Launched in 1994 and christened at the time Rookie Game, the opening game of the All Star Weekend evolved over time. In 2000, the new Rising Stars Challenge pitted rookies against sophomores in a Conference East versus Conference West duel. Then, from 2015 the two teams were separated in Team USA and Team World to gain interest. The NBA will once again change its formula on the occasion of the 2022 festivities planned for Cleveland. While rookies and sophomores will always be at the center of the event, they will be joined by four players from the GLeague’s Ignite team, selected by the coaches of this championship. These 28 players (12 rookies, 12 sophomores and 4 youngsters from the GLeague) will be divided into 4 teams.
Another novelty, these four teams formed by NBA assistant coaches will compete in a tournament. The semi-finals will be played in 50 points. The first to reach this score will be qualified directly for the final which will be played in 25 points. 50 + 25, the League wanted to wink at its 75th anniversary celebrated this year. To be seen, therefore, if this format will be kept for the next editions. The coaches of the four teams will also be made up of members of the list of 76 legends unveiled earlier this season.
In addition to this new format, a shooting contest baptized Clorox Clutch Challenge will take place before the first game of the tournament. Eight players from Rising Stars Challenge will be divided into two teams and will compete to make five historic shots that have marked the history of the NBA playoffs. The team that lands the five shots the fastest will win the contest.
