Anshari Taslim
INGLEWOOD, Calif. – The Kia Forum in Inglewood, California, served as the stage for the opening night of the 2026 NBA All-Star Weekend, where the annual Rising Stars Challenge unfolded with a blend of competitive fervor and showcasing emerging talent. Team Vince, led by legendary guard Vince Carter from the sidelines, emerged victorious, defeating Team Melo, coached by fellow NBA icon Carmelo Anthony, in a closely contested championship game. Philadelphia 76ers guard VJ Edgecombe delivered a standout performance throughout the evening, culminating in his unanimous selection as the Most Valuable Player of the event.
This year marked the fifth consecutive iteration of the Rising Stars Challenge utilizing a distinct four-team tournament format. The event strategically divides the league’s top rookies, sophomores, and G League players into separate squads, fostering unique matchups and providing a platform for a broader array of young talent. The semi-final rounds mandated that the first team to reach 40 points would advance, while the championship game was decided by the first team to score 25 points, a format designed to maintain a high level of intensity and quick-paced action. The competitive structure has been widely lauded for injecting a greater sense of urgency and engagement compared to previous formats.
The tournament commenced with two captivating semifinal matchups. The first pitted Team Melo against Team Austin, coached by former NBA guard Austin Rivers. This game featured one of the night’s most compelling narratives: a fraternal showdown between Dylan Harper of the San Antonio Spurs and his elder brother, Ron Harper Jr. of the G League’s Maine Celtics. With the game on the line and the score tightening, Dylan Harper, the No. 2 overall selection in the 2025 NBA Draft, demonstrated his clutch potential. Guarded by his brother, Dylan executed a decisive mid-range jumper that secured Team Melo’s advancement to the title game. Harper, who has averaged 15.3 points and 6.7 assists in his rookie campaign with the Spurs, displayed the offensive prowess that made him a top draft pick. For Ron Harper Jr., a promising G League talent and the son of five-time NBA champion Ron Harper Sr., the moment was a testament to his brother’s skill, albeit a bittersweet one as it sealed his team’s elimination.
Despite the loss, Team Austin saw a noteworthy performance from Yang Hansen. The No. 16 overall pick in the 2025 NBA Draft, Hansen, a center for the Portland Trail Blazers, came off the bench to contribute 10 points. This showing was particularly significant for Hansen, who has been averaging a modest 4.2 points and 3.8 rebounds in just 7.5 minutes per game during his rookie season. His efficient outing against formidable competition provided a glimpse of his potential and offered a confidence boost for the remainder of his inaugural NBA campaign.
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The second semifinal game featured Team Vince against Team T-Mac, coached by Hall of Famer Tracy McGrady. This contest became the stage for VJ Edgecombe’s dominant individual performance. Edgecombe, the No. 3 overall pick in the 2025 NBA Draft, led all players in the semifinals with 17 points, complemented by six rebounds, powering Team Vince to a commanding victory. His explosive athleticism and scoring ability were on full display, underscoring why he has rapidly become one of the most impactful first-year players in the league. Edgecombe, currently averaging 18.5 points, 5.2 rebounds, and 3.1 assists for the Philadelphia 76ers, has demonstrated a rare combination of raw talent and immediate contribution, making him a cornerstone of the 76ers’ future plans. His high-flying style of play has drawn comparisons to some of the league’s most dynamic athletes, prompting discussion about his potential participation in future All-Star events like the Slam Dunk Contest.
The championship clash between Team Vince and Team Melo proved to be a highly competitive affair, with both teams exchanging leads and showcasing their respective talents. The game’s intensity built steadily towards its climax. In the decisive moments, with the score deadlocked and the championship on the line, VJ Edgecombe once again found himself at the center of the action. Driving hard to the rim, Edgecombe drew a crucial foul, sending him to the free-throw line with the opportunity to clinch the title. With composure, he sank both free throws, securing a 25-24 victory for Team Vince and earning himself the MVP trophy. While the ending, decided by free throws rather than a dramatic field goal, lacked the theatrical flourish sometimes associated with championship moments, it did not diminish the competitive nature of the game or Edgecombe’s instrumental role in his team’s success.
The event, however, was notably impacted by the absence of Cooper Flagg. Less than 24 hours prior to tip-off, Flagg, the highly anticipated No. 1 overall pick from the 2025 NBA Draft, was ruled out due to a mid-foot sprain. Flagg’s absence was a significant disappointment for fans eager to witness the prodigious talent in person. Since entering the league, Flagg has delivered an exceptional rookie season for his team (e.g., the Detroit Pistons), consistently posting statistics that defy his age. He recently made history by becoming the first teenager in NBA history to record back-to-back 30-point double-doubles. Furthermore, his 49-point performance against the Charlotte Hornets set a new record for the most points scored by a teenager in an NBA game. Averaging 25.1 points, 10.8 rebounds, and 4.5 blocks per game, Flagg has quickly established himself as a generational talent whose future trajectory suggests a swift ascent to the league’s elite, potentially earning an All-Star Game selection as early as next season. His injury, while minor, prevented a much-anticipated matchup of top draft picks and deprived the audience of one of the league’s most exciting young stars.
Despite Flagg’s injury, the overarching sentiment regarding the Rising Stars Challenge format remained positive. The tournament structure, featuring multiple teams and competitive scoring thresholds, successfully delivered three engaging and star-studded games. The commitment of the players, particularly highlighted by Edgecombe’s post-game comments about his desire to win the event, underscored the genuine competitive spirit that permeated the evening. This buy-in from the participants is crucial for the event’s sustained success and reinforces its value as a genuine showcase for the NBA’s future. The consistent competitiveness and the opportunity for diverse young talents to shine suggest that the four-team Rising Stars format will continue to be a fixture of the NBA All-Star Weekend for the foreseeable future, providing an exhilarating prelude to the main events.
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