John Wall got his first taste of NBA All-Star Weekend action on Friday night during the T-Mobile Rookie Challenge. Both during the game and during the halftime entertainment, the Washington Wizards rookie stole the show.
On the night he arrived in the city where he trained before the Washington Wizards drafted him No. 1 overall, Wall was presented a challenge by Orlando Magic all-star center Dwight Howard at the celebrity pool tournament hosted by Magic Johnson and Alonzo Mourning. Howard dared anyone to get on the stage and show who could do the best rendition of the popular dance, the Dougie.
Boston Celtics reserve Glen "Big Baby" Davis joined Wall and several others in a Dougie dance-off, and Wall was fairly confident about who came away the winner.
"I think I did," Wall said, having already learned from his Dougie battle with R&B singer Chris Brown at a New Year’s Eve party.
After the halftime entertainment, the Rookies went to work snapping their seven year skid against the Sophomores in the yearly matchup of the NBA’s youngest stars. There wasn't much defense played, which is to be expected, but Wall was spectacular setting up highlight reel finishes. His 22 assists set a rookie-sophomore game record.
The most spectacular play of the game on a night filled with high flying dunks galore? John Wall's bounce pass alley-oop to Blake Griffin early in the second half.