Rome Flynn repeated as the NBA All-Star Celebrity Game MVP on Friday night in Inglewood, California, scoring 17 points to guide the team coached by Giannis Antetokounmpo to a 65-58 win. The event, held at the Forum, marked a return of basketball to the historic venue known for the Los Angeles Lakers’ Showtime era.
Highlights and Key Players of the Celebrity Game
The losing side was coached by actor and comedian Anthony Anderson, with former NBA player Tacko Fall standing out by contributing 20 points. Fall’s presence in the paint helped keep Team Anthony competitive, especially when his dunk narrowed the gap to one point during the third quarter.
As part of the entertainment, K-pop boy band CORTIS made their debut appearance at halftime. Victor Wembanyama initiated the game tip-off between Team Giannis’ Jenna Bandy and Team Anthony’s Adrien Nunez, with Nunez gaining initial possession but missing his first free throw. Bandy was the only female starter on either team.
Chinese actor and singer Dylan Wang drew significant attention with back-to-back baskets in the opening quarter for Team Giannis. Additionally, wide receiver Keenan Allen energized Team Anthony by scoring 18 points, including a notable long-range shot worth four points from the red, white, and blue line.
The game also featured mascots from the Charlotte Hornets and Dallas Mavericks, who briefly participated as sixth men restricted to the backcourt in the third quarter. Among the older participants were Phoenix Suns owner Mat Ishbia and Charlotte Hornets ownership member Rick Schnall, who engaged in a memorable moment involving a foul and free throws rooted in Ishbia’s Michigan State basketball experience.
Giannis Antetokounmpo’s Role and Support Team
Although sidelined with a calf strain since January 23, Giannis Antetokounmpo served as head coach and was supported by his brothers Thanasis and Alex, as well as Los Angeles Dodgers shortstop Mookie Betts. Jeremy Lin praised Betts’ motivational halftime speech, stating,
“He definitely knows a lot about basketball,”
acknowledging Betts’ influence during the event.
Significance and Upcoming All-Star Weekend Events
The Celebrity Game set the tone for All-Star weekend, taking place at the Forum before the Rising Stars game at the nearby Intuit Dome. This gathering not only revived basketball activity in a celebrated venue but also blended sports with cultural moments, such as the K-pop halftime show, underscoring the NBA’s expanding global and entertainment reach.
