LOS ANGELES (Azat TV) – Veteran actor and comedian Anthony Anderson took center stage as a coach during the 2026 NBA All-Star Celebrity Game in Los Angeles, leading “Team Anthony” against “Team Giannis.” While his squad ultimately fell to their rivals in a hard-fought contest, Anderson’s presence was a highlight, marked by his on-court commentary and a memorable, playful post-game interaction involving the Most Valuable Player trophy.
The annual Celebrity Game, a staple of the NBA All-Star Weekend festivities, tipped off Friday, February 13, bringing together an eclectic mix of entertainers, athletes, and media personalities. Anderson, known for his charismatic on-screen presence, helmed a team featuring a diverse roster including actor Simu Liu, musical artists Badshah and Mustard, NFL star Keenan Allen, and former NBA player Jason Williams, among others. His counterpart, “Team Giannis,” was coached by NBA superstar Giannis Antetokounmpo and his brothers, alongside Dodgers star Mookie Betts.
Anthony Anderson Coaches Team Anthony in Los Angeles
Anthony Anderson, mic’d up throughout the game, provided colorful commentary and strategic calls from the sidelines. He was notably heard urging his players to defend the paint vigorously against the towering presence of former NBA player Tacko Fall, who was playing for Team Giannis. Despite Anderson’s tactical efforts and motivational shouts, Team Anthony faced a formidable opponent.
The game featured an array of talent, with current NBA owners Mat Ishbia of the Phoenix Suns and Rick Schnall of the Charlotte Hornets also participating. Ishbia, a former Michigan State player, was part of Team Anthony, while Schnall played for Team Giannis, adding an interesting dynamic to the friendly rivalry. The rosters showcased a blend of professional athletes like NFL receivers Amon-Ra St. Brown and Keenan Allen, alongside music industry figures GloRilla and Mustard, and Hollywood actors Keegan-Michael Key and Simu Liu, as reported by CBS Sports.
Rome Flynn Secures MVP as Team Giannis Takes Victory
The highly anticipated matchup concluded with Team Giannis securing a 65-58 victory over Team Anthony. The contest remained tight, particularly in the later stages when Team Anthony activated a “double time” rule, allowing their baskets to count for twice their value, briefly tying the score at 55 points. However, Rome Flynn, a standout performer for Team Giannis, responded decisively with consecutive three-pointers, helping his team regain control and ultimately clinch the win.
Flynn’s impressive performance, which included pouring in 17 points, earned him MVP honors for the second consecutive year, a testament to his consistent skill in the celebrity exhibition. He had previously claimed the award during the 2025 edition of the game, as highlighted by The Source. Other notable players included former NBA stars Jeremy Lin and Tacko Fall, who played together on Team Giannis, a combination that many observers noted could provide a significant advantage.
Anderson’s Playful Post-Game Antics at Celebrity Event
The entertainment didn’t end with the final buzzer. In a lighthearted moment that encapsulated the spirit of the Celebrity Game, Anthony Anderson, joined by fellow actor Donald Faison, playfully swiped Rome Flynn’s MVP trophy after the awards presentation. The good-natured prank added a memorable, humorous touch to the evening’s proceedings, underscoring the friendly and fun atmosphere of the All-Star event.
Reflecting on the coaching experience, Giannis Antetokounmpo, who secured the win as a first-time coach, shared his thoughts with ESPN’s Monica McNutt, stating, “This is exhausting, this is how coach Doc (Rivers) feels? I just enjoy winning. But it’s definitely hard like, making the subs. Not everybody is going to play. But I think everyone did a good job just playing hard and playing to win.” His comments underscored the unexpected challenges even a seasoned NBA player faces when transitioning to a coaching role, even for an exhibition game.
Anthony Anderson’s prominent role, from his animated coaching to his post-game antics, successfully elevated the entertainment value of the NBA All-Star Celebrity Game, reinforcing its status as a highly anticipated and engaging component of the wider All-Star Weekend festivities.