Trending Now: This entertainment story covers the latest buzz, reactions, and updates surrounding Trending Now: Rome Flynn Shines Again As MVP In NBA Celebrity Game – Fans React..
The NBA All-Star Celebrity Game has always been a melting pot of entertainment, athleticism, and showmanship, but this year’s edition at The Forum in Inglewood, California, was nothing short of electrifying. On Friday night, February 13, 2026, Rome Flynn once again proved why he’s the man to watch, grabbing MVP honors for the second consecutive year and leading Team Giannis to a 65-58 victory over Team Anthony. The glitz, the drama, and a dash of Hollywood flair—this game had it all.
Flynn, a 34-year-old actor, model, and musician originally from Illinois, is no stranger to the spotlight. Known for his Emmy-winning role on CBS’s The Bold and the Beautiful and his memorable stint as Gabriel in How To Get Away With Murder, Flynn has made waves both on screen and, evidently, on the hardwood. Last year, he stuffed the stat sheet with 22 points and a slew of rebounds and assists, and this year, he followed up with a commanding 17-point performance. Not bad for a guy whose college basketball career was limited to a single game at Bethesda College!
“He definitely knows a lot about basketball,” former NBA player Jeremy Lin remarked about Dodgers shortstop Mookie Betts, who assisted Team Giannis’s coaching staff. And it seems Flynn, too, has a knack for the game—his social media prowess and acting chops seamlessly translating to basketball’s big stage.
The Forum, once the raucous home of the Lakers’ “Showtime” era until 1999, buzzed with nostalgia and fresh energy. Clippers owner Steve Ballmer now oversees the venue, which is mostly known as a concert and entertainment hub these days, but on this night, it was all about hoops. The game also marked the official kickoff of NBA All-Star Weekend, with the Rising Stars event set to follow at the Intuit Dome.
Team Giannis, coached by the injured but ever-present Giannis Antetokounmpo, had a formidable presence in the paint, thanks largely to 7-foot-6 former NBA player Tacko Fall. Fall, playing for Team Anthony, was a dominant force, leading all scorers with 20 points and grabbing most of the rebounds. His powerful dunk in the third quarter brought Team Anthony within a single point, sending the crowd into a frenzy. But it wasn’t enough to tip the scales.
Antetokounmpo, sidelined since January 23 with a calf strain, didn’t suit up but played an active role from the sidelines, aided by his brothers Thanasis and Alex. Dodgers star Mookie Betts joined the coaching crew, bringing a bit of baseball wisdom to the basketball court. According to Lin, Betts’s halftime speech was nothing short of inspiring.
On the other side, actor-comedian Anthony Anderson helmed Team Anthony, which boasted some serious star power. Los Angeles Chargers wide receiver Keenan Allen lit up the scoreboard with 18 points, including a jaw-dropping 4-point shot from the red, white, and blue line in the second quarter. That long bomb sparked a scoring spree for Allen, who showcased the kind of athleticism that has made him a standout in the NFL.
But the night wasn’t just about the big names. Chinese actor-singer Dylan Wang, representing Team Giannis, drew the loudest cheers with back-to-back baskets in the opening quarter. Wang’s flair and energy resonated with the crowd, adding an international flavor to the already star-studded event.
Jenna Bandy, a former college basketball player turned sports content creator, was the only woman in either team’s starting lineup. She squared off at tip-off against Team Anthony’s Adrien Nunez, with the opening toss handled by none other than NBA phenom Victor Wembanyama. Nunez was fouled on the initial play and missed his first free throw, setting the tone for a game that would be both competitive and unpredictable.
Adding a unique twist, mascots from the Charlotte Hornets and Dallas Mavericks rotated in as sixth men, restricted to playing only in the backcourt during the third quarter. It was a lighthearted touch that kept the crowd entertained and reminded everyone that the Celebrity Game is as much about fun as it is about competition.
Veteran sports owners also got in on the action. Phoenix Suns owner Mat Ishbia, at 46, and Charlotte Hornets ownership group member Rick Schnall, in his fifties, laced up their sneakers. Schnall fouled Ishbia in the first quarter, and Ishbia coolly knocked down his free throws—a nod to his days at Michigan State. The moment was a crowd-pleaser, blending nostalgia with the night’s playful spirit.
Halftime brought a historic moment as K-pop boy group CORTIS took the stage, marking the genre’s debut at the NBA Celebrity Game. Their high-energy performance had the crowd on its feet, further cementing the event’s reputation as a cultural crossroads.
With the game hanging in the balance, Team Giannis relied on Flynn’s steady hand and Fall’s dominance in the paint. Fall’s rebounding prowess and defensive presence kept Team Anthony within striking distance, but Flynn’s clutch shooting and leadership ultimately carried the day. His MVP performance, punctuated by timely baskets and smart playmaking, was a testament to his growth as both an entertainer and an athlete.
“I need her to shoot 20 more shots!” Brandon Ingram joked during a halftime pep talk for GloRilla, highlighting the camaraderie and good-natured ribbing that defines the Celebrity Game.
For Flynn, the back-to-back MVP awards are more than just trophies—they’re validation of his hard work and passion for the game. Whether dazzling audiences on television or dazzling fans on the court, Flynn continues to break new ground. His journey from Illinois to Hollywood to the NBA’s brightest celebrity stage is a testament to versatility and determination.
As the final buzzer sounded, The Forum’s crowd erupted in applause, celebrating a night that blended nostalgia, pop culture, and pure basketball joy. With the NBA All-Star Weekend just getting started, fans can expect even more thrills as the Rising Stars event tips off at the Intuit Dome. For now, though, Rome Flynn stands atop the celebrity basketball world, MVP trophy in hand, and a smile that says it all.
Basketball may have left The Forum decades ago, but for one unforgettable night, it was back—and it was spectacular.