During the NBA Celebrity All-Stars Game on Friday night, Houston Rockets star Kevin Durant openly expressed his disapproval of ESPN insider Shams Charania’s phone use on the sidelines. The incident occurred as Charania, representing Team Giannis, appeared focused more on his phone than the ongoing game, prompting Durant to publicly call for greater respect during the event.
Shams Charania Joins Celebrity Stars in High-Profile Basketball Event
Shams Charania was part of Team Giannis, coached by Milwaukee Bucks star Giannis Antetokounmpo, at the 2026 Ruffles NBA All-Star Celebrity Game. The team included a diverse group of participants, such as actor and comedian Keegan-Michael Key, actor Rome Flynn, Chinese actor and singer Dylan Wang, former NBA player Tacko Fall, social media personality Jenna Bandy, Charlotte Hornets Co-Chairman Rick Schnall, former NBA champion Jeremy Lin, rapper GloRilla, Brazilian soccer legend Cafu, and Detroit Lions wide receiver Amon-Ra St. Brown.
Durant’s Reaction Highlights Charania’s Focus on Work Over the Game
Despite Charania’s reputation as a dedicated NBA insider for ESPN since late 2024, Durant’s comments suggested there was a wrong time for phone checks. His tweet clearly showed his frustration over Charania’s phone use during an active basketball game.
“My goodness, have some respect @ShamsCharania…during the game??????????” Kevin Durant, Houston Rockets star
Performance Overview at the Celebrity All-Stars Match
The game featured a mix of celebrities and athletes with notable performances but Charania did not score any points, providing some lighthearted fodder for social media commentary. Actor Rome Flynn earned the Most Valuable Player award by scoring 17 points and contributing 4 assists to Team Giannis in their 65-58 victory over Team Anthony.
Jeremy Lin played a pivotal role as well, posting 12 points and 15 rebounds, including a critical 8-point contribution late in the fourth quarter that helped secure the win for Team Giannis. On the opposing side, Los Angeles Chargers wide receiver Keenan Allen led Team Anthony with 18 points, supported by Adrien Nunez’s 13 points.
Significance and Takeaways from the Celebrity Basketball Showcase
Durant’s public callout of Charania captures the tension between professional dedication and the spirit of a celebrity charity game. While Charania’s focus on his insider role is understandable, the event served as a reminder of the importance of fully engaging in the moment during lighthearted competitions. The performances by Flynn, Lin, and others highlighted the entertaining and competitive nature of the game, which also provided fans a glimpse of their favorite stars outside their usual arenas.
My goodness, have some respect @ShamsCharania…during the game?????????? pic.twitter.com/gjTwKNzk7x
— Kevin Durant (@KDTrey5) February 14, 2026
