Nets rookie Egor Demin showed what he could do for Team Vince en route to winning the 2026 Rising Stars Championship on Friday night in Los Angeles.
For Demin and Team Vince -- coached by Nets legend Vince Carter -- the tournament began with a 41-36 win over Team T-Mac (the target score was 40). In the game, Demin scored just two points on 1 of 3 shooting, but came down with two rebounds, dished two assists and came up with one steal in his nine minutes of play.
Team Vince advanced thanks to the heroics of Phillies rookie VJ Edgecombe, who scored 17 points. Edgecombe scored 10 straight, including the game-winner, to help the team get to the finals against Team Melo.
In the Finals, Demin didn't factor too much down the stretch. He scored a quick bucket, going 1-for-2 with two rebounds and a block in four minutes of play but it was Edgecombe again with the heroics. In a back-and-forth game, the Sixers guard won the game for Team Vince. Down 24-23 (target score was 25 points), Edgecombe drove to the basket and was fouled by Trail Blazers center Donovan Clingan. Edgecombe knocked down both free throws to win the game.
Feb 13, 2026; Inglewood, California, USA; Team T-Mac guard Jaylon Tyson (20) of the Cleveland Cavaliers controls the ball against Team Vince guard Egor Demin (8) of the Brooklyn Nets during an NBA All Star Rising Stars game at Intuit Dome. Mandatory Credit: Jayne Kamin-Oncea-Imagn Images | Jayne Kamin-Oncea-Imagn Images
Cleveland Cavaliers wing Jaylon Tyson had a strong showing in the Rising Stars game on Friday evening. He led Team T-Mac in points (10) and rebounds (5) in their loss to Team Vince.
The format for this competition is a mini-tournament. The two teams played a game to 40 points, with the winner advancing to the final. Since Tyson’s team lost, his night was over after one mini-game.
Tyson performed well. He kept his team in the game with timely scoring and rebounding. He also provided some resistance on the defensive end, which is about as much as you can ask for in this All-Star game setting. It was a solid outing for the second-year Cavalier.
His highlights of the night were a nice alley-oop to Miami Heat center Kel’el Ware and a smooth Euro-step to keep his team within striking distance down the stretch.
Donovan Mitchell was there to support his teammate with a front-row seat. He called for the MVP award for Tyson before the game even started, and cheered for him every opportunity he had from courtside.
Tyson’s team didn’t have an answer for Philadelphia 76ers rookie V.J. Edgecombe. He provided a game-high 17 points on 6-8 shooting to help lead Team Vince to the victory.
Team Vince went on to defeat Team Melo in the final game of the Rising Stars mini-tournament.
Mitchell is the lone representative for the Cavs for the remainder of NBA All-Star Weekend. He’ll be participating in the 3-Point Contest on Saturday and will be on one of the two US teams in the All-Star Game on Sunday.
In a game that featured Tacko Fall dunks, mascots playing defense and NBA and MLB MVPs on the sidelines, it was a boy band that actually stole the show on Friday night at the Kia Forum.
The fivesome belted out “GO!” and “FaSHioN,” and their vocals and dance moves were so mesmerizing, even Giannis Antetokounmpo — a coach of one of the All-Star teams — stopped for a moment to catch the show with his family.
CORTIS performed at halftime of the NBA All-Star Celebrity Game on Friday. Getty Images
CORTIS hung around for most of the matchup’s second half in some courtside seats, and at one point, the exhibition’s emcee got the hundreds in attendance to sing “Happy Birthday” to Keonho.
Fans could later be heard roaring when the group left the arena in the fourth quarter.
The fivesome sang two songs at the Forum on Friday night, “GO!” and “FaSHioN.” Getty Images
It’s the second straight night CORTIS has wowed in Los Angeles. On Thursday, they performed at the NBA Crossover fan festivities in Downtown LA and then got the VIP treatment at the Lakers vs. Mavericks game.
Prior to Friday night’s tilt, Mookie Betts — another high-profile coach at the celeb game — invited them to head out to Dodger Stadium this season.
The K-pop sensations, of course, were hardly the only famous figures watching actors, musicians and athletes battle it out on the hardwood. Guy Fieri, Victor Wembanyama, Devin Booker, 2 Chainz and Dwight Howard all had chairs to catch the action.
Actor Rome Flynn took home MVP honors at the celebrity game Friday night. NBAE via Getty Images
Team Giannis ultimately bested Team Anthony (coached by comedian Anthony Anderson), 65-58. Actor Rome Flynn took home MVP honors for the second straight year.
But, for those in the building, it was clear the biggest winners Friday were CORTIS.
INGLEWOOD, CA - JANUARY 19: LeBron James #23 of the Los Angeles Lakers and James Harden #1 of the LA Clippers during the game against the LA Clippers on January 19, 2025 at Intuit Dome in Los Angeles, California. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and/or using this Photograph, user is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. Mandatory Copyright Notice: Copyright 2025 NBAE (Photo by Juan Ocampo/NBAE via Getty Images) | NBAE via Getty Images
On Friday, ESPN’s Tim McMahon said on NBA Today that there’s “rampant speculation” around the league that James will sign with Cleveland for a potential retirement tour this summer.
Tim MacMahon on LeBron James:
There is rampant speculation around the league that this summer there's going to be a reunion and potentially a retirement tour for the ages back home again with the Cleveland Cavaliers.
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At this point, it feels like LeBron will be returning home to Cleveland unless he retires after this season. What that would look like from a salary perspective remains to be seen.
The Cavs are currently over the second apron. They would not have access to the full mid-level exception unless they got under both aprons and then cut additional salary to carve out a spot for that exception. There’s also the possibility of a sign-and-trade if the Cavs get below the first apron. Or, James could opt to sign for a minimum contract.
It’s pointless to speculate too much on the finances at this point. There’s numerous scenarios for making this work from a cap perspective. If both sides want James to play in Cleveland, they’ll find a way to make it happen as they did back in 2014.
Even though LeBron is 41 years old, he’s still playing at an exceptionally high level. He recorded a triple-double in his last outing in the Los Angeles Lakers‘ win over the Dallas Mavericks on Thursday. On the season, James is averaging 22 points, 7.1 assists, and 5.8 rebounds on .502/.305/.746 shooting splits in a mostly supporting role alongside Luka Doncic.
We’ll see how this plays out. In the meantime, we can rest assured that there’s going to be plenty more rumors about James returning to Cleveland between now and July.
LaVine, who turns 31 in March, is the Kings’ leading scorer, averaging 19.2 points per game on 47.9 percent shooting and 39 percent from 3-point land.
The oft-injured scorer was limited to just 39 games this season before being shut down with his upcoming surgery.
Zach LaVine of the Sacramento Kings looks on during the game against the Philadelphia 76ers on January 29, 2026 at the Wells Fargo Center in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. NBAE via Getty Images
Coming off one of the best seasons of his career, having averaged 23.3 points per game on career-bests 44.9 percent from three and 51.1 percent overall, LaVine’s game took a step back this year.
LaVine ends the 2025-26 season having averaged his fewest points per game since his fourth year in the league in 2017-18.
His -8.0 plus-minus was also the worst of his career.
Karl-Anthony Towns, Jalen Brunson and Allan Houston are forming a Knicks team at an All-Star Weekend event.
The Knicks won’t have any participants in either the Slam Dunk Contest or the 3-point shooting competition Saturday night at All-Star Weekend in Los Angeles, but the organization will be represented in an event that is returning to the NBA showcase after a 10-year absence.
The Shooting Stars is back for the first time since 2015, and a Knicks squad featuring current All-Stars Jalen Brunson and Karl-Anthony Towns will be joined by team executive and former All-Star Allan Houston among four teams competing in the returning event Saturday night at Intuit Dome in Inglewood, Calif.
First introduced in 2004, the Shooting Stars features the three players on each team attempting shots of different difficulty and point levels at seven locations from around the court.
The top two of the four teams will advance beyond the opening round and square off in the championship round.
Each team will consist of two current NBA players and one league “legend,” with this year’s groups representing a specific NBA team (the Knicks), as well as All-Star connections, college affiliations and one with family ties.
Jalen Brunson attempts a shot during the Knicks’ Feb. 10 game against the Pacers. Robert Sabo for the NY Post
Interestingly, Houston also was part of the previous all-New York squad to win this competition, with then-Knicks guard Landry Fields and Cappie Pondexter of the Liberty in 2012.
In addition to the Brunson/Towns/Houston trio, wing Scottie Barnes of the Raptors will join forces with Chet Holmgren of the Thunder and Pistons great Richard Hamilton on Team All-Star.
The others will be Team Cameron with former Duke players Jalen Johnson (Hawks), Kon Knueppel (Hornets) and Corey Maggette and Team Harper featuring Dylan Harper (Spurs) and Ron Harper Jr. (Celtics) with their father, Ron Harper Sr.
Saturday’s other events include the annual Slam Dunk Contest, although Mac McClung will not be taking part after winning the event each of the previous three years.
Allan Houston is pictured Dec. 12. IMAGN IMAGES via Reuters Connect
This year’s competitors will include Carter Bryant of the Spurs, Jaxson Hayes of the Lakers, Keshad Johnson of the Heat and Jase Richardson of the Magic.
Brunson had participated in the 3-point contest in each of the previous two years, getting knocked out in the first round both times, but the All-Star starter will not be in the eight-player field this weekend.
Karl-Anthony Towns reacts during the Knicks’ Feb. 1 game. Jason Szenes for the NY Post
The eight contestants will be Devin Booker (Suns), Damian Lillard (Trail Blazers), Knueppel (Hornets), Tyrese Maxey (76ers), Donovan Mitchell (Cavaliers), Jamal Murray (Nuggets), Norman Powell (Heat) and Bobby Portis (Bucks).
Lillard, a two-time winner in 2023 and 2024, has not played this season for Portland after suffering a torn Achilles in the playoffs last spring with the Bucks. Tyler Herro of the Heat took the trophy one year ago.
The All-Star Game on Sunday also will come with a new format, with the players split into three teams: two rosters of American players and one “World” team.
Towns was born in New Jersey, but he will play for the World squad because he represents the Dominican Republic in international play.
Egor Dëmin dunks the ball during the Nets’ Feb. 7 game against the Wizards. Jason Szenes for the NY Post
The Nets were represented Friday night in the Rising Stars tournament by rookie lottery pick Egor Dëmin, the first of their record five first-round picks at No. 8 overall.
The 6-foot-8 Dëmin, who is averaging 10.8 points and 3.3 assists in 46 games (39 starts) for Brooklyn, scored four points in 12:28 over two games for Vince Carter’s team, which defeated Carmelo Anthony’s squad, 25-24, in the championship game.
BIRMINGHAM, AL JANUARY 24: Riley Minix #22 of the Cleveland Charge drives to the basket during the game against the Birmingham Squadron on January 24, 2026 at Legacy Arena in Birmingham, AL. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the GettyImages License Agreement. Mandatory Copyright Notice: Copyright 2026 NBAE (Photo by Mercedes Oliver/NBAE via Getty Images) | NBAE via Getty Images
The Cleveland Cavaliers filled their last roster spot when they added Nae’Qwan Tomlin to a standard contract. Now, they’ve found someone for their final two-way spot. According to Michael Scotto of HoopsHype, that slot is going to Riley Minix.
The Cleveland Cavaliers and Riley Minix have agreed to a two-way deal, league sources told @hoopshype. Minix has averaged 17.5 points on 51.2% from the field and 42.6% from 3-point range in the G League this season. Minix previously was a two-way player for the San Antonio Spurs. pic.twitter.com/F6IsLm2GDo
Minix went undrafted in the 2024 NBA Draft. He was invited to training camp with the San Antonio Spurs and ended up making the team on a two-way deal. He played just one game with the Spurs in his rookie season and spent most of his time with their G League affiliate, the Austin Spurs.
Minix started this season on a two-way contract as well, but was waived on Dec. 12. Overall, he played just four NBA games with San Antonio over two seasons.
On Jan. 13, the Cleveland Charge — G League affiliate of the Cavs — acquired his returning player rights from the Austin Spurs. He’s appeared in 12 games with the Charge since.
On the season, the 6’7”, 25-year-old forward has averaged 17.5 points, 6.5 rebounds, 2.7 assists, and 1.2 steals per game on .512/.426/.767 shooting splits in the G League.
The three-point shot is the obvious weapon for Minix. Last season, he connected on 41.4% of his three-point looks with Austin on 7.4 threes per contest. If he’s going to make a lasting impact in the NBA, presumably, it will be because of the outside shot.
Minix has had an unconventional journey to professional basketball. He played four collegiate seasons at Southeastern University, a smaller school that competes in the NAIA. After having the advantage of the COVID season, he played one season at Morehead State, averaging 20.9 points and 9.7 rebounds per game.
Minnix joins Tristian Enaruna and Emanuel Miller on two-way deals with the Cavs.
LOS ANGELES, CA - FEBRUARY 9: LeBron James #23 of the Los Angeles Lakers and Isaiah Hartenstein #55 of the Oklahoma City Thunder boxes out during the game on February 9, 2026 at Crypto.Com Arena in Los Angeles, California. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and/or using this Photograph, user is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. Mandatory Copyright Notice: Copyright 2026 NBAE (Photo by Nathaniel S. Butler/NBAE via Getty Images) | NBAE via Getty Images
Welcome to SB Nation Reacts, a survey of fans across the NBA. Throughout the year we ask questions of the most plugged-in Lakers fans and fans across the country. Sign up here to participate in the weekly emailed surveys.
While the Lakers were buyers at the trade deadline, they did more window shopping than anything else.
The counterargument Lakers President of Basketball Operations made that LA was aggressive by saying no to trades didn’t exactly help his case or ease frustrations with the fanbase either.
So while waiting for the summer, when a player like Giannis Antetokounmpo could become available might be the best move, it doesn’t mean fans will be happy with the current state of the purple and gold.
The only hope fans have now is that the Lakers’ roster can return from the All-Star break healthy.
The trio of LeBron, Luka Dončić and Austin Reaves has only played 10 games together. So, if they will all be available the rest of the way, perhaps that will be enough to pull off a surprise run like LA did in 2023, when they made it to the Western Conference Finals.
Knueppel is averaging 18.9 points, 5.5 rebounds and 3.5 assists per game in 53 games played for Charlotte. He will play for Team T-Mac. Edgecombe has averaged 14.9 points, 5.4 rebounds and 4.2 assists in 49 games played for Philly. He’ll play for Team Vince.
Feb 11, 2026; Cleveland, Ohio, USA; Cleveland Cavaliers center Jarrett Allen (31) drives to the basket beside Washington Wizards guard Bub Carrington (7) in the third quarter at Rocket Arena. Mandatory Credit: David Richard-Imagn Images | David Richard-Imagn Images
Welcome to SB Nation Reacts, a survey of fans across the NBA. Throughout the year we ask questions of the most plugged-in Cavaliers fans and fans across the country. Sign up here to participate in the weekly emailed surveys.
Things change quickly in the NBA. Fans of the Cleveland Cavaliers know that better than anyone else. This past trade deadline came with many changes, from small moves like salary dumping Lonzo Ball to seismic changes like swapping Darius Garland for 11-time All-Star James Harden.
In our last fan survey, we focused on that big move.
Forgive the typo on our graphic. I didn’t want to bother our team with changing this on short notice. But we asked Cavs fans (not Rockets fans) to grade the Harden trade. Here are the results:
Roughly two-thirds of Cavs fans gave this move an A. Only 1% of fans gave it below a C, and zero fans thought this was an F.
We should clarify that the survey was held this week. So this isn’t an immediate reaction to the Harden trade. Seeing three straight wins with Harden dishing the ball has certainly raised our opinions of the deal.
For our second question, we wanted to know if this move raised Cleveland’s ceiling. To no surprise, the fans again showed that they are all-in on the beard.
A whopping 96% of Cavs fans believe their ceiling is higher now with Harden. That’s probably the highest percentage we’ve had on a survey yet. I can’t necessarily blame them. The Cavs have won five straight and hold the best record in the NBA since December 29th.
FanDuel has Cleveland with the sixth-highest odds to win the NBA Finals. They rank third in the East, behind the Boston Celtics and Detroit Pistons. I’d expect those numbers to improve if the Cavs keep rolling after the All-Star Break.
PHILADELPHIA, PA - JANUARY 31: VJ Edgecombe #77 of the Philadelphia 76ers dribbles the ball during the game against the New Orleans Pelicans on January 31, 2026 at the Wells Fargo Center in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and/or using this Photograph, user is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. Mandatory Copyright Notice: Copyright 2026 NBAE (Photo by Jesse D. Garrabrant/NBAE via Getty Images) | NBAE via Getty Images
All-Star Weekend gets underway at the Intuit Dome, home of the Los Angeles Clippers, on Friday night! After the celebrity game tips off at 7 p.m. on ESPN, which I cannot fathom anyone on planet Earth caring about, the Rising Stars Challenge begins at 9 p.m. and streams on Peacock!
For clarity’s sake, the Rising Stars Challenge will once again feature four teams playing in a three-game tournament. It’ll feature three teams of young NBA talent and a team of G-League players going against one another. The Sixers’ own VJ Edgecombe will be on “Team Vince,” coached by NBA legend Vince Carter.
The first Rising Stars game will get going at 9 p.m. and feature Austin Rivers’ “Team Austin,” the G-League squad, facing off against Carmelo Anthony’s “Team Melo.” At 9:55 p.m., Edgecombe and Team Vince will face Tracy McGrady’s “Team T-Mac,” which features Charlotte’s Kon Knueppel. The winners of each respective game will face off in the championship round at 10:35 p.m.
For each semifinal game, the first team to reach or exceed 40 points wins. For the championship, the winning figure is 25 points. Got it? Well, I barely do, but All-Star Weekend goes on either way.
Feel free to chat about the All-Star festivities, Edgecombe, the Sixers or legitimately anything else in our open thread for the evening!
There will be a recap of Edgecombe’s performance after Team Vince finishes up as well, so stay tuned to Liberty Ballers for that too! Let’s hope he balls out.
Zach LaVine sat out the last three Kings games with what the team called a "right fifth finger tendon injury." Turns out, it was more serious than that.
LaVine will be out the rest of the season after having surgery on his right hand, reports NBA insider Chris Haynes. That is LaVine's shooting hand.
LaVine, 30, is averaging 19.2 points a game but has not played up to his usual standards this season. He is averaging 2.8 rebounds and 2.3 assists per game, both career lows, and his overall play has been just kind of average.
Sacramento explored the market for trading LaVine at the deadline, speaking with Milwaukee among others, but nothing serious ever materialized. LaVine has a $48.9 million player option for next season, which he is widely expected to pick up, which was part of the challenge in finding a trade. Expect LaVine trade rumors to surface again this offseason.
The Kings are on a 14-game losing streak as the organization turns its attention to the upcoming NBA Draft.
NEW YORK (AP) — Perri Page scored a career-high 25 points to go with 10 rebounds, Riley Weiss scored 20 of her 23 points in the second half, and Columbia beat No. 24 Princeton 70-56 on Friday night to sweep the season series.
Columbia (16-6, 7-2) earned its third victory over an AP Top 25 team in program history — with all three coming against Princeton.
Columbia outscored Princeton 22-10 in the third quarter, with 11 points from Weiss, to take a 47-41 lead into the fourth.
The Lions used a four-point possession early in the fourth to help pull away. Fliss Henderson grabbed an offensive rebound and put it back while being fouled to give Columbia a 52-43 lead. Henderson missed the free throw, but the Lions secured the offensive rebound and Weiss made a jumper from the baseline for an 11-point lead.
Henderson finished with 12 rebounds to go with eight points for Columbia. Page reached 20 points for the fourth time this season. Weiss, who was coming off a 38-point performance with nine 3-pointers on Saturday, went 4 of 8 from 3-point range.
Princeton (19-3, 7-2 Ivy League) was led by Fadima Tall's 16 points and Olivia Hutcherson's 12.
Princeton opened the second quarter with a basket to take a 22-11 lead. Columbia used a late 7-0 run to get within 29-25 with 44 seconds left in the first half before Hutcherson made a shot in the lane while being fouled for a six-point halftime lead.
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LeBron James is all smiles during the Lakers' win over the Mavericks in Los Angeles.
There were signs this was coming for LeBron James.
As he warmed up Thursday, he danced. He waved his arms as he moved up and down. He stuck out his tongue. He grinned widely.
He tossed the ball so high into the air that Rui Hachimura could walk under it immediately after it bounced. Then he caught the ball before it hit the ground again, as the entire team bent its knees in unison with his.
He was loose. He was joyful. He was him.
Lakers star LeBron James grabs a rebound against the Mavericks. AP
James tapped back into his je ne sais quoi after it was drained from him in an exhausting loss to the league-best Thunder on Monday.
A few days later, the 41-year-old had reset, transforming back into the version of himself that’s untouchable by Father Time.
James scored or assisted on the first 23 points in the Lakers’ 124-104 win over the Mavericks, his longest such stretch to begin a game in his career, per ESPN Research. By halftime, he had 18 points and eight rebounds. He finished with 28 points, 10 rebounds and 12 assists, becoming the oldest player in NBA history to record a triple-double.
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James received a standing ovation at Crypto.com Arena after setting the triple-double record by grabbing his 10th rebound with 2:05 left. He surpassed Karl Malone, who had 10 points, 11 rebounds and 10 assists at 40 years and 127 days old in 2003. (James was 41 years and 44 days old when he set the record.)
“Any given night, if I need to turn it on, I can turn it on,” James said.
LeBron James is all smiles during the Lakers’ win over the Mavericks in Los Angeles. Getty Images
Boy, did the Lakers need this. They had lost two games in a row heading into Thursday’s contest. After Monday’s loss to the Thunder and their swarming defense, James looked as though he had survived a battle. “I’m just tired as f—,” he said. “Sorry if I sound irritated, but I’m 41.”
On Thursday, being 41 had a completely different meaning. It wasn’t old, it was remarkable. It wasn’t a disability, it was a revelation.
As for where his joy came from, James said it never left.
“That’s always me,” he said. “I’m a goofy-ass 41-year-old kid. I think people should know that by now, right? That’s just me. I get to play basketball. They pay me to play basketball. Why wouldn’t I be happy? I get to be with my son and my teammates and all these unbelievable fans that watched me throughout my career, and they give me all the support and love. I enjoy what I do. Have fun. You see me on the court, see me in the back. I just love what I do. It’s pretty cool.”
James, who’s the first player in NBA history to reach his 23rd season, has long maintained that he’s going to play as long as he’s aligned physically, mentally and emotionally.
He acknowledged that after missing the first 14 games of the season because of sciatica, he questioned whether he could return to the superstar level he has maintained his entire career. He wasn’t able to participate in the preseason. He couldn’t do his typical training over the summer.
Lakers star LeBron James shoots against the Mavericks. AP
“Doubt creeps into your mind to see if you can get back to form and get back to making an impact,” he said.
But James, who finished sixth in MVP voting last season, clearly is still capable of being the best player in the league on any given night.
James said last season that he could play at this level for another five seasons if he chooses. When asked if he still feels that way now, he didn’t hesitate. “Could I?” James asked. “Yeah, I could. … I just think it has to be here (points to his mind). How long can I stay in love with the process? Because that’s always been my thing. If I can’t continue to stay in love with the process, then if this goes, then my body’s gonna go. And once my body goes, then it’s a wrap. Then the love goes, and then the fun and all that stuff goes.”
“So, that’s what it is. It’s not my game is deteriorating. Obviously, there’s things I could have did when I was 25 compared to 35, and 35 to 41 or 21 to 31 or 41. But I have so much knowledge of the game that I know how to still continue to make an impact even if I’m not a 45, 43, 41 vertical. I can still do so many things on the floor.”
James is very much still James. On Thursday, he made 3s over defenders’ outstretched arms, he threw no-look passes, he overpowered everyone in his path down low.
He had his fingerprints over every play for the first seven minutes of the game. He’s still incredibly dominant. The best when he wants to be.
What has changed is he’s now questioning whether he wants to keep doing this.
When he has to deal with drama surrounding his relationship with Jeanie Buss or the Lakers’ holes are exposed against a much younger and more athletic Thunder team, you have to wonder if he’s leaning toward retiring.
But then there are nights when he oozes joy, when he has his first triple-double in over a year and he makes NBA history, and you have to wonder how he could ever walk away from this.
For now, all we really know is what he’s doing is unprecedented.
Rome Flynn earned MVP honors for the second straight year in the NBA All-Star Celebrity Game on Friday night, scoring 17 points to lead a team coached by Giannis Antetokounmpo to a 65-58 victory.
Actor-comedian Anthony Anderson coached the losing team, led by former 7-foot-6 NBA player Tacko Fall with 20 points.
The game brought basketball back to the Forum, home of the Los Angeles Lakers’ “Showtime” era until 1999, when they moved 10 miles away to downtown Los Angeles. Now, it has a different sponsor name under Los Angeles Clippers owner Steve Ballmer and is mostly used as a concert and entertainment venue.
K-pop made its debut at the game with boy group CORTIS performing at halftime.
Victor Wembanyama tossed up the opening tip between Team Giannis’ Jenna Bandy and Team Anthony’s Adrien Nunez, who got control, was fouled and missed his first throw.
Bandy was the only woman in either team’s starting lineup.
Team Giannis had a huge advantage in the paint with Fall grabbing most of the rebounds. His dunk made it a one-point game in the third.
Chinese actor-singer Dylan Wang garnered the loudest screams of the night, especially after he scored back-to-back baskets in the first quarter for Team Giannis.
Two of the oldest guys on the court were Phoenix Suns owner Mat Ishbia (age 46) and Rick Schnall (50-something), who’s part of the Charlotte Hornets ownership group. Schnall fouled Ishbia in the first quarter, and Ishbia hit the free throws in a throwback to his Michigan State playing days.
Los Angeles Chargers star Keenan Allen hit a long shot from the red, white and blue line that was worth 4 points for Team Anthony. It launched a flurry of points for the wide receiver in the second quarter and he finished with 18 points.
Mascots from the Hornets and Mavericks alternated as sixth men restricted to playing in the backcourt for a bit in the third quarter.
Sidelined since Jan. 23 with a calf strain, Antetokounmpo won’t be playing in the All-Star Game on Sunday.
But the two-time MVP was assisted by his brothers Thanasis and Alex on Friday. Another assistant was Los Angeles Dodgers shortstop Mookie Betts.
Former NBA player Jeremy Lin credited Betts for an inspiring halftime speech. “He definitely knows a lot about basketball,” Lin said.
The game marked the start of All-Star weekend, followed by the Rising Stars game down the street at Intuit Dome.
