Actor Rome Flynn made NBA All-Star history Friday night, becoming only the third person to win back-to-back Celebrity Game MVP awards as Team Giannis defeated Team Anthony 65-58 in Los Angeles. The 32-year-old actor and model scored 17 points with 4 assists, but was overshadowed statistically by teammate Tacko Fall, who put up a monster 20 points, 21 rebounds, and 5 blocks.
Flynn joins an exclusive club with Kevin Hart (2012-2014) and Terrell Owens (2008-2009) as the only back-to-back Celebrity Game MVPs in the event’s history. The win came down to clutch shooting from former NBA player Jeremy Lin, who knocked down a crucial eight-point shot late in the fourth quarter to seal the victory.
Team Anthony kept it close throughout, leading for most of the game. Los Angeles Chargers wide receiver Keenan Allen led all scorers with 18 points, while singer Adrien Nunez added 13 points in the losing effort.
Fast Facts:
- Final Score: Team Giannis 65, Team Anthony 58
- Rome Flynn stats: 17 points, 4 assists (2nd straight MVP)
- Tacko Fall stats: 20 points, 21 rebounds, 5 blocks (Team Giannis)
- Keenan Allen stats: 18 points (Team Anthony, game-high scorer)
- Jeremy Lin stats: 12 points, 15 rebounds, game-clinching 8-point shot
- Historic achievement: Flynn joins Kevin Hart and Terrell Owens as only 3-time or back-to-back winners
The celebrity roster mixed Hollywood stars like Keegan-Michael Key and Marvel’s Simu Liu with sports legends including Jeremy Lin, Brazilian soccer icon Cafu, and Olympic sprinter Andre De Grasse. Rappers GloRilla and Badshah made their Celebrity Game debuts, while Shams Charania—ESPN’s NBA insider—traded his reporter’s notebook for a jersey.
The game featured special in-game rules that added excitement, though Team Giannis’s size advantage proved decisive. With the towering 7’6″ Tacko Fall protecting the rim and the crafty Jeremy Lin running the offense, Team Giannis controlled the paint and pulled away in the final quarter.
Why It Matters
The Celebrity Game has evolved from celebrity sideshow to legitimate entertainment spectacle. Flynn’s dominance over two consecutive years proves he’s not just a Hollywood actor playing basketball—he’s genuinely skilled enough to compete with former professional athletes and elite amateur players.
The event also showcased the NBA’s global reach, featuring Indian rapper Badshah, Chinese actor Dylan Wang, and Brazilian legend Cafu alongside American entertainers. With Phoenix Suns owner Mat Ishbia and Rick Schnall (businessman) participating, the game blurred lines between ownership, celebrity, and competition.
For Flynn, winning MVP twice cements his status as the most accomplished actor-athlete in All-Star Celebrity Game history—a title that carries bragging rights across both Hollywood and the basketball world.
Evan Cole Editor-in-Chief | Breaking News & Public Policy
“From Washington to Wall Street, and Main Street to Hollywood—Evan Cole connects the dots.”
As the Editor-in-Chief at Newskilo, Evan leads a dynamic team of journalists dedicated to uncovering the truth behind the headlines. With over 15 years in digital media, Evan has a reputation for cutting through the noise.
While he is widely recognized for his deep analysis of U.S. fiscal policy (IRS & Stimulus), Evan’s expertise extends to global current events, corporate accountability, and cultural trends. Whether he is breaking down a complex government bill, exposing a tech giant’s failure, or analyzing the societal impact of a viral celebrity moment, Evan’s goal is simple: To tell the stories that shape our world with clarity, accuracy, and integrity.