{"id":603257,"date":"2026-02-14T19:22:39","date_gmt":"2026-02-14T19:22:39","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.rawchili.com\/nba\/603257\/"},"modified":"2026-02-14T19:22:39","modified_gmt":"2026-02-14T19:22:39","slug":"starting-5-feb-14-all-star-saturday-awaits-edgecombe-takes-over-in-castrol-rising-stars","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.rawchili.com\/nba\/603257\/","title":{"rendered":"Starting 5, Feb. 14: All-Star Saturday awaits, Edgecombe takes over in Castrol Rising Stars"},"content":{"rendered":"

<\/p>\n

The highest-flying event in hoops caps one of the best nights on the NBA calendar.<\/p>\n

All-Star Saturday<\/a> is here, with three action-packed events starting at 5 ET (NBC & Peacock) at LA\u2019s Intuit Dome.<\/p>\n

Peep the lineup, in order, below:<\/p>\n

State Farm 3-Point Contest
\nKia Shooting Stars
\nAT&T Slam Dunk<\/p>\n

\"Jase<\/p>\n

5 STORIES IN TODAY\u2019S EDITION \ud83c\udfc0<\/p>\n

Feb. 14, 2026<\/p>\n

AT&T Slam Dunk: Four young flyers look to leave their mark on a timeless All-Star stage<\/p>\n

State Farm 3-Point Contest: One winning reason for each of the eight participants to take the trophy<\/p>\n

Kia Shooting Stars: Teammates, classmates, family. Which team\u2019s connection claims victory?<\/p>\n

Castrol Rising Stars: Edgecombe earns MVP with 2 winners and 1 takeover as Team Vince takes title<\/p>\n

Ruffles Celebrity Game: Rome Flynn & Tacko Fall ball, Lin sinks 8-pointer as Team Giannis dubs<\/p>\n

BUT FIRST \u2026 \u23f0<\/p>\n

Shining bright in Los Angeles\u2026<\/p>\n

\"NBA<\/p>\n

All-Star Saturday (5 ET, NBC & Peacock) tips off tonight at Intuit Dome with the State Farm 3-Point Contest, followed by Kia Shooting Stars. The night closes with the always-electric AT&T Slam Dunk.<\/p>\n

NBA All-Star Media Day presented by AT&T also takes place today (2 ET, NBA App & NBA TV), before NBA Commissioner Adam Silver\u2019s news conference (4 ET, NBA App & NBA TV).<\/p>\n

The 75th NBA All-Star Game tips off Sunday (5 ET, NBC & Peacock), capping All-Star Weekend in Los Angeles with a new U.S. vs. World format. See the full All-Star Game rosters here<\/a>.<\/p>\n

Chris Paul Retires: 12-time All-Star Chris Paul, who ranks 2nd on both the all-time assists and steals lists, has announced he is stepping away from basketball<\/a> after 21 seasons.<\/p>\n

Silver Honors Paul: Commissioner Adam Silver congratulated Paul on his storied career in a statement yesterday<\/a>, praising his talent, work ethic and his role as a former president of the National Basketball Players Association
\nPaul\u2019s Extraordinary Journey: \u201cThe tenacious point guard became an NBA legend with a combination of skills, intelligence and determination,\u201d wrote NBA.com\u2019s Shaun Powell<\/a>
\n10 Things On CP3: Learn more about the all-time guard with these 10 interesting facts and stories<\/a> about his life and career<\/p>\n

\u00a0<\/p>\n

\"Chris<\/p>\n

Jesse D. Garrabrant\/NBAE via Getty Images<\/p>\n

1. AT&T SLAM DUNK: FOUR FLYERS, FOUR DREAMS, ONE STAGE<\/p>\n

\"AT&T<\/p>\n

From the moment hoopers around the world first run their fingers across a basketball and look up at the rim, few things in all of sports hold the same mystique as one play does.<\/p>\n

The dunk.<\/p>\n

For four decades, AT&T Slam Dunk has turned that dream into a spectacle, blending power, athleticism and imagination into timeless moments \u2013 from Jordan\u2019s free-throw line flyover to Vince\u2019s \u201cit\u2019s over.\u201d<\/p>\n

Tonight during All-Star Saturday (5 ET, NBC & Peacock), the contest is set to crown a first-time champion, with four new participants looking to write their name into NBA history.<\/p>\n

In the case of one dunker, tonight\u2019s contest may reach back \u2013 and forward \u2013 at the same time.<\/p>\n

The First Year: Jase Richardson first dunked at 13. Now, the Magic rookie brings a 38-inch vertical, and a familiar last name, to All-Star Saturday
\nThe Former Champ: Jase\u2019s father, Jason, once ruled this stage, winning back-to-back Slam Dunk titles in 2002 and \u201803 with two timeless performances<\/a>
\nThe Stakes: A win tonight for Jase would make them the first father-son duo in NBA history to each win the Slam Dunk contest, with dad now helping from below the rim
\n\u201cIt\u2019s like the first time in 20 years he\u2019s actually listening to what I had to say when it comes to basketball,\u201d Jason joked. \u201cSo it\u2019s actually pretty cool that he is asking me questions, coming up with a game plan.\u201d<\/p>\n

\"Keshad<\/p>\n

Jase wasn\u2019t yet born when his father ruled AT&T Slam Dunk, but he grew up watching the event, and re-living the moments that defined it.<\/p>\n

\u201cI remember watching the 2016 dunk contest, and I was just in awe,\u201d Jase said. \u201cI think somebody else who really stood out to me was Vince Carter\u2026 I feel like his dunk contest will always be special.\u201d<\/p>\n

For fellow contestants Jaxson Hayes and Carter Bryant \u2013 two other high-flyers making their first appearance \u2013 the dunk contest has lived in their imagination long before becoming reality.<\/p>\n

\u201cI\u2019ve always dreamed of being in the dunk contest,\u201d said Hayes. \u201cThat\u2019s something you do as a kid. I mean, obviously, like making it to the NBA, being an All-Star and stuff like that. But for me, I was always big into the dunk contest.\u201d
\n\u201cAs a kid, you always dream of being in a dunk contest,\u201d added Bryant. \u201cYou see Mike walking out with the two chains and scrunch socks, and young Kobe flexing at the crowd\u2026
\n\u201cIt\u2019s something the greats did, my favorite players, and now I get to do it too.\u201d<\/p>\n

\"AT&T<\/p>\n

Rounding out the field is Miami\u2019s Keshad Johnson, whose leaping ability turned heads long before<\/a> All-Star Saturday.<\/p>\n

Heat coach Erik Spoelstra expects he\u2019ll pair that athleticism with some above-the-rim creativity.<\/p>\n

\u201cWe see it after practices, some of these dunks he does,\u201d said Spoelstra of Johnson. \u201cHe can take off from the right inside the free-throw line. He can do a lot of trick dunks.\u201d<\/p>\n

Who will soar highest tonight?<\/p>\n

2. STATE FARM 3-POINT CONTEST: MAKING THE CASE FOR ALL 8 SHARPSHOOTERS<\/p>\n

\"State<\/p>\n

But before AT&T Slam Dunk closes the door on All-Star Saturday, another iconic event gets the party started.<\/p>\n

And while the former features a new field, State Farm 3-Point Contest (5 ET, NBC & Peacock) brings together a range of contestants battling for the crown \u2014 from rookies & first-timers, to multi-time All-Stars and previous 3-Point Contest champs.<\/p>\n

Here\u2019s a shooting fact for each competitor that could decide the night:<\/p>\n

Tyrese Maxey: Ty has taken the most clutch 3s of the group (28), matching Jamal Murray with eight makes. Don\u2019t be surprised to see him step back \u2013 he also leads the league this season with 148 deep 3s (25-29 feet).<\/p>\n

Donovan Mitchell: Spida leads the NBA with 185 made 3s this season, knocking down a career-best 3.6 per game at a 37.6% clip.<\/p>\n

Norman Powell: Powell could thrive in the 3-Point format as he leads this field with a 50.6 3P% when wide open (closest defender: 6+ feet away).<\/p>\n

\"Jamal<\/p>\n

Jamal Murray: The Nuggets All-Star has the best unassisted 3P% (46.2) among these competitors, which could provide an edge when getting the ball from a rack instead of a teammate.<\/p>\n

Devin Booker: Book is one of three participants from a top-10 3-point team (804 total 3s). Similar to Powell and Murray, the 2018 contest champ could have an advantage in the unique mechanics of shooting in this event.<\/p>\n

\u201cI can shoot off the rack pretty good,\u201d Booker said this week.<\/p>\n

Kon Knueppel: The rookie sensation is just two makes behind Mitchell for most 3s this season (183) and reached 100 career 3s faster than any player in NBA history. He also leads the field in catch-and-shoot 3s per game (2.5).<\/p>\n

Bobby Portis: The Bucks spark plug leads this group in overall 3P% (45.1) and not from a smaller sample, as he\u2019s taken 215 triples this season.<\/p>\n

Damian Lillard: The two-time event champ is back to attempt a record-tying 3rd contest win<\/a> despite missing this season while recovering from an Achilles injury. Only two players have ever won the competition three times: Craig Hodges and Larry Bird.<\/p>\n

Who sets themself apart as the supreme shooter tonight?<\/p>\n

3. KIA SHOOTING STARS: WHO HAS THE WINNING CONNECTION?<\/p>\n

\"Kia<\/p>\n

All-Star Saturday\u2019s second contest brings basketball back to its playground roots like no other event.<\/p>\n

Here\u2019s how Kia Shooting Stars\u2019 four teams \u2013 featuring current players and league legends, connected by All-Star teams, NBA cities, alma maters and family trees \u2013\u00a0can capture the crown:<\/p>\n

Seven Shot Series: In the opening round, each team will take a turn advancing through seven designated shooting spots on the floor with 1:10 on the clock
\nThe Money Maker: The final shooting spot, Shot No. 7, is a \u201clogo-3\u201d worth 4 points, with teams able to rack up as many makes there as possible before time expires
\nFor The Title: The two teams with the top first round scores advance to the championship round<\/p>\n

\"Kia<\/p>\n

So which team has the edge?<\/p>\n

Team All-Star: All-Star Scottie Barnes sees no drop in FG% when moving out from 5-9 feet (42.6%) to 15-19 feet (50.8%), while Team USA Stars teammate Chet Holmgren (40.2%) and legend Rip Hamilton can shine from beyond 25 feet.<\/p>\n

Team Cameron: Blue Devil faithful will look to 3-Point Contest contender Kon Knueppel to lead this squad featuring legend Corey Maggette, but first-time All-Star Jalen Johnson holds his own, shooting above 41% from all spots inside 19 feet.<\/p>\n

Team Harper: NBA.com\u2019s Steve Aschburner gives Ron and his sons Dylan and Ron Jr.<\/a> the advantage tonight, noting the chemistry they\u2019ve built \u201cin driveways, playgrounds and gyms<\/a> for most of the past two decades.\u201d<\/p>\n

Team Knicks: Teammates and All-Stars Jalen Brunson and Karl-Anthony Towns, along with legend Allan Houston, are the NBA.com writers\u2019 consensus pick<\/a> to win tonight.<\/p>\n

Why? Brunson\u2019s clutch gene (reigning Kia Clutch POY), Towns\u2019 long-range prowess (he makes at least 1\/3 of his shots from any spot), and Houston\u2019s 2012 Shooting Stars victory.<\/p>\n

So will it be the family, college or teammate connection that wins the day?<\/p>\n

4. CASTROL RISING STARS: EDGECOMBE SHINES AS TEAM VINCE TAKES TITLE<\/p>\n

\"VJ<\/p>\n

Two single-elimination semifinals. One championship. One winner.<\/p>\n

Friday\u2019s Castrol Rising Stars format was simple. The league\u2019s future stars made it special.<\/p>\n

It started with a brother-on-brother winner.<\/p>\n

Team Melo 40, Team Austin 34: In the opening semifinal, Carmelo Anthony\u2019s squad closed on a 14-4 run to top Austin Rivers\u2019 G League standouts in style.<\/p>\n

Reed Sheppard (9 pts, 3 3s) sparked the swing with back-to-back treys, before Spurs rookie Dylan Harper finished it, dancing on his older brother and Kia Shooting Stars teammate, Ron Jr., to hit the target score of 40 with a clean game-winning fadeaway<\/a>.<\/p>\n

Sophomore Shine: Donovan Clingan added 9 points for Team Melo, while last year\u2019s Castrol Rising Stars MVP, Stephon Castle, posted 6 points and 5 dimes<\/p>\n

\"Dylan<\/p>\n

Vince Carter\u2019s squad also punched their ticket with a closing surge \u2013 but this one came from one man: VJ.<\/p>\n

Team Vince 41, Team T-Mac 36: Up 31-29, Edgecombe erupted for his team\u2019s final 10 points, sinking back-to-back triples and a soaring driving layup before calling game with a stepback dagger<\/a>.<\/p>\n

Go VJ: Edgecombe, ranked 3rd on the Kia Rookie Ladder, finished with 17 points and 5 boards, while Cavs sophomore Jaylon Tyson led Team T-Mac (10 pts, 5 reb, 2 ast)
\nClutch Gene: Edgecombe\u2019s takeover included a 3-of-4 mark from deep, continuing a season-long trend as he\u2019s shooting 54.5% from 3 this season in the clutch
\nHis Postgame Mindset? \u201cI\u2019m trying to win.\u201d<\/p>\n

\"VJ<\/p>\n

He wasn\u2019t lying, and he wasn\u2019t done.<\/p>\n

Team Vince 25, Team Melo 24: In the first-to-25, winner-take-all championship, it was Edgecombe who said goodnight, flying through the paint for a putback layup to give Team Vince a 23-22 lead, then hitting two pressure-packed free throws to claim the crown. | Recap<\/a><\/p>\n

The Edge: Edgecombe led Team Vince with 6 points, 2 boards and 1 steal, finishing the night with 23 of his squad\u2019s 66 total points (34.8%) and the Castrol Rising Stars MVP
\nThe Promise: \u201cI told Vince when he picked me we were gonna win it,\u201d said Edgecombe on the win. \u201cAnd shoutout to my teammates.\u201d<\/p>\n

\"\"<\/p>\n

The Teammates: Matas Buzelis (10) and Jaylen Wells (10) combined for 20 points across both games, rookie Derik Queen led the squad in rebounds and AT&T Slam Dunk contestant Carter Bryant added 5 points in the championship.<\/p>\n

The Coach: As For Vince? The win was about what\u2019s to come
\n\u201cWe wanted to set the tone for the weekend,\u201d said Carter on what he told his players. \u201cAnd show everyone what they have, for the opportunity to play on All-Star Sunday sometime.\u201d<\/p>\n

5. RUFFLES CELEBRITY GAME: FLYNN, FALL & LIN LIFT TEAM GIANNIS
\n\"Jeremy<\/p>\n

Stephen Gosling\/NBAE via Getty Images<\/p>\n

An 8-point dagger? Linsanity!<\/p>\n

NBA All-Star 2026 opened with the Ruffles Celebrity Game, which had it all, from mascot half-court traps to a back-to-back MVP.<\/p>\n

Team Giannis 65, Team Anthony 58: With Giannis Antetokounmpo manning the sideline, Emmy-winning actor Rome Flynn got hot late, nailing three 3s en route to 17 points and his second straight MVP to lead Team Giannis past Anthony Anderson\u2019s squad in a run full of stars. | Recap<\/a><\/p>\n

Flynn & Fall Showtime: Tacko Fall (20 pts, 21 reb) was also balling for Team Giannis, as he threw down a 360 slam, before Flynn found him for an off-the-backboard oop<\/a>
\nLin\u2019s 8-Pointer: Jeremy Lin hit the night\u2019s biggest shot<\/a>, splashing from beyond the Ruffles 4-point line during Team Giannis\u2019 Double Time, where each bucket is worth 2x, to balloon a 2-point lead to 10 with 2:36 left
\nThe Double Time? Activated by Giannis: \u201cI just coach and the players play,\u201d he said on the decisive swing. \u201cBut it was definitely [me].\u201d<\/p>\n

\"Tacko<\/p>\n

The celebs went all out, and had fun doing it, from GloRilla and Taylor Frankie Paul hitting the deck<\/a>\u00a0to Chargers star wideout Keenan Allen showing off his athleticism<\/a>.<\/p>\n

Major Key: Actor and comedian Keegan-Michael Key brought the juice<\/a> in pregame intros
\n\u201cThat\u2019s our ball!\u201d: Allen had jokes too<\/a>, referencing a former viral clip from another LA superstar
\nPacked House: Rapper 2 Chainz soaked in the action courtside (and showed off his handles<\/a>), while NBA All-Star Brandon Ingram showed love for GloRilla, even delivering a halftime pep talk<\/a>
\nFamily Time: Giannis turned the bench into a family affair<\/a>, adding some smaller \u201cassistant coaches\u201d to his staff<\/p>\n