V.J. Edgecombe Steals the Show at Rising Stars Challenge with Clutch Heroics and MVP Performance
INGLEWOOD, Calif. - If the NBA’s brightest stars were watching Friday night, they got a front-row seat to the league’s future - and V.J. Edgecombe made sure they took notice.
In a night built for highlights and breakout performances, it was the 76ers rookie who rose above the rest, delivering not one, but two game-winners to lead Team Vince to the Rising Stars title. Edgecombe’s fearless scoring and cool demeanor under pressure earned him MVP honors - and rightfully so.
He opened his night with a 17-point explosion in the first game, including a personal 10-0 run that flipped the momentum and set the tone for what was to come. Then, when the championship game came down to the wire, it was Edgecombe again who stepped to the line and calmly knocked down the free throws to seal a 25-24 win over Team Melo.
“My teammates were swinging the rock,” Edgecombe said postgame. “They were finding me, and I just made the shots.”
Simple words, but behind them was a performance that felt anything but routine. Edgecombe didn’t just knock down shots - he owned the moment. And when asked about the pressure of sinking the final free throws?
“No pressure,” he said with a shrug. “Free throws, man. I just try to be dogged and focused at the line.”
That’s the kind of poise that gets coaches - and fans - excited about what’s next.
Rising Stars Format, Rising Intensity
The Rising Stars Challenge, which features a mini-tournament format with target scores, has often been a casual showcase. But on this night, the energy felt different. The young guys came to compete - and it showed.
In the final, Edgecombe led Team Vince with six points, capping a night where he totaled 23 across both games. But he wasn’t the only one making noise.
Matas Buzelis turned heads with some slick footwork and finishes in traffic, reminding everyone why he’s one of the most intriguing young forwards in the game. His combination of size, touch, and movement is rare - and on a night like this, it popped.
Earlier in the evening, the opening game delivered a bit of family drama. Dylan Harper, playing for Team Melo, went right at his older brother Ron Harper Jr. in crunch time - and hit the game-winner over him.
That’s the kind of backyard bragging rights that last a lifetime. Team Melo took that one 40-34 over Team Austin.
Donovan Clingan and Reed Sheppard both chipped in nine for Team Melo, with Sheppard drilling all three of his shots from deep. The Kentucky product looked comfortable and confident, playing with the kind of rhythm that bodes well for his development.
On the other side, Clippers rookie Yanic Konan Niederhäuser gave the local crowd something to cheer about. The Swiss-born big man dropped 11 points for Team Austin, made up of G-League standouts, and fed off the energy of the fans behind “The Wall” - a raucous section that brought playoff-level noise to a showcase event.
“The Wall was amazing, man,” Niederhäuser said. “Felt so good playing in here, having that energy.”
Edgecombe’s Second Game: A Statement
If the first game was a warm-up, Edgecombe’s second was a statement. He scored the final 10 points for Team Vince in their 41-36 win over Team T-Mac, showcasing his ability to take over when it matters most.
Cleveland’s Jaylon Tyson had a strong showing for Team T-Mac, putting up 10 points and flashing the kind of offensive versatility that’s helped him earn a starting role with the surging Cavaliers. But even his effort couldn’t stop the Edgecombe takeover.
More Than Just a Show
What stood out most wasn’t just the highlights - though there were plenty - but the effort. These weren’t guys jogging through a glorified scrimmage.
They defended. They moved the ball.
They played with pride.
It’s easy to forget amid the flash that these are still competitors, many of whom are fighting for minutes, contracts, and respect. And on this night, the message was clear: the next generation is hungry.
Edgecombe may have walked away with the MVP trophy, but the entire Rising Stars class sent a reminder. The future of the NBA isn’t just coming - it’s already here.
Now, it’s up to the league’s biggest names to match that energy when they take the court Sunday night for the 75th NBA All-Star Game. If they bring half the fire the rookies and sophomores did, we’re in for a show.