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!
Nov 3, 2025; Los Angeles, CA, USA; Detailed view of the 2025 World Series Commissioners Trophy during the World Series celebration at Dodger Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Jayne Kamin-Oncea-Imagn Images | Jayne Kamin-Oncea-Imagn Images
To bookend the week in the same vein as Monday’s Purple Row After Dark question, I have another one for you. Many folks have complained that last weekend’s Super Bowl was one of the most boring Super Bowls in recent memory, even though the final score was 29-13.
Baseball-wise, though, we had a great World Series this year (minus the champion). The Dodgers cakewalked through the National League, despite having a “down year” but then were taken to seven games by the Toronto Blue Jays, who had some stiff competition in the American League and nearly won the whole thing. Last year, the Dodgers beat the New York Yankees in five games after an exciting run-up that almost saw them get bounced by the San Diego Padres.
So the question tonight is this: would you rather watch boring playoffs but exciting World Series, or exciting playoffs but a boring World Series?
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.
PHOENIX — Right-hander Zac Gallen has agreed to a one-year, $22 million contract to return to the Arizona Diamondbacks, a person with knowledge of the deal confirmed Friday night.
The person spoke to The Associated Press on condition of anonymity because the deal is pending a physical.
The 2023 All-Star — who is a client of agent Scott Boras — was hunting for a multi-year contract, but after nothing acceptable materialized, he’s coming back to the desert where he’s spent the majority of his big league’s career.
MLB.com first reported that Gallen and the D-backs were close to a deal.
Gallen had his worst season in the big leagues in 2025, finishing with a 13-15 record, 4.83 record and an 8.2 strikeout rate per nine innings, which was the lowest of his career. But his velocity was still good and he performed better after the All-Star break with a 3.97 ERA over his final 13 starts.
The 30-year-old was one of the best pitchers in the National League from 2022 to 2024, finishing fifth in the Cy Young voting in 2022 and third in 2023.
He was the ace for the D-backs in 2023 — finishing with a 17-9 record and 3.47 ERA — when they made a surprise run to the World Series before losing in five games to the Texas Rangers.
Gallen was drafted in the third round of the 2016 draft by the St. Louis Cardinals after playing in college at North Carolina. He was traded to the Marlins in 2017 and made his big-league debut with the organization in 2019 before being traded again to the D-backs in a deal that sent Jazz Chisholm Jr. to Miami.
Overall, Gallen has a 66-52 record and 3.58 ERA in seven MLB seasons.
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.
Anything bought from the links helps support Fear the Sword. You can also shop all of Homage’s Cavs gear HERE. The link to the 2016 championship shirt HERE.
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.
Arizona Diamondbacks pitcher Zac Gallen (23) throws in the eighth inning against the New York Yankees at Yankee Stadium, Wednesday, April 2, 2025, in Bronx, NY.
Zac Gallen isn’t going to have to move.
The right-handed pitcher, arguably the best left on the free agent market, has agreed to a one-year contract worth about $22 million to return to the Diamondbacks, The Post’s Jon Heyman confirmed.
Per Heyman, the 30-year-old received multiyear offers but liked the idea of staying with Arizona.
Arizona Diamondbacks pitcher Zac Gallen (23) throws in the eighth inning against the New York Yankees at Yankee Stadium, Wednesday, April 2, 2025, in Bronx, NY. Corey Sipkin for the NY POST
The Athletic reported that the deal contains about $14 million in deferred payments.
The deal ends a long free agency for the 2023 National League All-Star after he rejected a $22.025 million qualifying offer in November, which is, ironically, about how much he’ll make in 2026 anyway.
The qualifying offer attachment meant that if a different team had signed Gallen, it would have had to forfeit draft picks, with Arizona getting awarded draft compensation.
The Orioles, before signing Chris Bassitt earlier this week, were interested in Gallen, Heyman reported in January.
The Cubs, Padres and Angels were among the other teams interested in his services.
But it’s Arizona he goes back to, a place he’s pitched the last seven seasons.
Arizona Diamondbacks starting pitcher Zac Gallen throws during the first inning of a Game 2 of their National League wildcard baseball series against the Milwaukee Brewers Wednesday, Oct. 4, 2023, in Milwaukee. AP
“It’s been humbling,” Gallen told reporters at the WM Phoenix Open. “That’s kind of been the constant thing the last couple of weeks. People have been like, ‘Hey, we’d really love for you to come back.’ I think people understand what Phoenix means to me.
“My wife is from here, I’m calling this home base now, so for us to be here would be awesome.”
Acquired by the Diamondbacks at the 2019 trade deadline from the Marlins for Jazz Chisholm Jr., he quickly established himself as a reliable arm at the top of the rotation, receiving Cy Young votes in three different seasons.
He had a strong three-year stretch from 2022-24 with a 3.20 ERA and 568 strikeouts over 542 innings.
But 2025 saw a dip in production with a career-worst 4.83 ERA.
Gallen’s peripherals weren’t great either, with his strikeout rate dropping from 25.1 percent in 2025 to 21.5 percent in ’25.
Still, he’s pitched over 180 innings three times over the last four years and should help solidify Arizona’s rotation as it tries to keep pace in the NL West.
