Team Giannis Edges Team Anthony in Thrilling LA Showdown

The 2026 Ruffles NBA All-Star Celebrity Game delivered a slam-dunk spectacle Friday night at the Kia Forum, with Team Giannis Antetokounmpo rallying for a 65-58 victory over Team Anthony Anderson in a high-energy affair packed with viral moments, athletic feats and star power.

Former NBA center Tacko Fall stole the show, posting a historic 20 points and 20 rebounds en route to MVP honors, while Jason “White Chocolate” Williams dazzled with vintage handles and GloRilla brought infectious energy. The win caps a star-studded All-Star Weekend kickoff, setting the stage for Saturday’s Skills Challenge and Sunday’s marquee game.

Epic comeback: Team Giannis overcomes halftime deficit

Trailing by 10 at halftime (42-32), Team Giannis flipped the script in the second half behind Fall’s paint dominance and Rome Flynn’s sharpshooting. A 20-5 third-quarter run tied it at 55, and clutch plays sealed the seven-point triumph.

Quarter scores:

Special rules — including 4-point shots and halftime K-pop act — amped excitement at the Kia Forum.

Tacko Fall’s 20-20 monster game cements MVP legacy

At 7-foot-6, Fall owned the glass with 20 rebounds, 20 points, 4 blocks and thunderous dunks, including a reverse alley-oop from Rome Flynn. “Tacko Time” chants echoed as he swatted shots and posterized defenders, earning unanimous MVP nods.​

Fall: “This crowd energy is unreal. Playing with these stars — dream come true.” His stat line echoes Wilt Chamberlain lore, fitting All-Star flair.​

Standout performers light up Kia Forum

Team Giannis (65):

• Tacko Fall: 20 pts, 20 reb, 4 blk (MVP)​
• Rome Flynn: 22 pts (multiple 3s)​
• Shams Charania: 8 pts (deep 8-footer attempt viral)
• Jeremy Lin: Veteran savvy, alley-oops
• Keegan-Michael Key: Hustle, laughs

Team Anthony (58):

• Keenan Allen: Defensive stops, 12 pts​
• GloRilla: High-energy, rebounds​
• Jason Williams: Flashy handles, assists
• Simu Liu: Athletic dunks​
• Mustard: Production flair

Coaches Giannis Antetokounmpo/Thanasis and Anthony Anderson/Mookie Betts added sideline antics.

Viral moments steal the show

• Fall’s reverse alley-oop: Flynn-to-Fall poster electrified crowd.​
• Shams’ deep bomb: ESPN insider’s 8-footer attempt meme gold.
• Williams’ no-look passes: White Chocolate vintage delights.
• GloRilla hustle: Rapper’s rebounds, energy ignite fans.​
• Halftime K-pop: First-ever act hyped intermission.

7 p.m. ET tipoff streamed on ESPN, Disney+ (Philippines).

Rosters packed with NBA stars, celebs, influencers

Team Giannis:

• Keegan-Michael Key (actor)
• Rome Flynn (actor/model)
• Dylan Wang (actor/singer)
• Shams Charania (ESPN)
• Jenna Bandy (creator)
• Rick Schnall (businessman)
• Tacko Fall (CBA/NBA alum)
• Jeremy Lin (NBA alum)

Team Anthony:

• Simu Liu (actor)
• Cody Jones (creator)
• Badshah (rapper)
• Andre de Grasse (sprinter)
• Taylor Frankie Paul (TV star)
• Mat Ishbia (Suns owner)
• Jason Williams (NBA alum)
• Nicolas Vansteenberghe (TV star)
• Mustard (producer)
• Adrien Nunez (influencer)
• Keenan Allen (Chargers WR)

Coaches: Giannis/Thanasis Antetokounmpo vs. Anthony Anderson/Mookie Betts.

All-Star Weekend schedule heats up

Saturday, Feb. 14:

• 4 p.m. ET: Adam Silver presser
• Skills, 3-Point, Dunk contests

Sunday, Feb. 15:

• Rising Stars, All-Star Game at Intuit Dome

Celebrity game sets festive tone for LA weekend.

Fan reactions: Tacko MVP, viral dunks dominate

Social exploded: #CelebrityGameMVP trended with 500K+ mentions; Fall’s dunks garnered 10M views. “Tacko owns LA!” trended; Williams’ handles nostalgic hit.

Game’s competitive edge — Fall’s blocks, Flynn’s 3s — elevated beyond exhibitions.​

Legacy: Tacko cements icon status

Fall’s double-double joins Chamberlain rarities in celeb lore; Lin/Williams add gravitas. Game’s new format, halftime K-pop innovates tradition.

2026 Celebrity Game — Fall’s dominance, Giannis’ win — perfect All-Star appetizer, LA shining.