskets until the World Team pulled to an 11 point lead at halftime.

In one particular stretch, the U.S. team attempted to come back after falling behind by 19 points, before Murray took over with his video game-like shooting, scoring a whopping 18 points in the last 6 ½ minutes of the game.

This was the third consecutive year the BBVA Compass Rising Stars Challenge pitted bright stars with rising NBA careers against each other in a U.S. versus World format. The league’s annual showcase of bright young talent saw 10 first- and second-year NBA players from the U.S. take on 10 first- and second-year NBA players from around the world.

For the sixth year running, BBVA Compass once again was the title partner of the annual game held during NBA All-Star.