INGLEWOOD, Calif. — The opening night time of the 2026 NBA All-Star weekend is within the books. Workforce Vince, coached by Vince Carter, defeated Workforce Melo, coached by Carmelo Anthony, within the NBA Rising Star Problem title recreation behind a standout efficiency from VJ Edgecombe. The 76ers star guard was named MVP of the occasion.

This marked the fifth consecutive 12 months that the highest rookies, sophomores and G League gamers had been cut up into completely different groups throughout the four-team occasion. The primary workforce to 40 factors within the semifinals superior to the title recreation, whereas the primary to 25 factors captured the championship. 

Edgecombe scored the game-winning free throw to present Workforce Vince bragging rights. Workforce Melo superior to the title recreation after Dylan Harper, the No. 2 general decide from the 2025 NBA Draft, knocked down a mid-range jumper over older brother, Ron Harper Jr.

Edgecombe scored essentially the most factors of any participant within the semifinals. He completed with 17 factors and 6 rebounds throughout Workforce Vince’s win over Workforce T-Mac, coached by Tracy McGrady. Egdecombe, the No. 3 general decide in final 12 months’s draft, has been one of many largest stars amongst all first-year gamers.

Listed below are the largest winners and losers from the opening night time of NBA All-Star weekend.

Winner: Edgecombe steals the present

Edgecombe may not be collaborating in tomorrow’s dunk contest — though he needs to be, and would have likelihood of profitable the occasion. Edgecombe did ball out within the Rising Stars Problem. The 76ers star scored 17 factors within the semifinals and 6 within the title recreation. Edgecombe’s play model as a high-flyer made him an ideal candidate to have a standout efficiency. It was applicable that he received the ultimate shot to ship his workforce to the championship recreation.

Loser: Followers miss out on watching Flagg

Lower than 24 hours earlier than the Rising Stars Problem, Flagg was dominated out as a result of a mid-foot sprain. Flagg, the No. 1 decide from the 2025 NBA Draft, has been placing up video game-like numbers as of late. He turned the primary teenager in NBA historical past to file back-to-back 30-point double-doubles final month. He additionally scored 49 factors towards the Hornets, which was essentially the most by a youngster in NBA historical past. It should not be lengthy earlier than followers get to observe play Flagg play on the ultimate day of the occasion — the precise All-Star Sport. It would not be shocking if that occurs as quickly as subsequent season.

Winner: Yang Hansen shines in opening recreation

One of many largest stars of the primary semifinal recreation of the night time was Yang Hansen. The No. 16 general decide within the 2025 NBA Draft got here off the bench and scored 10 factors for Workforce Austin that was coached by Austin Rivers. Contemplating that Hansen is averaging simply 7.5 minutes per recreation in his rookie season with Portland, this was the form of efficiency that he might construct upon within the the rest of the season.

Loser: Ron Harper Jr. provides up game-winner to youthful brother 

One of many high storylines of the primary recreation of the night between Workforce Melo and Workforce Austin was the battle between the Harper brothers. Ron Harper Jr., on the Maine Celtics, needed to guard his child brother, Dylan Harper of the San Antonio Spurs, on what can be the ultimate possession of the sport. The youthful brother will likely be incomes bragging rights in his family, as Dylan knocked down a go-ahead jumper to ship Workforce Melo to the title recreation.

Winner: The format works

The four-team Rising Stars format ought to keep a fixture of All-Star weekend. Positive, a number of elements of NBA All-Star want an overhaul, however all three video games Friday night time had been aggressive, enjoyable and had star energy. That is precisely what you want in an occasion like this. Edgecombe mentioned it finest when getting interviewed by an in-arena reporter. He mentioned he needed to win the occasion. Clearly, Edgecombe and others took satisfaction on this recreation. It was refreshing to observe.

Loser: Title recreation ends in not-so-dramatic vogue

Whereas the Rising Stars title recreation was stuffed with leisure, the ending was not so dramatic. On the ultimate offensive possession, Edgecombe received fouled attempting to attain on the rim. Edgecombe proceeded to knock down each free throws to present his workforce a 25-24 win. You hate to see a recreation as aggressive as that one finish with out somebody scoring a subject aim.