The NBA All-Star Weekend commenced with an exciting Rising Stars event featuring first- and second-year players, along with a G League representative. The tournament introduced a twist where the winning team advances to participate in the All-Star Game on Sunday. Team Candace, co-coached by Chris Mullin and led by standout player Amen Thompson, showcased impressive chemistry and skill, defeating Team G League in the semifinals.

Stephon Castle was the standout player of the night, earning MVP honors for his performance. He scored nearly half of Team C's points in the final game, showcasing his playmaking ability and scoring prowess. Meanwhile, notable performances from other players like Ryan Dunn and Zach Edey highlighted the depth of talent present in the Rising Stars event. With the new four-team format and the anticipation of events to come, including the dunk contest and skills challenge, All-Star Weekend is shaping up to be a thrilling showcase of young talent.