2026 NBA All-Star Weekend: Day One Delivers Fireworks, From Rising Stars to 3-Point Splashdowns
The NBA’s brightest young talent and biggest personalities kicked off All-Star Weekend with a bang at the Intuit Dome in Los Angeles. From a rookie lighting it up in the 3-Point Contest to a jaw-dropping finish in the HBCU Classic, Friday and Saturday’s early events brought the kind of energy fans crave - and set the stage for what could be a memorable All-Star Sunday.
🔥 3-Point Contest: Kon Knueppel Comes Out Firing
Hornets rookie Kon Knueppel didn’t waste any time making his mark. First up in the 3-Point Contest, Knueppel drained his final three money balls to post a strong 27-point round - setting the early tone and showing poise well beyond his years.
Knueppel’s smooth stroke and confidence under the bright lights gave the crowd something to buzz about. If he can keep that pace, he’s got a real shot at history: no rookie has ever won the 3-Point Contest since its inception in 1986.
This year’s field is stacked with shooters, including Bucks forward Bobby Portis Jr., who leads the group with a blistering 45.6% from deep, and Jamal Murray of the Nuggets, matching Knueppel’s 42.8%. Other contenders include Norman Powell (Heat), Tyrese Maxey (Sixers), and Donovan Mitchell (Cavaliers), while Devin Booker and Damian Lillard bring championship pedigree to the event.
Lillard, despite missing the season with a torn Achilles, is back in the mix after winning the contest in 2023 and 2024. Booker, the 2018 champ, is looking to rediscover his rhythm from beyond the arc.
The format remains classic: a 70-second round, five racks, and a chance to advance to the final with one hot stretch. The top three scores from round one move on, and from there, it’s all about who gets hot at the right time.
🌟 Rising Stars: VJ Edgecombe Steals the Show
Friday night’s Rising Stars mini-tournament delivered the drama, capped by VJ Edgecombe putting on a performance that stamped his name in All-Star Weekend lore.
The Sixers rookie exploded for 17 points in the semifinal and added six more in the final, including the game-winning bucket to lift Team Vince over Team Melo 25-24 in a “next bucket wins” thriller.
Edgecombe’s semifinal heroics against Team T-Mac were even more impressive. He scored the final 10 points in a 41-36 comeback, finishing it off with a cold-blooded step-back jumper over Cam Spencer of the Grizzlies. That’s the kind of takeover moment that separates future stars from the rest.
But the night’s most electric highlight? A family showdown between Dylan Harper and his older brother **Ron Harper Jr.
**. With the game on the line, Dylan sized up his big bro, hit him with a slick dribble combo, and buried the game-winner to send Team Melo to the final.
It was a moment made for social media - and it didn’t disappoint.
🎭 All-Star Celebrity Game: Tacko Dominates, Shams... Not So Much
The Celebrity Game was its usual blend of chaos, fun, and a few surprisingly serious performances.
Rome Flynn, the reigning MVP, showed he’s no fluke - dropping 17 points and four assists to lead Team Giannis to a 65-58 win over Team Anthony. But the true stat-sheet stuffer of the night was Tacko Fall, who delivered a monster double-double: 20 points, 21 rebounds, and five blocks. The former Celtics big man, now playing in China, reminded everyone that size still matters - even in a game where defense is optional.
On the flip side, ESPN insider Shams Charania had a night to forget. He finished with a clean sweep of zeroes across the board: 0 points, 0 rebounds, 0 assists, and five turnovers. It was the kind of performance that’ll earn you a meme or two - and maybe a gentle reminder to stick to breaking news.
The sidelines were just as entertaining, with Giannis Antetokounmpo, sidelined from Sunday’s game due to injury, coaching alongside brothers Thanasis and Alex. Actor Anthony Anderson helmed the opposing bench, bringing his usual energy and flair.
🎓 HBCU Classic: A Wild Finish at the Dome
Friday also featured one of the weekend’s most underrated gems - the HBCU Classic, which delivered a dramatic finish worthy of the spotlight.
North Carolina A&T’s Trent Middleton Jr. came up clutch, converting a tough and-one layup in the final seconds to complete a comeback win over Hampton University. It was a moment of pure emotion, as Middleton absorbed contact and still finished at the rim to give his team the lead.
Jalyke Gaines-Wyatt nearly played hero for Hampton, but his floater at the buzzer danced on the rim before falling out - a heartbreak finish to a tightly contested battle.
What’s Next
With the 3-Point Contest heating up and the Slam Dunk Contest still to come, Saturday night is just getting started. And if the first 24 hours of All-Star Weekend are any indication, we’re in for a few more unforgettable moments before the final buzzer sounds on Sunday.