Rome Flynn repeats as All-Star Celebrity Game MVP; Tacko Fall pours in 20 in Forum return
The All-Star Celebrity Game on Friday, Feb. 13, 2026 (ET), delivered an entertaining mix of star power and unexpected basketball chops. Rome Flynn captured MVP honors for the second consecutive year with 17 points, steering Team Giannis to a 65-58 victory, while former 7-foot-6 NBA center Tacko Fall led the opposition with a game-high 20 points.
Flynn’s steady hand and highlight moments clinch back-to-back MVPs
Flynn’s performance was a blend of timely scoring and leadership on a roster coached by Giannis Antetokounmpo. He finished with 17 points and did the little things that matter in a tightly contested celebrity showcase: knocking down open looks, moving the ball, and keeping the tempo in Team Giannis’ favor. Those contributions were enough for the MVP nod and a repeat of last year’s hardware.
The contest was competitive throughout, and Flynn’s consistency in the halfcourt set the tone for his squad. With the game clock winding down, the team’s balanced attack and defensive scrappiness proved decisive in preserving a one-possession cushion and ultimately closing out the 65-58 win.
Tacko Fall’s big night, Forum nostalgia and halftime spectacle
Tacko Fall was the standout on the other side, using his towering frame and familiarity with the professional game to score 20 points for the losing team coached by Anthony Anderson. Fall’s size remains a mismatch in celebrity settings, and he converted efficiently when opponents underestimated his mobility and touch around the rim.
The game also marked a sentimental return of basketball to the Forum in Inglewood, a venue long associated with storied Lakers eras. The building’s stage-like atmosphere was on full display as the celebrity matchup briefly brought hoops back to the storied floor; the arena now serves predominantly as a concert and entertainment venue under new management, but for one night it reclaimed its basketball roots.
Entertainment elements rounded out the evening. K-pop made its All-Star Game debut at halftime with a performance from boy group CORTIS, adding a modern pop-cultural beat to the weekend’s slate. The mix of on-court competition and off-court spectacle underscored the event’s role as both athletic exhibition and entertainment showcase.
Notable moments and the event’s broader tone
Beyond Flynn and Fall, the lineup featured a range of recognizable faces—former pros, actors, musicians and athletes—contributing to an impromptu, often playful contest. Coaches Giannis Antetokounmpo and Anthony Anderson traded jabs on the sidelines, and appearances from names across sports and entertainment helped keep the game lively for fans in attendance.
Ultimately, the Celebrity Game served its purpose: a lighthearted, competitive curtain-raiser within All-Star Weekend that prioritized fun and fan engagement while allowing a few performers to shine. Flynn walked away with back-to-back MVP trophies, Fall reminded viewers of his NBA-caliber presence, and the Forum enjoyed a rare basketball moment that combined nostalgia with contemporary pop culture.
As All-Star Weekend continued, the Celebrity Game’s mix of theatrics and genuine play left attendees entertained and set a festive tone for the remainder of the weekend’s events.
