KOLKATA, India (AP) — Tom Banton hit an unbeaten 63 off 41 balls and Jofra Archer returned to form in England’s five-wicket win over Scotland at the T20 Cricket World Cup on Saturday.
England, desperately needing the victory following an unconvincing four-run win over Nepal and a loss to the West Indies, made 155-5 in 18.2 overs after the Scots were bowled out for just 152 in Kolkata.
Scotland wasted an ideal platform after getting to 90-3 in 10 overs, with the batters falling to mistimed sweep shots against the spinners.
England's top-order batters Phil Salt, Jos Buttler and captain Harry Brook fell for single digits, but Banton put on 66 with Jacob Bethell (32) and 46 with Sam Curran (28) to lift the team to second in Group C behind West Indies. It next plays Italy on Monday.
Salt drove loosely at Brandon McMullen and was caught at point before the pace bowler then took a smart catch over his shoulder at mid-off to dismiss Buttler as England slipped to 13-2.
Banton and Bethell then dug in well before Scotland hit back with two wickets in eight balls. Bethell slog swept and was caught at fine leg while Brook top-edged a scoop to fine leg.
Earlier, England hit back in the closing overs after Scotland had looked poised to set a challenging target when 113-3 midway through the 13th over.
The dismissal of captain Richie Berrington, who made 49, and Tom Bruce (24) in the space of four balls left Scotland struggling to accelerate late on.
Berrington and Bruce put on 71 in 41 deliveries before spinners Adil Rashid (3-36) and Liam Dawson (2-34) grabbed five wickets in four overs.
Fast bowler Archer, who was expensive against Nepal and West Indies, dismissed George Munsey and McMullen in a double-wicket second over.
Ireland thumps Oman
In Colombo, Lorcan Tucker’s blistering unbeaten 94 off 51 balls earned Ireland its first win in the tournament as it crushed Oman by 96 runs in Group B.
Tucker, leading the side after Paul Stirling was ruled out of the World Cup due to a knee injury, powered Ireland to this tournament’s highest score of 235-5.
Gareth Delany hit 56 and George Dockrell smashed three sixes off the final three balls in a blazing 35 not out off nine deliveries.
In reply, Oman was bowled out for 139 in 18 overs after losing the last eight wickets for just 42 runs.
Opener Aamir Kaleem (50) and Hammad Mirza (46) put on 73 for the third wicket, but once Kaleem holed out after scoring his 28-ball half century, the Oman innings folded quickly. Fast bowler Josh Little grabbed 3-16 while Matthew Humphreys (2-27) and Barry McCarthy (2-32) shared four wickets.
South Africa fields against New Zealand
In Ahmedabad, South Africa won the toss and elected to field against New Zealand in a game between the two unbeaten teams in Group D.
Valentine's Day has a funny way of bringing toxic relationships to light.
After Chris Paul announcement his retirement from the NBA on Feb. 13 following his release from the Raptors, scuttling his initial plan to retire after the season, the team that arguably expedited his retirement shared a thank you video on social media. The Clippers, the team whose jersey many fans will associate Paul with in the annals of NBA history, shared a post on X (formerly known as Twitter) after they effectively booted him from the team in December.
The thank you video from the team, posted after midnight ET, features a voiceover from Paul talking about his dreams for the Clippers cut in with some of his highlights, and ends with the words "FOREVER A LEGEND. THANK YOU, CP3."
Paul, of course, established himself as a franchise icon as part of the Lob City Clippers alongside Blake Griffin and DeAndre Jordan. But what was meant to be his swan song was cut short when he was effectively sent home from the team Dec. 3. At the time, president of basketball operations Lawrence Frank said in a statement:
"Chris is a legendary Clipper who has had a historic career. I want to make one thing very clear. No one is blaming Chris for our underperformance. I accept responsibility for the record we have right now. There are a lot of reasons why we've struggled. We're grateful for the impact Chris has made on the franchise."
It was later reported by ESPN's Shams Charania Paul wasn't on speaking terms with Clippers coach Tyronn Lue ahead of the ousting.
Paul was traded to the Raptors with the Brooklyn Nets as a third trade partner on Feb. 5 ahead of the NBA trade deadline. After he was waived by Toronto on Feb. 13, he announced his retirement at 40 years old and after 21 seasons.
INGLEWOOD, Calif. — If it takes the young upstarts of the NBA, the eventual stars-to-be, to reinvigorate the NBA All-Star break, then we owe them considerable gratitude.
The NBA’s Rising Stars set the tone Friday, Feb. 13 in an engaging and entertaining showcase that culminated with a stellar performance from Philadelphia 76ers rookie VJ Edgecombe to carry Team Vince — as in Vince Carter — to the Rising Stars championship. And as the NBA All-Star Game has faced widespread criticism for its lack of competitive spirit, let’s hope that the league’s biggest stars draw inspiration from its “Rising” ones.
In the semifinal round, Edgecombe scored his team’s final 10 points to win and carried Team Vince with 23 combined points across both games, including a pair of clutch, game-winning free throws in the championship.
“I appreciate people tuning in, even to the Rising Stars game,” Edgecombe told reporters after the game. “We just tried to make it fun, make it competitive, where it’s worth your time.”
Edgecombe wasn’t alone. On the whole, the entire crop of 28 first- and second-year players who participated Friday in the Rising Stars Game established a baseline spirit of competition that has been painfully absent from the supposed gem of the weekend, the actual All-Star Game.
Did the Rising Stars unleash relentless, playoff-level competition? No, of course not. They didn’t need to. What matters here is that they didn’t do the bare minimum. They didn’t sleepwalk and loaf through the exhibition in a way that insults fans investing their time and capital in the experience.
This is what’s crucial for the survival of the NBA All-Star Game, and the All-Star games of all the major domestic sports leagues, if we’re being honest. There’s a way to strike a balance of elevated competition without compromising safety or risking injury.
This was what the four coaches of the Rising Stars — Carter, Carmelo Anthony, Tracy McGrady and Austin Rivers — preached to their players.
“(The message) was compete hard but be smart,” Rockets guard Reef Sheppard, who played for Team Melo, told reporters. “This All-Star Weekend is supposed to be fun. At the same time, don’t go out there and just run around. Compete and play, but be smart and have fun.”
Said second-year Bulls forward Matas Buzelis, another emerging NBA star and one who combined to score 10 points across the two mini-games for Team Vince: “We weren’t trying to just lay back and cruise.”
The only shame Friday night was that, understandably, NBC prioritized its Olympic coverage for its primetime national broadcast and was forced to relegate the Rising Stars showcase to streaming-only broadcast Peacock, meaning a chunk of fans missed the showcase.
Several players said they noticed the handful of NBA All-Stars who spent their Friday night in the cosmopolitan city of Los Angeles court-side at the Intuit Dome, taking in the Rising Stars competition.
Donovan Mitchell of the Cavaliers, Scottie Barnes of the Raptors, De’Aaron Fox of the Spurs and Tyrese Maxey of the 76ers were all in attendance. All were shown on the jumbotron to applause from the fans in attendance.
It was this last player who, in part, inspired Edgecombe.
“Tyrese is my dog, man,” Edgecombe said. “I was like, he ain’t coming to watch if I ain’t going to play hard. So I was like, I’m going to play hard so at least it’s not a waste of his time.
“I know he has a whole lot of stuff he could probably be doing right now, especially being an All-Star. Tyrese is my dog. I love him.”
Here’s to hoping Maxey and his fellow All-Stars take after these young players to give fans the showcase they deserve.
INGLEWOOD, Calif. (AP) — Trent Middleton Jr. scored on a driving layup, got fouled and made a free throw with 4.5 seconds remaining, lifting North Carolina A&T over Hampton 71-70 in the HBCU Classic on Friday night as part of NBA All-Star weekend.
It was the Aggies' first lead since they scored the game's first basket.
Jalyke Gaines-Wyatt's potential tying floater just missed at the buzzer.
Middleton's defense was key over the final 57 seconds. He had consecutive steals that led to baskets by the Aggies (10-14, 3-10 Coastal Athletic) after they trailed by eight with nearly six minutes to go.
Lewis Walker led the Aggies with 18 points, including four straight free throws that tied the game at 68-all. Middleton finished with 15 points, including 6 of 7 free throws, and Will Felton added 12 points off the bench on 5-of-6 shooting.
Hampton (12-14, 6-7) was outscored 9-2 over the final 43 seconds, getting just two free throws by Gaines-Wyatt. He and Xzavier Long led the Pirates with 17 points each. Elijah Kennedy had 13 points off the bench. They had five players in foul trouble, including Long and Josh Ogundele who fouled out.
The neutral court matchup counted as a conference game for the schools that traveled over 2,500 miles to play in Kia Forum, the former home of the Los Angeles Lakers.
Both schools brought their bands, cheerleaders and mascots. The Pack Drumline that plays for Chicago Bulls and Chicago Sky games entertained before the game while Black fraternities and sororities showed off their dance moves. Chloe Bailey sang “Lift Every Voice and Sing” and the national anthem.
The HBCU Classic started five years ago during Black History Month to highlight historically Black colleges and universities as part of NBA All-Star weekend.
Boston, MA - July 8: Boston Celtics General Manager Brad Stevens and head coach Joe Mazzulla chat on the side of the court. The Celtics held a media availability and a practice session at the Auerbach Center on July 8, 2025. (Photo by John Tlumacki/The Boston Globe via Getty Images) | Boston Globe via Getty Images
Hi, everyone. It’s been a while since I had something to say here.
The past two years have been pretty difficult for me as a fan. In February 2024, I lost the most important Celtics fan in my life, my dad, and just a few months later, I lost my father-in-law, who was another lifelong Celtics fan. With them gone, a lot of the fun went out of rooting for the Cs.
But I’m back, and I’m looking at this column as a way of continuing the conversations I used to have with them.
Now that that’s out of the way, I want to talk about the Minnesota Vikings — no, seriously, this relates back to the Celtics, I promise.
When you look at the list of Vikings that have made All-Pro teams, you’ll notice that it’s dominated by offensive and defensive linemen. In fact, the top seven players are exclusively linemen. Ten of the sixteen Vikings in the Hall of Fame are linemen.
So what’s the point? Five of the top seven Vikings in terms of All-Pro selections and eight of the ten linemen in the Hall of Fame were scouted by the same guy, Jerry Reichow. The man knew what a good lineman looked like.
In other words, success starts off the field—or the court, as the case may be. It starts with people whose responsibilities include finding the right players, training them, and fitting them into the roster.
What makes the Celtics so interesting to me, this year, is that they’ve exceeded my expectations, and my expectations were higher than most of the fans I know. My thought was that the Cs would be a slightly better than .500 team, and thus would end up in the playoffs, because the NBA lets more than half the league into the playoffs every year.
I was not expecting them to be this good.
How did this happen?
Boston, MA – May 31: Boston Celtics head coach Joe Mazzulla talks with Brad Stevens, president of basketball operations during practice at the Auerbach Center. (Photo By Matt Stone/Boston Herald) | MediaNews Group via Getty Images
The answer starts off the court. About a year and a half ago, this site published an in-depth look at the C’s player development staff. But that’s not the only piece of the puzzle — after all, player development coaches can only work with the players that they’re given. Indeed, the C’s have done a remarkable job finding diamonds in the rough, not just through the draft, but through trades and the bargain bin side of the free agent market that few people pay attention to.
Much of this can be attributed to the influence of Brad Stevens. Before Stevens took a job in the front office, the Celtics did a good job drafting (for example, they were smart enough to pick Jayson Tatum over Markelle Fultz and Lonzo Ball), but there were other aspects with room for improvement. The C’s player development crew likely missed an opportunity to help Guerschon Yabusele mature into a solid contributor, and pro scouting did not lead to the sort of quality free agent signings at the lower end of the salary scale that have become an expected part of the Celtics roster construction these days.
The Celtics, these days, have done a remarkable job matching the players they’ve signed and drafted to the team’s overall philosophy, and Baylor Scheierman is a classic example of this. The C’s were scouting Scheierman while he was still at South Dakota State, and they interviewed him when he declared for the draft in 2022. He took their feedback to heart, transferred to Creighton, and got Boston’s call with the final pick in the first round in 2024. He’s since made continuous improvement in his game, and has become a key piece of the Cs bench. Sure, it seemed like the Cs were taking a flyer on him in 2024, but they had been scouting him for years beforehand, and they had a pretty good idea what they were getting.
But there’s more to roster construction in today’s NBA than just good scouting and good player development. The salary cap, with its convoluted rules and its escalating penalties, has become a major factor in how rosters are assembled. With the most recent CBA, limits on trades and the ability to sign players were stiffened, so much so that even if the new owners of the team were willing to “pay” the tax (that is, to accept a lower profit from the Celtics than they would otherwise get), there were substantial limitations on how the Celtics could fill out the back end of their roster.
They therefore did a massive salary dump in the offseason, trading away Jrue Holiday for essentially Nicola Vucevic, and Kristaps Porzingis for nothing. Further work by Mike Zarren has put Boston in a position to squeak under the tax line entirely, thus breaking a string of tax-paying seasons that puts the Celtics on the hook for the CBA’s repeater penalties.
Mike Zarren has almost certainly had invitations to interview for GM jobs around the league, and he may have even been the C’s first choice when Danny Ainge stepped down, but he seems to like where he’s at, and his skill at navigating the new CBA has left the number two team in the East sitting under the tax line, with one of the best players in the NBA rehabbing an injury and nearing a return, and a dark horse MVP candidate leading the team.
BOSTON, MA – APRIL 2: Head Coach Joe Mazzulla of the Boston Celtics high fives Derrick White #9 and Jaylen Brown #7 during the game against the Miami Heat on April 2, 2025 at TD Garden in Boston, Massachusetts. 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 Brian Babineau/NBAE via Getty Images) | NBAE via Getty Images
Of course, the Celtics also have a gem in head coach Joe Mazzulla, who has skillfully managed to keep his players bought in during a season where there is no clear pecking order outside of Jaylen Brown, Derrick White, and Payton Pritchard.
Believe me, this is an achievement in and of itself. Mazzulla has kept players that routinely draw “DNP-Coach’s Decision” lines in the box scores invested in their success and the team’s success, and honestly, I have no idea how he does this. When you’re down at the end of the bench, too often your competition isn’t just the other team, it’s the guys ahead of you on your own team.
The other thing that Mazzulla and his staff do is put their players in a position to succeed.
Here, Mazzulla is just continuing what Brad Stevens excelled at when he was on the bench. Stevens had a knack for running schemes that let players play to their strengths, and that’s a rarity in the NBA. Perhaps only Erik Spoelstra in Miami is in the same league as Mazzulla and Stevens when it comes to getting the most out of his players.
Ultimately, the C’s success comes down to the simple fact that there’s no salary cap on basketball IQ. You can hoard it Smaug style, cramming it into every nook and cranny of your organization from the general manager on down to the 15th guy on the roster.
INDIANAPOLIS, IN - FEBRUARY 18: Tyrese Maxey #0, Bam Adebayo #13, Jaylen Brown #7, Tyrese Haliburton #0, Jayson Tatum #0, Giannis Antetokounmpo #34, Paolo Banchero #5, Donovan Mitchell #45, Damian Lillard #0, Trae Young #11, Scottie Barnes #4, and Jalen Brunson #11 of the Eastern Conference pose for a team photo prior to the 2024 73rd NBA All-Star Game on Sunday, February 18, 2024 at Gainbridge Fieldhouse in Indianapolis, Indiana. 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 2024 NBAE (Photo by Jesse D. Garrabrant/NBAE via Getty Images) | NBAE via Getty Images
Not many people would have guessed that the Boston Celtics would be buyers at this year’s trade deadline, especially after shedding Jrue Holiday and Kristaps Porzingis’s contracts to get under the second apron. Some timely breakouts put the Celtics in a position to compete, however, even while the team significantly reduced their payroll.
Brad Stevens and the rest of the front office worked some of the finest financial magic I’ve ever seen. As of June 15, 2025, Boston’s projected salary and tax bill was $540 million. As of today? $186.5 million. They have ducked the second apron, the first apron, and even the luxury tax entirely, all while being holding the second-best record in the Eastern Conference at 35-19.
They might have even managed to somehow improve the roster at the deadline in the process. By trading Anfernee Simons for Nikola Vucevic, they do lose a big scoring punch, but they fill a need and add a new dimension to their offense by bringing in a low-post presence who can also stretch the floor. The guard depth may have taken a hit, but with Payton Pritchard catching fire back in his sixth-man position, and the hopeful impending return of Jayson Tatum, they found a creative way to balance the roster out.
Boston wasn’t the only team to make a big move this year, though. The East was active at the deadline, so, who do the Celtics have to keep an eye?
(Standings, records, and transactions as of Feb 13, 2026)
Risers:
Each of these teams made moves to improve their current roster to varying degrees. Time will tell if the impact reflects the ambition, but on paper these teams got better.
SACRAMENTO, CALIFORNIA – FEBRUARY 07: James Harden #1 of the Cleveland Cavaliers celebrates with Donovan Mitchell #45 after making a three-point shot in the fourth quarter against the Sacramento Kings at Golden 1 Center on February 07, 2026 in Sacramento, 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. (Photo by Lachlan Cunningham/Getty Images) | Getty Images
Cleveland Cavaliers, 4th (34-21) – Cleveland was the only Eastern Conference team that made a drastic win-now move at the deadline. Seemingly dissatisfied with the fit of Darius Garland next to Donovan Mitchell, as well as his inconsistent availability, the Cavs found themselves looking for a change. Luckily for them, James Harden continued his tradition of requesting a trade shortly after joining a new team, stating that he wanted to be in situation where he could contend. Garland and Harden had nearly identical contracts, which worked out perfectly for both teams, neither of which could take in more salary due to their cap restrictions. Cleveland sent out a second-round pick with Garland to sweeten the deal, likely due to Garland’s injury history.
The Cavs made a couple more minor moves as well, dumping Lonzo Ball’s contract on the Utah Jazz for some cap relief, tossing in two second-rounders to incentivize Utah. They also sent De’Andre Hunter to the Sacramento Kings in exchange for Keon Ellis and Dennis Schroeder, saving themselves a bit more money. Cleveland downsized quite a bit, and still find themselves above the second apron, but they did bring in several impactful players in the process. They’ve won both of their games after the deadline with all of their new additions making contributions, especially Harden. Things are trending up for the Cavs, though we’ll have to see how things play out when we have a larger sample size.
New York Knicks 3rd, (35-20) – New York had a fairly simple trade deadline, sending out Guerschon Yabusele to the Bulls, and forwarding their return of Dalen Terry to the Pelicans in exchange for Jose Alvarado. New York also attached two second-round picks to send out along with Terry in that deal. Alvarado is a dog who adds in some extra intensity and defense to the Knicks backcourt. The move likely came in response to the news that Deuce McBride will likely miss the remainder of the regular season, thinning their guard depth. Alvarado may not be a star, but he’s the type of player who can make one or two plays that turn the tide in a playoff game. It was ultimately a subtle, low-cost way for New York to get better.
TORONTO, CANADA – FEBRUARY 8: Trayce Jackson-Davis #32 of the Toronto Raptors grabs a rebound against the Indiana Pacers during the second half of their NBA game at Scotiabank Arena on February 8, 2026 in Toronto, Canada. 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 (Photo by Cole Burston/Getty Images) | Getty Images
Toronto Raptors, 5th (32-23) – Speaking of subtle, low-cost ways to get better, Toronto made two minor moves. First, they traded away Ochai Agbaji and a second-round pick for Chris Paul in a three-team deal. Agbaji was seeing his role diminish as Toronto is loaded with talent on the wings, so it was more of a dump than anything. Paul was told that he doesn’t have to report to the team, and will likely be sent to the buyout market in the future.
Following this deal, Toronto picked up Trayce Jackson-Davis from the Warriors in exchange for another second-round pick. Davis provides some much-needed size for size for Toronto given Jakob Poeltl’s inconsistent availability. Davis, still on his rookie deal, is a valuable addition with his defensive instincts, and his above-average vision and playmaking at his position. This move doesn’t turn Toronto into an instant contender, but it does push them in the right direction.
Charlotte Hornets, 9th (26-29) – Charlotte made a lot of small moves at the deadline, but either waived, or passed along several of the players they acquired in separate deals. In the end, they managed to bring in Coby White from Chicago, Xavier Tillman from Boston, and three second-round picks for the cost of Collin Sexton, Mason Plumlee, and cash considerations.
White is a player that a lot of teams had their eye on, but not many were willing to spend for. That allowed Charlotte to get him for a bargain, adding another offensive punch to a team that’s found their first solid stretch in years, going on a 9-game win streak. Charlotte is trending in the right direction, and White helps them move things along, opening the door for them to compete in the play-in tournament, and potentially even secure their first playoff-berth in quite some time.
Negligible:
These are teams that didn’t make any significant moves at the deadline, if at all. It’s hard to assess if that was the right decision at this point, but time will tell.
DETROIT, MICHIGAN – FEBRUARY 06: Kevin Huerter #27 of the Detroit Pistons looks on against the New York Knicks during the fourth quarter at Little Caesars Arena on February 06, 2026 in Detroit, Michigan. 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. (Photo by Nic Antaya/Getty Images) | Getty Images
Detroit Pistons 1st, (40-13) – Detroit hasn’t had many struggles this year, but if there’s one thing they needed, it was more shooting. They did manage to pick up someone they hope will boost their offense in Kevin Huerter, though he’s seeing a career-low in efficiency from beyond the arc this season, shooting 30.6% from three on about 5 attempts per game. The move netted them a first-round pick, but it also cost them Jaden Ivey, who has a high upside, but never found his role in Detroit. If Huerter manages to pick his shooting back up, this could be a great win-now way to round out the roster for the Pistons, but otherwise, they could very well have just sold low on a promising guard.
Miami Heat, 8th (29-27) – For Miami, it was another year where Pat Riley fell asleep on the couch. The Heat didn’t make a single transaction, though it was rumored that they were pursuing Giannis Antetokounmpo and Ja Morant. Rumors don’t mean a thing if they don’t come true, though. The Heat will certainly go back to their pursuit of a star in the offseason, but they won’t be getting any reinforcements this season. While they have been slightly above expectations, they seem to be doomed to another play-in tournament appearance this year.
Milwaukee Bucks, 12th (23-30) – Speaking of rumors not amounting to anything, Milwaukee only made one deal at the deadline, and it didn’t involve any Antetokounmpos. It seems as though the Bucks weren’t serious about making any significant deals, and wanted to stir up drama to gauge interest. They flipped Cole Anthony and Amir Coffey, two guys who weren’t important to the team, for Ousmane Dieng and Nigel Hayes-Davis, two more guys who probably won’t be important to the team.
Giannis, Bobby Portis, and Kyle Kuzma all survived the deadline, likely to be shopped again when teams have more assets in the offseason. It’s hard to see the Bucks being competitive this year, especially if Giannis continues to miss time. The team seems to have communicated that their goal is to put a competitive roster around him in hopes of retaining him, though. The Bucks did have the chance to add Cam Thomas from the buyout market, and will be relying on his scoring punch to turn their season around.
Orlando Magic, 7th (28-25) – Orlando has been hitting a rough patch this year. Franz Wagner and Jalen Suggs have both been in and out of the lineup due to various injuries, disrupting any opportunities for the team to find a rhythm. Anthony Black has been stepping up nicely to fill in for Suggs, but Paolo Banchero has really struggled to find any consistency with his scoring.
Tyus Jones was having an underwhelming season himself after being brought in to help control the offense, so the only move Orlando made at the deadline was to dump Jones for cash. This created the path for them to sign Jevon Carter from the buyout market. Carter likely won’t turn things around for the Magic, but his arrival, along with Franz Wagner’s return, Orlando could start to gain some momentum. They certainly have a lot of problems to work through first, though.
OKLAHOMA CITY, OKLAHOMA – FEBRUARY 7: Jared McCain #3 of the Oklahoma City Thunder celebrates a made basket during the second half against the Houston Rockets at Paycom Center on February 7, 2026 in Oklahoma City, Oklahoma. 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. (Photo by Joshua Gateley/Getty Images) | Getty Images
Philadelphia 76ers, 6th (30-24) – The Sixers had a mostly quiet deadline, opting to shed salary and free up a couple of roster spots so they could convert Dominick Barlow’s two-way contract into a standard deal. They did, however, decide to dump Jared McCain to the Oklahoma City Thunder, as if those guys needed any more cheap, young prospects. In return, Philadelphia did net a decent number of picks, one first and three second rounders.
Daryl Morey, President of Basketball Operations in Philly, decided to take some shots once the deadline passed, aiming at two of his team’s former players. He stated that the team “definitely sold high” on McCain, implying that he wouldn’t amount to much in the league. He also said that he wasn’t worried about what other teams in the East did at the deadline, saying that there were no “needle-movers,” likely a shot at James Harden, who just joined the Cavaliers at the deadline. Harden and Morey used to be the best of friends, but things turned sour when the two rejoined, and then ultimately split up again in Philly just a couple seasons ago.
What Morey didn’t seem to account for, is the fact that they themselves did not move the needle. With Joel Embiid still load-managing, and Paul George being suspended for 25-games for violating the league’s drug policy, the Sixers could find themselves slipping into the play-in, or lower. Embiid is quietly having a great season, Tyrese Maxey certainly earned his All-Star selection, and VJ Edgecombe is having an outstanding rookie year, but if Embiid’s health takes a turn again, it may end up being another wasted year for Philly.
Brooklyn Nets, 13th (15-38) – Brooklyn served more as a facilitator to help other teams meet their cap goals, but they managed to pick up a couple of second round picks and interesting players in the process. They took on Ochai Agbaji from Toronto, Hunter Tyson from Denver, and even worked with the Celtics by taking on Josh Minott’s minimum contract to help Boston duck the tax.
Brooklyn also waived Cam Thomas, likely an indicator that he didn’t have enough trade interest, but potentially still an addition by subtraction for the Nets. Overall, they didn’t add on any significant assets, and their future depends on what they can accomplish in the offseason. This year, they’ll be focusing on their draft position.
Long Game:
These are teams who aren’t going to see any positive impact this year, but weren’t in the running anyways, and have set themselves up nicely either financially, from a talent perspective, or even both.
ATLANTA, GA – FEBRUARY 5: CJ McCollum #3 of the Atlanta Hawks dribbles the ball during the game against the Utah Jazz on February 5, 2026 at State Farm Arena in Atlanta, Georgia. 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 Joe Boatman/NBAE via Getty Images) | NBAE via Getty Images
Atlanta Hawks, 10th (26-30) – Atlanta has had one of the most significant mid-season roster turnarounds that I’ve seen, and they seemingly improved in the process. The first move, one that came well before the deadline, was swapping Trae Young for C.J. McCollum and Corey Kispert from the Wizards. It seemed like it was in both party’s interests for Atlanta and Trae to part ways, and while on paper it may seem like a big loss of talent, Kispert and McCollum have meshed very well in Atlanta, and are much more available. Additionally, McCollum’s expiring contract provides some more future flexibility to improve the roster.
Atlanta also dumped two contracts in separate deals, Vit Krejci and Luke Kennard being shipped out for Gabe Vincent, Duop Reath, and three second-round picks. Krejci and Kennard were both legit contributors for the Hawks, but it seemed Atlanta valued the picks higher, as Reath and Vincent are both on expiring deals, Reath being waived to open up a roster spot as he was already injured and sidelined for the remainder of the season.
The Hawks made a couple more consequential moves, though. They picked up Jock Landale from the Jazz (originally in Memphis,) to add to their frontcourt depth, while sending Kristaps Porzingis’s expiring contract to Golden State in return for Jonathan Kuminga and Buddy Hield. Hield’s contract is guaranteed through 2027, with a player option in 2028, a slightly cheaper and more secure way to replace Kennard.
Kuminga, however is the real wildcard here. We haven’t gotten the chance to see much of him in Golden State due to the coaching decisions of Steve Kerr. Kuminga also picked up a knee injury the last time he suited up, so he has yet to make his Atlanta debut. It’s hard to tell how he fits into their puzzle at this point, but he’s a young prospect with a seemingly high upside at a low-risk cost, given that the second year of his deal is a team option. It’s too early to tell how Atlanta’s moves will pay off for this season, but they have given themselves a fresher look at the future, with some added flexibility.
Chicago Bulls, 11th (24-31) – Bulls fans, rejoice. Chicago’s front office may have held on to their assets for far too long, but the team finally committed to a well overdue reset. They got some interesting prospects back in the process too, including Rob Dillingham, Jaden Ivey, and Nick Richards, along with vets such as Anfernee Simons, Collin Sexton, and Guerschon Yabusele. They’re not going to be competitive this year, and for their sake, that’s a good thing. They didn’t pick up any firsts, but they did bring in a number of second-round picks to help them with the impending rebuild.
WASHINGTON, DC – JANUARY 29: Trae Young #3 of the Washington Wizards laughs while wearing a John Wall jersey during the first half of the game against the Milwaukee Bucks at Capital One Arena on January 29, 2026 in Washington, DC. 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. (Photo by Scott Taetsch/Getty Images) | Getty Images
Washington Wizards, 14th (14-39) – Washington may have seen the most drastic turnaround of any team this season, though the impact won’t be felt until next year. They somehow managed to pick up Trae Young and Anthony Davis for pennies on the dollar. What did it cost them? The expiring contracts of CJ McCollum and Khris Middleton, Marvin Bagley, Corey Kispert, two first-round picks (neither of which was theirs to begin with), and a few second-rounders.
However you feel about Young and Davis at this point in their careers, Washington seized an opportunity that could completely change the course of their franchise. If it doesn’t work out, they remain at the bottom of the barrel for a few more years, nothing new. But if it works? They could instantly become contenders next year, especially with the addition of a top pick in this year’s draft. Yes, Davis’s health will forever be a concern, but IF you get a good year out of him, the ceiling gets raised astronomically. Big if, I know, but a gamble worth taking for a franchise who previously had little direction.
Indiana Pacers, 15th (15-40) – Indy took a big swing by bringing in Ivica Zubac from the Los Angeles Clippers. Zubac will make an immediate impact for them, but they don’t want that just yet, especially since they leveraged their first-round pick from this year as part of the trade. It’s a big gamble, especially with the protections they put on the pick: 1-4 protected, and 10-30 protected. That means the Pacers are either going to have to greatly improve their winning pace, or tank like you’ve never seen before, as landing the 5th through 9th pick would have it convey to LA instead.
There’s no doubt that a trio of Haliburton – Siakam – Zubac will be tough to contend with next year, especially if they add in a lottery pick from this stacked upcoming draft. Losing that pick could be devastating, though. Expect Indy to make their best effort to remain at the bottom standings, but watch out for them next year.
INGLEWOOD, Calif. — As Vince Carter said, let's just hope everyone on Sunday plays as hard as the rookies and sophomores did on Friday.
Carter was in a celebratory mood because he had the foresight to draft VJ Edgecombe for Team Vince, and the 76ers' rookie was the difference — he scored 10-straight points in his first game of the night, and went on to hit the game-winners in both of his games on the night. Edgecombe was named Rising Stars MVP for his efforts.
MVP V.J. EDGECOMBE!
V.J. hit both game winners for the Team Vince, leading them to the Rising Stars win! pic.twitter.com/ljjBAJ1k6v
In the championship game, Team Vince edged out Team Melo 25-24 (these games were to target scores), with Edgecombe leading the way with six points. He had 17 in the first game.
"My teammates were swinging the rock," Edgecombe said. "My teammates were passing the ball, and I was open. You know, I had some open shots. My teammates find me. I just made them.
Did he feel the pressure, having to sink two free throws to win the championship game?
"No, it was no pressure. I'll be honest, there's no pressure," Edgecombe said. "Free throws, man, you know, I just try to be dogged and try to be focused at the line."
It wasn't just Edgecombe putting up points and highlights in an entertaining night of games. Matas Buzelis showed off some impressive footwork and moves.
Matas Buzelis with the NASTY footwork on this finish.
The opening game of the night ended on a cold note: Dylan Harper went right at his brother Ron Harper Jr. like it was 1-on-1 in the driveway and hit the game-winner over him for Team Melo's 40-34 victory over Team Austin.
Dylan Harper takes big brother Ron Harper Jr. 1v1 to give Team Melo the win in Game 1!
Donovan Clingan and Reed Sheppard had nine points each to lead Team Melo, with Sheppard going 3-of-3 from beyond the arc. Clippers' rookie Yanic Konan Niederhäuser had the fans on the Wall behind him and scored 11 to lead Team Austin, made up of G-League players.
"The Wall was amazing, man. It was so great," Niederhäuser said. "Felt so good playing in here, having that energy."
The second game of the night was a reminder that Edgecombe is very athletic, very good at basketball, and if you throw him in a glorified pick-up game, good luck stopping him. Edgecombe scored 17, including the last 10 for Team Vince, which won 41-36.
Cleveland's Jaylon Tyson had a strong outing for Team T-Mac, scoring 10 and showing why he is starting for a surging Cavaliers team.
However, ultimately what stood out is that guys on every team played hard — the NBA's young guns brought energy, played some defense and made this a night worth watching.
Team Vince guard VJ Edgecombe of the 76ers celebrates after winning the Rising Stars Challenge on Friday at Intuit Dome. (Mark J. Terrill / Associated Press)
After three exciting games, Vince Carter’s team rose to the top in the Rising Stars Challenge on Friday night at Intuit Dome, defeating Carmelo Anthony’s team 25-24 in the championship game of the four-team competition during NBA All-Star weekend.
Philadelphia 76ers rookie shooting guard VJ Edgecombe was named most valuable player after making the tying and winning free throws. He scored six points in the final and netted the deciding points in both of his team’s games.
“No pressure,” Edgecombe said after he was fouled on a drive to the basket with Team Carter trailing 24-23. He swished the first of two attempts at the foul line, then calmly hit the second to end the first-to-25 points finale. “Free throws are precious and we needed them to win the game. We all wanted to compete. I hate losing. My teammates found me, I had open shots and I made them.”
One of the most thrilling moments for Edgecombe came before the tournament even started when he met Lakers legend Kareem Abdul-Jabbar.
Members of Team Vince hold up their trophies after they defeated Team Melo in a final in NBA Rising Stars Challenge Friday at the Intuit Dome. (Mark J. Terrill / Associated Press)
“I got to sit with him and shook his hand,” Edecombe said. “We didn’t have a conversation but he’s one of the greats of all time and just him showing love even though he retired a long time ago means a lot.”
In the first semifinal, Team Melo took an early 12-4 lead but found itself trailing 30-26 to the G League squad coached by former NBA player Austin Rivers. Houston’s Reed Sheppard made a corner three-pointer that gave his team a 34-32 lead before San Antonio’s Dylan Harper ended the sprint to 40 points with a 15-foot jumper to seal Team Melo’s 40-34 triumph. Portland’s Donovan Clingan led the way with nine points for the victors.
The game pitted Ron Harper Jr. (Main Celtics) matched up against San Antonio rookie and younger brother Dylan Harper of Team Melo, who was drafted No. 2 by San Antonio. They are the sons of five-time NBA champion Ron Harper Sr.
Yanic Konan Niederhäuser of San Diego, the Clippers’ G League affiliate, had 10 for the G Leaguers.
Team Melo frontcourt Donovan Clingan (23) of the Portland Trail Blazers, center, reaches for a rebound along with Team Austin's Yanic Konan Niederhauser (14) of the Clippers' G League team, top, during a Rising Stars Challenge game Friday at the Intuit Dome. (Mark J. Terrill / Associated Press)
Then, Team Vince clinched a berth to the final with a 41-36 triumph over Team T-Mac, with Edgecombe scoring 17 points, including a long fallaway jumper that put Carter’s squad over the threshold.
Cavaliers guard-forward Jaylon Tyson led Tracy McGrady’s group with 10.
“I’m glad we got the win for him,” Edgecombe said of Carter, an eight-time All-Star who played 22 seasons in the NBA. “He told us ‘why not play hard?’ He had a lot of energy, he told us to go, go, go… and we fed off that, especially late in the first game.”
Having three Hall of Fame coaches this year added prestige to what was established as the Rookie Challenge in 1994 that featured two teams of first-year players. The name was changed to Rising Stars Challenge in 2012 to include second-year players, and the current tournament-style format was adopted four years ago. Since 2023 it has featured 28 players — seven G League players along with 21 rookies and sophomores.
Rounding out Team Carter were Derik Queen (New Orleans), Kyshawn George (Washington), Matas Buzelis (Chicago), Egor Dёmin (Brooklyn), Jaylen Wells (Memphis) and Carter Bryant (San Antonio).
“It was a “cool experience,” Team T-Mac guard Jaylon Tyson of the Cavaliers said. “I wish we could’ve played a full game.”
Team Melo entered as the favorite despite the absence of Dallas forward Cooper Flagg, who Anthony had drafted No. 1 for the mini-tournament, but was ruled out Wednesday due to a left foot sprain and replaced by Utah’s Ace Bailey, who was chosen fifth overall in the 2025 NBA Draft and was the only player in the top nine not drafted to one of the Rising Stars teams.
Edgecombe hopes he gets to play in the Sunday game someday.
“It would be a true blessing to be an All-Star one day,” he said. “I won’t take it for granted.”
As the Rising Stars Challenge was tipping off at the Clippers’ home arena, the Celebrity Game was ending two miles up the road at Kia Forum, former home of the Lakers.
Charlotte Hornets mascot Hugo jogs up the court next to Sparks player Rickea Jackson during the NBA All-Star Celebrity Game Friday in Inglewood. (Jae C. Hong / Associated Press)
San Antonio Spurs center Victor Wembanyama tossed the jump ball, with rapper GloRilla winning the opening tip against reality TV star Taylor Frankie Paul.
The score was tied 55-55 with four minutes left before “double-time” scoring helped Team Giannis, coached by Dodgers shortstop Mookie Betts, beat Team Anthony, coached by comedian Anthony Anderson, 65-58.
Emmy-winning actor and comedian Rome Flynn scored 17 points and had four assists to win his second straight MVP.
MADISON, Wis. (AP) — Nick Boyd scored 29 points and shot 5 of 7 from 3-point range as Wisconsin trounced No. 10 Michigan State 92-71 on Friday night, marking the second time in four nights that the Badgers have beaten a top-10 team.
Wisconsin (18-7, 10-4 Big Ten) is the first team to post three wins over top-10 squads this season. The Badgers won 91-88 at No. 2 Michigan on Jan. 10 and pulled out a 92-90 overtime victory at No. 8 Illinois on Tuesday.
The Badgers made their first five 3-point attempts in the opening 5 1/2 minutes and never looked back on their way to a surprisingly easy victory that ended with a court storming.
Wisconsin never trailed and led by as many as 24. The Badgers shot 15 of 35 from 3-point range, including 10 of 17 in the first half.
Boyd scored 20 of his 29 points in the first half, while John Blackwell had 19 of his 24 in the second half. Nolan Winter added 10 points and 11 rebounds for Wisconsin.
Coen Carr had 19 points to lead Michigan State (20-5, 10-4). Jeremy Fears Jr. had 14 points and 12 assists, but he shot just 3 of 12 from the floor.
NO. 18 SAINT LOUIS 86, LOYOLA OF CHICAGO 59
CHICAGO (AP) — Trey Green and Ishan Sharma each scored 14 points and Saint Louis won its 18th straight game, beating Loyola of Chicago.
Quentin Jones added 12 points, and Amari McCottry had 11 for the Billikens (24-1, 12-0 Atlantic 10). They matched the 2013-14 team for the best A10 start in school history.
Saint Louis made 10 of 12 shots to pull away midway through the second half.
Justin Moore scored 12 points for Loyola (6-20, 2-11), and Daniil Glazkov had a career-high 11. The Ramblers lost by 20 or more points for the seventh time this season.
Loyola was within three points late in the first half before Saint Louis had a 13-3 run that carried into the second half.
The Billikens then had a 10-2 run, keyed by two 3-pointers, an assist and a block by Sharma, followed by runs of 8-0 and 11-0.
NO. 23 MIAMI (OHIO) 90, OHIO 74
OXFORD, Ohio (AP) — Brant Byers scored 21 points, Peter Suder had 20 and Miami University beat Ohio to remain the lone unbeaten team in Division I.
Eian Elmer added 15 points for the RedHawks (25-0, 11-0 Mid-American Conference), who tied the single-season school record for victories set last season.
Jackson Paveletzke led Ohio (13-13, 7-6) with 22 points and Javan Simmons scored 12. The Bobcats struggled on 3-pointers, making only 5 of 21 while the RedHawks were 9 of 18 from beyond the arc and 21 of 28 on free throws.
Byers, Suder and Almar Atlason had six rebounds apiece as the RedHawks had a 38-29 advantage on the boards.
Miami had a 43-35 lead at halftime before steadily pulling away. It opened the second half on a 7-2 run, including five points by Byers, who finished 13 of 16 from the foul line.
ESPN NBA insider Shams Charania took part in Friday night’s NBA All-Star Celebrity Game, and during the middle of the action, he was seen typing away on his phone.
Durant, the 15-time All-Star, took to X, posting a photo of the news-breaker along with sharing his thoughts.
“My goodness, have some respect @ShamsCharania …during the game??????????” Durant wrote on his account.
But the NBA reporter didn’t just get shade from Durant.
Bucks star Giannis Antetokounmpo, coaching one of the teams with his brothers, Thanasis and Alex, took a shot at Charania’s playing abilities when discussing the contest with ESPN before the game.
“You know why it’s not fair? ‘Cause I have Shams on my team,” Antetokounmpo said. “He cannot hoop. But everybody else can hoop. So in the offseason, we grab them as free agents.”
Shams Charania shoots the ball during the game against Team Anderson during the Ruffles NBA All-Star Celebrity Game on Feb. 13, 2026 at Kia Forum in Inglewood, Calif. NBAE via Getty ImagesShams Charania (left) and Amon-Ra St. Brown during the Celebrity Game during 2026 NBA All-Star at The Kia Forum on Feb. 13, 2026 in Inglewood, Calif. Getty Images
Whether or not Charania was a factor, Team Antetokounmpo knocked off the team led by actor Anthony Anderson, 65-58.
Actor Rome Flynn, known for his role in the “How to Get Away with Murder” TV series, scored 17 points to claim his second straight celebrity All-Star MVP.
And, for what it’s worth, Charania did not post to X during the contest. Whether Antetokounmpo has him on his team again is another story.
OXFORD, Ohio (AP) — Brant Byers scored 21 points, Peter Suder had 20 and 23rd-ranked Miami University beat Ohio 90-74 on Friday night to remain the lone unbeaten team in Division I.
Eian Elmer added 15 points for the RedHawks (25-0, 11-0 Mid-American Conference), who tied the single-season school record for victories set last season.
Jackson Paveletzke led Ohio (13-13, 7-6) with 22 points and Javan Simmons scored 12. The Bobcats struggled on 3-pointers, making only 5 of 21 while the RedHawks were 9 of 18 from beyond the arc and 21 of 28 on free throws.
Byers, Suder and Almar Atlason had six rebounds apiece as the RedHawks had a 38-29 advantage on the boards.
Miami had a 43-35 lead at halftime before steadily pulling away. It opened the second half on a 7-2 run, including five points by Byers, who finished 13 of 16 from the foul line.
The largest lead was 83-63 with four minutes remaining.
The game was close for the first 15 minutes. The RedHawks were up 30-26 before getting some breathing room with an 11-4 run to extend their lead to 41-30 with 1:58 remaining in the first half.
Miami tied a school record for single-game home attendance with a sellout crowd of 10,640 at Millett Hall. It was the same crowd figure for the Jan. 31 game against Northern Illinois.
INGLEWOOD, CA - FEBRUARY 13: Kyshawn George #18 of Team Vince drives to the basket during the game against Team T-Mac during the 2026 NBA All-Star Weekend Rising Stars Game on Friday, February 13, 2026 at Intuit Dome in Inglewood, 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 Juan Ocampo/NBAE via Getty Images) | NBAE via Getty Images
Team Vince won the 2026 NBA Rising Stars championship on Friday night with Washington Wizards guard Kyshawn George contributing in both contests.
In the semifinals, Team Vince played Team T-Mac which also featured Wizards guard Bub Carrington and forward Tre Johnson. In that contest, Team Vince won 41-36 with George scoring 4 points and VJ Edgecombe leading the way with 17 points for the victors. For Team T-Mac, Johnson scored 8 points while Carrington also scored 2 more.
In the other semifinal, Team Melo beat Team Austin, 40-34.
The final had Team Vince facing off against Team Melo and won 25-24. George scored 2 points while Edgecombe led again with 6 points. Edgecombe also won the Rising Stars MVP award.
It’s good to see one of the Wizards’ younger players come away with some hardware leaving the Rising Stars challenge. From hereon, Washington won’t really be part of All-Star Weekend. So I hope you enjoy Valentine’s Day tomorrow and the long weekend which includes President’s Day on Monday.
The ghosts still live in the rafters of the Forum.
You can feel them the moment you walk through those circular corridors in Inglewood — the echoes of Magic’s no-look passes, Kareem’s skyhook carving air like a sculptor’s blade, the bass line of the Showtime Lakers pulsing through a building that once felt like the center of the basketball universe.
With most of NBA All-Star Weekend migrating down the street to the glistening new Intuit Dome, it felt right — almost rebellious — that the Ruffles Celebrity All-Star Game planted its flag back inside the old cathedral: the Fabulous Forum.
The Ruffles NBA All-Star Celebrity Game planted its flag back inside the old cathedral: the Fabulous Forum NBAE via Getty Images
Before a single ball was tipped, the afternoon delivered its most authentic moment. Former NBA forward Richard Jefferson strolled his kids through the legendary Forum Club entrance, where Lakers icon James Worthy greeted them like a velvet-rope guardian of basketball history. Worthy playfully demanded a password before letting them in, smiling as he reminisced about the good old days. It was nostalgia with a wink — a reminder that this building once demanded excellence.
Then the game started.
And excellence quietly slipped out the side door.
Let’s call it what it was: a glorified YMCA pick-up game with better lighting and worse defense. I’ve had runs at 24-hour fitness with more urgency and effort. The Ruffles NBA All-Star Celebrity Game has always been an exhibition, but this version often felt like an influencer’s content shoot masquerading as competition.
The Ruffles NBA All-Star Celebrity Game has always been an exhibition with celebs like GloRilla (above). Getty Images
There were more air balls than baskets made. Strange gimmicky bonuses floated through each quarter like carnival prizes. NBA Mascots playing defense? Eight-point shots? Sure. Why not. When Chinese actor-singer Dylan Wang received the loudest ovation of all during the roster introductions — you understood immediately what Friday afternoon was really about: spectacle over substance.
There were moments worth the price of admission. Watching Victor Wembanyama conduct the opening tip while looking up — actually looking up — at 7-foot-6 Tacko Fall was a visual glitch in the basketball matrix. Since when does Wemby crane his neck for anyone? Fall, predictably, dominated stretches of the game, turning the paint into his personal backyard court. It would be the equivalent of a normal person lowering the hoop down to 6 feet and playing against kindergartners.
Rome Flynn goes off the backboard to Tacko Fall for the alley-oop slam!
The surprise performance of the afternoon came from former Chargers wide receiver Keenan Allen, who flashed real athleticism, slicing through the lane with purpose. Finishing at the rim, draining jump shots and blocking shots. Allen seemed to be the only player on the court who upped the competitive level of play.
“I had a lot of fun,” Allen said afterward. “I wish we could have gotten the W.”
Fun, yes. Competitive, no.
And that’s where the NBA has to take a long look in the mirror.
Los Angeles Dodgers star Mookie Betts hits the hardwood at the Celebrity All-Star Game. NBAE via Getty Images
The highlight of the day wasn’t a crossover or a dunk. It was halftime. K-pop sensation CORTIS turned the Forum into a glowing constellation. Thousands of fans, many clearly there just for them, lifted their phones as the arena lights dimmed into a full-blown Showtime fever dream. Built-in seat lighting shimmered. Rappers including 2 Chainz and two-time NBA MVP Giannis Antetokounmpo bounced along courtside. For a moment, it felt like the old Lakers glory days — lights down, spotlight bright, the building alive.
That’s the irony. The halftime performance felt like it had more star power than the game itself.
Allen didn’t mince words about sharing the floor with former NBA pros like Fall and Jeremy Lin, who casually drained an eight-point shot that sealed the 65-58 victory for Team Giannis.
“That’s a bunch of BS,” Allen said. “Jeremy Lin hit an eight-point shot, Tacko Fall went off … like what are we supposed to do? Most of us are normal people. We have to have big faces out here. Keep the celebrities coming.”
He’s right.
If this is going to be the NBA’s Hollywood showcase, then go all in. Load it with real A-listers who can actually hoop. Imagine Adam Sandler tossing lobs to Timothée Chalamet. Picture Justin Bieber crossing up Zac Efron. George Clooney plays pickup games before the Oscars — invite him. Call Ben Affleck. Call Matt Damon. Rapper J. Cole has real bounce. Give fans something that feels like a cultural event, not a mildly organized open gym session.
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Team Giannis rallied to defeat Anthony Anderson’s squad, with Rome Flynn scoring 17 points and taking home MVP honors for the second straight year — though if we’re being honest, Fall’s impact told a different story. But that’s the thing about this game. It’s not really about the box score.
It’s about the vibe.
Friday afternoon at the Kia Forum had it — history, music, flashes of athletic brilliance. What it lacked was edge. Urgency. True star wattage on the hardwood.
In a city that understands spectacle better than anywhere on Earth, the Celebrity All-Star Game feels like it’s flirting with greatness. The building deserves more. The game of basketball deserves more. The fans deserve more.
INGLEWOOD, CALIFORNIA - FEBRUARY 4: Darius Garland of the Los Angeles Clippers greets former Cleveland Cavaliers teammates after a game at Intuit Dome on February 4, 2026 in Inglewood, California. (Photo by Wally Skalij/Getty Images) | Getty Images
Garland last played an NBA game on Jan. 14 in the Cavs win over the Philadelphia 76ers. He left that game with a right great toe injury. The team announced on the following day that the injury would be re-evaluated in seven to 10 days.
That latest injury was to the opposite toe as the one that Garland injured at the end of last season. The injury to the left great toe is what required him to miss multiple playoff games and led to surgery over the summer.
Garland returned to the court early this season, but never quite looked right. The speed and ability to move side-to-side simply weren’t at the level we saw last season, and he admitted as much at times.
Apparently, the initial injury to the left great toe is going to keep him out “indefinitely” with the Clippers, according to The Athletic’s Law Murray.
He (Garland) mentioned in his Clippers introduction that he is “back on the court, working out, doing all the things I love to do. Just waiting on the green light — I’m ready to hoop.” (Lawrence) Frank (Clippers President of Basketball Operations) said that the Clippers will change Garland’s injury designation to reflect that the right foot toe sprain that has kept him out for nearly four weeks has healed, while Garland’s still-sore, surgically repaired left foot toe will keep him out indefinitely.
“We are going to manage this correctly, OK?” Frank said. “We are not gonna skip any steps. Because we think the short-term investment will lead to long-term rewards. … We’re gonna get it right and take as long as it takes. But we’re very confident that by taking the time now, it’s gonna give him a long runway. He’s only 26, and we want to see him playing at a high level for a long time.”
As more news comes out, it becomes clear that Garland’s toe was a major factor in why the trade was executed and why the Cavs had to add a second-round pick to make it all work.
So far, the deal has gone well for the Cavs. Harden has played phenomenally, but it is disappointing that the Cavaliers weren’t able to have Garland healthy when they needed him during the last postseason, and that he still isn’t quite 100%.
Feb 13, 2026; Inglewood, California, USA; Team Vince guard VJ Edgecombe (77) of the Philadelphia 76ers shoots during an NBA All Star Rising Stars game at Intuit Dome. Mandatory Credit: Kirby Lee-Imagn Images | Kirby Lee-Imagn Images
VJ Edgecombe, the crunch-time machine, got after it once again on the national stage!
On Friday evening during the Rising Stars event, Edgecombe played for Vince Carter and Team Vince as part of the All-Star Weekend festivities. When I say this is the most unimportant basketball activity that the beloved Sixers rookie has undertaken in years, I truly mean it, but Edgecombe showcased the skills that have endeared himself so much to Philadelphia and that have everyone believing he will soon be a great NBA player.
In the semifinals matchup with Tracy McGrady’s Team T-Mac, Edgecombe dropped 17 points, including multiple threes, a downright beautiful finger roll and a mid-range jumper that made it a 41-36 game to have Team Vince advance to the championship round. Edgecombe scored Team Vince’s final 10 points on the road to a matchup against Carmelo Anthony’s Team Melo.
As Edgecombe heated up in the semifinals, Peacock commentator Reggie Miller remarked that Edgecombe was coming for the event’s MVP Award. That was the vibe and he was ultimately proved correct!
I was ready to be completely dismissive of this night entirely, writing that Edgecombe’s winning style of basketball probably wouldn’t gel well with first-time teammates rather than being in a more cohesive, season-long situation, but Edgecombe was a crunch-time maestro to open things up, playing more spirited basketball than anyone out there.
In the championship bout that was a race to hit or eclipse 25 points, Edgecombe wasn’t as pronounced as a scorer or ball-handler initially. He did the “little things,” once more pushing the ball in transition, working as a handy passer and playing all out defensively. Edgecombe made his scoring impact known once again, however, when things mattered the most. Edgecombe fought for an offensive rebound and put-back bucket that had Team Vince take a 23-22 lead late over Team Melo. It was pure effort with Edgecombe barreling through traffic. It was the type of energy that Sixers fans are already accustomed to seeing on a nightly basis with the rookie.
Driving to the basket for the win with Team Melo soon taking a 24-23 lead, Edgecombe was fouled and sent to the charity stripe. Edgecombe, naturally, sank both shots, giving Team Vince the 25-24 win.
I know the common refrain is that All-Star Weekend has been mightily diluted, but it was a blast watching Edgecombe do his thing. Let’s keep it rolling with Tyrese Maxey taking part in the three-point contest and the All-Star Game itself the next few days!
