Team Vince captured the 2026 Castrol Rising Stars Championship during All-Star Weekend in Los Angeles, defeating Team Melo 25-24 in a dramatic “next bucket wins” finish. 76ers rookie VJ Edgecombe earned Rising Stars MVP honors, scoring 17 points in the semifinal and adding 6 in the championship, including the game-winning free throws to seal the title.
In the opening semifinal, Team Melo defeated Team Austin (G League Stars) 40-34 behind a late 12-2 run sparked by back-to-back three-pointers from Reed Sheppard. Donovan Clingan and Sheppard led Team Melo with nine points each, while Yanic Konan Niederhäuser and Yang Hansen combined for 21 points for Team Austin.
The second semifinal saw Team Vince rally past Team T-Mac 41-36 after closing on a decisive 10-0 run. Edgecombe scored his team’s final 10 points, finishing with 17 on efficient shooting, while Jaylon Tyson paced Team T-Mac with 10 points and five rebounds.
The championship delivered a thrilling finish as Stephon Castle tipped in a late basket before Edgecombe calmly knocked down the deciding free throws, securing the Rising Stars crown and MVP honors in one of the standout showcases of All-Star 2026.
0:00 Game 1: Team Melo vs. Team Austin
5:08 Game 2: Team T-Mac vs. Team Vince
11:16 CHAMPIONSHIP: Team Melo vs Team Vince
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