INGLEWOOD, Calif. — Actor Rome Flynn claimed MVP honors for the second consecutive year in the NBA All-Star Celebrity Game, powering Team Giannis to a 65-58 victory over Team Anthony on Friday night at the Forum. Flynn tallied 17 points in the win, which was coached by Milwaukee Bucks star Giannis Antetokounmpo, marking a celebratory kickoff to All-Star weekend in Los Angeles.
The game, held at the iconic Forum—once the home of the Los Angeles Lakers' legendary “Showtime” era until their move to downtown in 1999—drew a mix of celebrities, athletes, and executives to the court. Now owned by Los Angeles Clippers owner Steve Ballmer and primarily used for concerts and events, the venue provided a nostalgic backdrop for the exhibition matchup. Antetokounmpo, sidelined since January 23 with a calf strain and thus absent from Sunday's All-Star Game, took the coaching reins alongside his brothers Thanasis and Alex, as well as Los Angeles Dodgers shortstop Mookie Betts.
On the opposing side, actor-comedian Anthony Anderson led Team Anthony, which was paced by former NBA center Tacko Fall's game-high 20 points. Fall, the 7-foot-6 big man who last played in the league during the 2021-22 season, dominated the paint with rebounds and a thunderous dunk in the third quarter that briefly cut the deficit to one point. Despite his efforts, Team Giannis maintained control throughout, securing the win in a low-scoring affair typical of these celebrity showcases.
The opening tip was handled by San Antonio Spurs rookie sensation Victor Wembanyama, who tossed the ball between Team Giannis starter Jenna Bandy and Team Anthony's Adrien Nunez. Nunez gained possession but was immediately fouled, missing his first free throw. Bandy, a former volleyball player and the only woman in either team's starting lineup, represented a nod to the growing inclusion of female athletes in NBA events.
Chinese actor-singer Dylan Wang stole the spotlight early for Team Giannis, drawing the loudest cheers of the night after sinking back-to-back baskets in the first quarter. Wang's performance highlighted the event's international appeal, blending entertainment with basketball flair. The game's halftime entertainment featured the debut of K-pop at the Celebrity Game, with boy group CORTIS taking the stage to perform for the enthusiastic crowd.
Adding to the eclectic roster were NBA owners and executives testing their skills on the court. Phoenix Suns owner Mat Ishbia, 46, and Charlotte Hornets co-owner Rick Schnall, in his 50s, were among the older participants. In a lighthearted moment from the first quarter, Schnall fouled Ishbia, who then sank his free throws—a callback to Ishbia's college days at Michigan State, where he was a standout guard.
Los Angeles Chargers wide receiver Keenan Allen shone for Team Anthony, erupting for 18 points overall. His highlight came in the second quarter with a long-range shot from beyond the red, white, and blue line, awarded four points under the game's special rules. Allen's scoring flurry helped keep the contest close, showcasing his athletic versatility beyond the gridiron.
The third quarter brought unique twists, including mascots from the Charlotte Hornets and Dallas Mavericks serving as restricted “sixth men,” limited to backcourt play. This gimmick added to the fun, chaotic energy of the event, which emphasizes entertainment over competition. Former NBA player Jeremy Lin, participating for Team Giannis, praised Betts' halftime speech, saying, “He definitely knows a lot about basketball.” Lin, known for his own underdog story in the league, credited the Dodgers star for providing inspiration during the break.
The victory capped a night that blended Hollywood glamour with sports heritage. Flynn's repeat MVP award—following his standout performance in last year's game—underscored his growing affinity for the hardwood. As the actor from shows like “How to Get Away with Murder,” Flynn's 17 points included efficient shooting and key plays that kept Team Giannis ahead.
Team Giannis' edge in the paint, bolstered by Fall's rebounding on the other side but ultimately outmatched by collective efforts, proved decisive. Antetokounmpo's coaching staff, including his siblings who have shared the NBA court with him in Milwaukee, brought a family dynamic to the bench. Thanasis and Alex Antetokounmpo, both with professional experience, assisted in strategies that led to the narrow win.
This Celebrity Game served as the opener for a packed All-Star weekend, with the Rising Stars challenge set for Saturday at the nearby Intuit Dome, the Clippers' new home arena. The events continue Sunday with the main All-Star Game at Crypto.com Arena, where stars like LeBron James and Stephen Curry will headline without Antetokounmpo due to his injury. The weekend's festivities, drawing thousands to Inglewood and downtown Los Angeles, celebrate the NBA's global reach and cultural impact.
Historically, the Celebrity Game has featured a who's-who of entertainment and sports figures, from Quavo to Jamie Foxx in past years. This edition's mix of K-pop, NFL stars, and international actors like Wang reflected the league's push for diversity. Officials from the NBA noted the event's role in engaging younger fans, with attendance expected to boost local tourism in the area.
While the scoreline remained tight—Team Anthony trailing but never quite catching up—the game's informal rules, including bonus points for trick shots, kept the energy high. Fall's dunk and Allen's long bomber were among the viral moments likely to circulate on social media, amplifying the NBA's off-court appeal. As Antetokounmpo eyes a return post-All-Star break, his coaching stint offered a positive note amid his recovery.
Looking ahead, the NBA All-Star weekend underscores the league's evolution since its inception in 1951, now a multi-day spectacle incorporating rising talents, celebrities, and skills competitions. With the Forum's revival for this event, it evoked memories of Magic Johnson-era Lakers magic, bridging past and present. For participants like Flynn and Wang, it was a chance to shine under the bright lights, reinforcing basketball's universal draw.
In the broader context of the NBA's calendar, this lighthearted game provided a respite before the playoff push. Teams like the Bucks, with Antetokounmpo as their cornerstone, will resume intense competition soon. Meanwhile, the Celebrity Game's success, as reported by attendees, promises more star-studded lineups in future years, continuing to blur lines between sports and entertainment.