Rome Flynn repeats as Celebrity Game MVP as Team Giannis wins to kick off All-Star weekend
Friday night, Feb. 14, 2026 (ET) — The All-Star weekend festivities in Inglewood began in earnest with the NBA All-Star Celebrity Game, where Rome Flynn claimed his second straight MVP award and Team Giannis edged Team Anthony 65-58 in a high-energy, star-studded affair at the Kia Forum.
Flynn’s back-to-back MVP performance and late-game poise
Flynn finished with 17 points and steady leadership, doing just enough in the closing stages to secure the repeat honor. He credited his teammates and singled out Tacko Fall for his impact inside, saying the big man’s off-the-glass finishes were hard to defend. The win and MVP trophy drew playful celebration — Anthony Anderson and Donald Faison even staged a lighthearted snatch of the award — but Flynn kept things grounded and has already hinted at defending the crown next year in Phoenix.
The contest alternated momentum throughout, but Flynn’s shooting and timely free throws helped swing the decisive moments in Team Giannis’ favor. Coaches and celebrity assistants hustled on the sideline, and the bench interplay added to the friendly, competitive feel of the game.
Tacko Fall’s dominance, a vintage Lin moment and the ‘double time’ twist
Tacko Fall was a force on the glass, finishing with a monster line that included 20 points and 21 rebounds. His size and touch around the rim repeatedly changed possessions and created havoc for the opposition, forcing Team Anthony to scheme around him and plead — at times loudly from the bench — to keep him out of the paint.
The game featured a rule twist that altered scoring late: when teams activated “double time, ” certain field goals counted for double points and a special four-point opportunity briefly tilted the scoreboard. Jeremy Lin provided a flashback moment, knocking down a four-point shot that counted for eight and helping push Team Giannis into a double-digit lead. That sequence, combined with Flynn’s clutch free throw, gave Team Giannis breathing room and ultimately proved pivotal in the 65-58 final.
With the scoring multiplier in play, possessions felt amplified and the crowd loved the unpredictability. Coaches and celebs alike adjusted on the fly, with some veteran players and onlookers marveling at the energy Tacko supplied and the sudden swing created by the scoring wrinkle.
Celebrity spotlight and crowd moments set stage for weekend
The Celebrity Game mixed familiar faces from entertainment, music and pro sports into one lively roster. Actor and comedian Keegan-Michael Key, actor Simu Liu, rapper GloRilla, Grammy-winning producer Mustard and a host of professional athletes joined the on-court action. Amon-Ra St. Brown and Keenan Allen provided pro-level plays, while former on-court stars and surprise guests added to the spectacle.
Coaching duties included well-known basketball names who directed lineups and sub rotations, and the showmanship — from halftime performances to animated sideline coaching — delivered a festive start to All-Star weekend. After the final horn, players and celebrities shifted focus to the main slate of weekend events, with the All-Star Game itself just days away and fans still buzzing from the celebrity showcase.
The Celebrity Game’s mix of competition, comedy and standout individual performances provided an entertaining prelude to the marquee weekend, underscoring why the event remains a must-see kickoff that blends star power with genuine highlights on the court.
