Rome Flynn Momentarily ‘Robbed’ of Celebrity Game MVP After Team Giannis Win
Rome Flynn captured his second straight NBA All-Star Celebrity Game MVP on Friday, Feb. 14, 2026, delivering 17 points and key late-game plays to help Team Giannis defeat Team Anthony 65-58 in Inglewood, Calif. The night ended with a lighthearted postgame scene when actors Anthony Anderson and Donald Faison jokingly grabbed Flynn’s MVP trophy, briefly stealing the spotlight before handing it back.
Flynn’s clutch night fuels Team Giannis
Flynn’s 17-point effort was highlighted by back-to-back 3-pointers that helped swing momentum in Team Giannis’ favor during a stretch when a special “double time” rule made every field goal worth twice the usual points. He also sank a decisive free throw late that put his squad ahead. Flynn called it a collective effort, praising teammates for their contributions and singling out Tacko Fall’s inside presence for making life difficult for the opposition.
The celebrity showcase was a mix of familiar faces and notable athletes. Among the participants were actors, comedians and musicians alongside professional players from other sports who joined the on-court fun. Coaches included members of the Antetokounmpo family and other athletic figures who treated the event like a spirited scrimmage rather than a formal competition.
Tacko Fall was a dominant force on the glass, finishing with a night that included 20 points and 21 rebounds, consistently altering shots and creating second-chance opportunities. The big man’s presence in the paint drew repeated attention from Team Anthony, with one coach repeatedly urging defenders to keep him out of the lane. That emphasis at times opened perimeter looks that Flynn and others were more than willing to take.
Double-time theatrics and memorable moments
The contest featured its share of theatrical highlights. A vintage Jeremy Lin moment — a long-range bomb that counted for a high multiplier under the special rules — drew loud cheers and helped push Team Giannis to a double-digit lead late in the second half. That play, combined with several fast-break finishes and highlight-reel dunks, kept the crowd engaged through the closing minutes.
Playful competition defined the night as much as the final score. Antics included a halftime musical set and on-court banter between celebrities and athletes. At one point, Anthony Anderson was mic'd up and animatedly instructing teammates to keep an eye on Tacko Fall, a comic touch that underscored the event’s blend of performance and competition.
After the buzzer, Flynn celebrated his consecutive MVP honors and spoke about the significance of back-to-back trophies and the possibility of returning to defend them in future All-Star festivities. He expressed gratitude toward teammates and singled out contributions across the roster, suggesting the win was a true team accomplishment rather than an individual triumph.
Postgame hijinks briefly steal the show
Just as Flynn was preparing to accept the MVP hardware, Anderson and Donald Faison teamed up to yank the trophy out of his hands in a staged gag that had the Kia Forum audience laughing. Flynn took the prank in stride, smiling and joking about the interruption while ultimately reclaiming the award. The light-hearted moment was emblematic of the celebrity game’s overall tone — competitive enough to matter, yet framed by camaraderie and entertainment.
Team Giannis’ victory and Flynn’s repeat MVP performance offered a festive start to All-Star weekend, blending competitive basketball with theatrical moments that keep the annual exhibition rooted in fun. As the league’s main All-Star Game approaches this weekend, the celebrity showcase served as a reminder that these events are as much about community and spectacle as they are about the final tally on the scoreboard.
