INGLEWOOD, Calif. – Rome Flynn has established himself as the king of the NBA All-Star Celebrity Game. For the second consecutive year, the actor and musician earned MVP honors, leading Team Giannis to a 65-58 victory over Team Anthony on Friday night, , at the Forum in Inglewood, California.
Flynn finished with a game-high 17 points, showcasing an offensive skillset that proved too much for Team Anthony to contain. His performance wasn’t just about scoring; he also contributed three steals, igniting a crucial second-half run that ultimately sealed the win for Team Giannis.
The victory underscored a growing narrative: Flynn isn’t simply participating in the celebrity game for entertainment value. He’s competing to win. As ClutchPoints noted, his repeat performance proves his 2025 MVP award was no fluke.
Team Giannis, coached by NBA superstar Giannis Antetokounmpo, demonstrated strong cohesion throughout the game. While Team Anthony, led by actor-comedian Anthony Anderson and featuring the towering presence of former NBA player Tacko Fall (who scored 20 points for Team Anthony), kept the game competitive, they couldn’t overcome Team Giannis’s overall execution.
The game featured a diverse cast of celebrities, including Los Angeles Dodgers’ Mookie Betts, and Phoenix Suns owner Mat Ishbia. The presence of K-pop group CORTIS added another layer of entertainment, performing at halftime.
The opening tip-off was handled by Milwaukee Bucks superstar Victor Wembanyama, adding a touch of NBA star power to the event. Jenna Bandy was the lone woman in either team’s starting lineup.
Tacko Fall’s size presented a significant challenge for Team Giannis in the paint, grabbing numerous rebounds and contributing a key dunk in the third quarter to narrow the gap. However, Flynn’s all-around game proved to be the deciding factor.
Beyond the on-court action, the game offered a glimpse into the evolving landscape of sports entertainment. The Forum, once home to the Los Angeles Lakers’ “Showtime” dynasty, provided a nostalgic backdrop for the event, now operating primarily as a concert and entertainment venue under the ownership of Los Angeles Clippers owner Steve Ballmer.
Flynn’s back-to-back MVP awards place him in a rare category of celebrity athletes who can translate their competitive spirit into tangible results on the basketball court. The question now shifts to whether anyone can challenge his dominance in future celebrity games. For now, the NBA All-Star Celebrity Game unequivocally belongs to Rome Flynn.
The game wasn’t without its lighter moments. A playful interaction between Coach Anthony Anderson and Rick Schnall, part owner of the Charlotte Hornets, was captured by the Associated Press, highlighting the camaraderie among the participants. Chinese actor-singer Dylan Wang also drew enthusiastic reactions from the crowd with his scoring in the first quarter.
While the NBA All-Star Celebrity Game is often characterized by viral moments and lighthearted competition, Rome Flynn’s performance demonstrates a growing level of athleticism and dedication among its participants. His repeat MVP performance signals a potential shift in the game’s dynamic, elevating the competitive stakes and solidifying his status as a force to be reckoned with.
