Rome Flynn Goes Back-to-Back as Celebrity Game MVP; Team Giannis Tops Team Anthony at NBA All-Star Weekend

ROME FLYNN captured a second straight NBA All-Star Celebrity Game MVP as Team Giannis rallied to a 65-58 victory over Team Anthony at the Kia Forum in Inglewood, Calif., on Friday, Feb. 14, 2026 (ET). The night’s showcase blended celebrities, current pro athletes and viral moments that set the tone for All-Star Weekend.

Flynn leads the way, Tacko Fall dominates the paint

Flynn finished with 17 points and claimed MVP honors for the second consecutive year, a rare back-to-back achievement in the event. He credited teammates and the group effort for the win: "This was a team effort right here, " Flynn said, calling out Tacko Fall for his impact inside.

Tacko Fall was a force on both ends, piling up 20 points and 21 rebounds and repeatedly altering the flow in the paint. His presence created opportunities for Flynn and company, and a late free throw from Flynn pushed Team Giannis ahead in the final stanza.

Jeremy Lin provided one of the night’s most talked-about plays when he buried a four-point shot during the game’s double-time period — a scoring gimmick that doubled the value of baskets — swinging momentum and giving Team Giannis breathing room. That play, along with a pair of Flynn 3-pointers, helped the team pull away in a tight affair.

Stars, athletes and on-court comedy keep the crowd entertained

The celebrity lineup featured actors, musicians and current athletes in a playful, competitive mix. On the roster were well-known entertainers and performers alongside NFL receivers and other pros who showed up to court for the spectacle. Coaches included league superstars who directed their squads from the sideline and kept rotations lively.

Comedic interludes punctuated the action: Anthony Anderson and Donald Faison jokingly made off with Flynn’s MVP trophy during postgame celebrations, earning laughs from teammates and fans. Flynn took the antics in stride and even floated the possibility of returning next year: "Phoenix is nice, I might wanna go there, " he said when asked about defending his crown in 2027.

Giannis Antetokounmpo, who coached Team Giannis, reflected on the thrill and the grind of handling substitutions and rotations. "This is exhausting, this is how coach Doc feels? I just enjoy winning, " he said. He praised the competitive spirit and credited players for giving full effort in a game built for entertainment.

All-Star Weekend momentum and highlights to watch

The Celebrity Game served as an appetizer for the weekend, pairing lighthearted showmanship with competitive bursts that kept fans engaged. Moments like Lin’s long-range boost, Tacko Fall’s inside dominance and Flynn’s clutch scoring stood out in an event designed to showcase personalities as much as playmaking.

As All-Star Weekend moves forward, the energy from Friday’s celebrity showcase will carry into the Rising Stars mini-tournament and the marquee All-Star Game later in the weekend. For now, Flynn walks away with back-to-back MVP trophies and a little extra bragging rights as the festivities continue in Los Angeles.