LOS ANGELES — After clocking just under 21 minutes Friday night during the NBA’s annual Mtn Dew Kickstart Rising Stars game at All-Star Weekend, Dallas Mavericks rookie Dennis Smith Jr. knows the importance of keeping his legs fresh heading into the Slam Dunk contest Saturday night.
Scoring seven points, grabbing four rebounds and dishing six assists with his fair share of above-the-rim moments, Smith showed glimpses of what he’s capable of in the U.S. team’s 155-124 defeat. Now, the first-year point guard hopes to keep his legs well rested entering the league’s marquee athletic event of the weekend, emerging as a favorite for the slam-dunk crown.