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Combined summaries and individual breaking-news reports, all in one recency-first feed.
New York Knicks guard Jalen Brunson, teaming with Karl-Anthony Towns and Allan Houston, led Team Knicks to victory in the revived 2026 NBA Shooting Stars competition, scoring 47 points in the final round. Brunson, a member of the younger American All-Stars cohort, showcased his shooting prowess during the All-Star Weekend event.
New York Knicks star Karl-Anthony Towns, alongside Jalen Brunson and Allan Houston, clinched the 2026 NBA Shooting Stars title during All-Star Weekend. Towns, representing the World team due to his Dominican Republic heritage, is set to participate in the All-Star Game, following his success in the revived skills challenge.
Portland Trail Blazers guard Damian Lillard secured his third NBA 3-Point Contest title, tying the record held by Larry Bird and Craig Hodges. At 35 years old and just nine-and-a-half months removed from a ruptured Achilles tendon, Lillard scored 56 points across both rounds, including an impressive 29 in the final. He expressed that his participation was "necessary and needed for the fans" and an "easy call" during his recovery, marking a significant achievement in his return to basketball.
Three-time reigning dunk contest champion Mac McClung (Chicago Bulls) opted not to participate in the 2026 NBA Slam Dunk Contest for "a bunch of reasons," foregoing a chance at an unprecedented fourth title. Despite his absence, McClung revealed four dunks he would have attempted via video, which were described as "more interesting and more impressive" than those performed in the actual competition. His decision opened the door for Keshad Johnson to claim the championship.
Rumors are circulating about LeBron James potentially rejoining the Cleveland Cavaliers after his Los Angeles Lakers deal expires, with Donovan Mitchell expressing he'd welcome the move. Mitchell, who grew up a LeBron fan, stated it would be "special" but his focus is on the current Cavs team. Meanwhile, Luka Doncic confirmed he wouldn't dunk on James in the All-Star Game, Anthony Edwards admitted he "might cry" upon James's retirement, and Victor Wembanyama hopes to "pick the brain" of the superstar. James is the only All-Star holding a Sunday news conference.
Cleveland Cavaliers star Donovan Mitchell stated he would welcome LeBron James back to the team if James's Lakers deal expires, calling it "special" as a fan. However, Mitchell's primary focus remains on winning a championship with the current Cavaliers roster, which recently acquired James Harden, Dennis Schroder, and Keon Ellis. Rumors suggest Mitchell and Harden have already begun recruiting James. Mitchell also participated in the 3-Point Contest, scoring 24 points before elimination, and was challenged by Jaylen Brown to a 1-on-1 competition.
Minnesota Timberwolves star Anthony Edwards offered witty remarks at All-Star Weekend, stating he was ranked "a little low" on a "hottest player" list and humorously named Jaylen Brown as the All-Star he wouldn't want his sister to date. Edwards dismissed the idea of the All-Star Game matching Olympic intensity. He also acknowledged he "might cry a little bit" when LeBron James retires, and when asked about becoming the face of the league, he deferred, saying, "Man, them folks got Wembanyama. They’ll be all right."
Boston Celtics two-way player Ron Harper Jr. had a quiet All-Star Weekend, failing to make a mark in the Rising Stars mini-tournament where he was scoreless (0-5 FG) but grabbed 7 rebounds. He was notably "gamed" by his brother Dylan Harper. Ron Harper Jr. and his father, Ron Harper Sr., also competed on Team Harper in the Kia Shooting Stars competition, alongside Dylan Harper. Their team finished third in the first round with 18 points, failing to advance to the finals.
Los Angeles Lakers center Jaxson Hayes had an "underwhelming showing" in the 2026 NBA Slam Dunk Contest, narrowly missing the finals by one point. His first dunk, a basic slam after a miscalculation, earned the lowest first-round score of 44.6. Hayes improved with a self-toss, between-the-legs dunk for 47.2 points on his second attempt. However, his total of 91.8 points placed him third, preventing him from advancing to the final round won by Keshad Johnson.
Miami Heat's Keshad Johnson, a second-year forward, won the 2026 NBA Slam Dunk Contest at All-Star Weekend in Inglewood, CA. He defeated Carter Bryant in the final, scoring 97.4 points after a 92.8 first round. Johnson, an Oakland native, showcased showmanship, including leaping over rapper E-40. He becomes the third Heat player to win the event. Undrafted in 2024, Johnson averaged 2.9 points and 1.8 rebounds in 37 games for the Heat, having played college at San Diego State and Arizona. He expressed gratitude and encouraged dreaming with "crazy faith."
San Antonio Spurs' Carter Bryant finished as the runner-up in the 2026 AT&T Slam Dunk Contest, losing to Keshad Johnson in the final round. Bryant advanced with 94.8 points in the first round, beating Jaxson Hayes and Jase Richardson. He delivered the only 50-point dunk of the night in the final but scored 93.0 points, falling short of Johnson's 97.4 total. The contest was part of NBA All-Star Weekend in Inglewood, California.
Portland Trail Blazers star Damian Lillard, nine months after surgery for a torn left Achilles tendon, secured his third NBA 3-Point Contest title at All-Star Weekend. This victory ties him with Larry Bird and Craig Hodges for the most wins ever. Lillard, who is not playing this season, scored 27 points in the first round and 29 in the final, defeating Devin Booker and Kon Knueppel. He hopes to return to action for Portland by the start of the 2026-27 campaign, having previously won the contest in 2023 and 2024.
New York Knicks guard Jalen Brunson, alongside Karl-Anthony Towns and NBA legend Allan Houston, led Team Knicks to victory in the 2026 NBA All-Star Shooting Stars event. Team Knicks scored 31 points in the first round and a winning 47 points in the final, defeating Team Cameron (38 points) with a thrilling last-second shot by Brunson. This marks the return of the Shooting Stars event since 2015. Brunson, whose father Rick was the celebrity passer, is also set to play in Sunday's All-Star Game.
San Antonio Spurs big man Victor Wembanyama has publicly vowed to bring a strong competitive spirit to Sunday's upcoming NBA All-Star Game. His statement emphasizes his intent to approach the exhibition game with a serious, winning mindset, setting a determined tone for his participation in the event.
Karl-Anthony Towns led Team Knicks to victory in the final round of the 2026 NBA All-Star Shooting Stars event. Joined by Jalen Brunson and Allan Houston, Towns' squad scored 31 points in the first round to advance. In the final, Team Knicks overcame Team Cameron's 38 points with a dominant 47-point performance, securing the win. Towns contributed significantly, hitting two of the team's five four-point shots during their winning effort.
Phoenix Suns star Devin Booker competed in the 2026 State Farm 3-Point Contest, advancing to the final round. In a competitive showdown, Booker was ultimately defeated by Damian Lillard, who secured his third title. Lillard scored 29 points in the final round, beating Booker by two points. Booker was part of a stacked field of shooters vying for the championship in Los Angeles.
Charlotte Hornets' Kon Knueppel participated in the NBA 3-Point Contest in Los Angeles, entering the event as one of the top favorites. He reached the final round but was ultimately defeated by Damian Lillard, who scored 29 points. Knueppel finished 12 points behind Lillard in the final round, as Lillard claimed his third title. Knueppel was part of a stacked eight-shooter field in the highly competitive contest.
Free agent Haywood Highsmith has officially agreed to a multiyear contract with the Phoenix Suns. His agent, Jerry Dianis, confirmed the agreement to ESPN on Saturday. This strategic signing brings Highsmith to the Suns, bolstering their roster for the upcoming seasons.
San Antonio Spurs guard Dylan Harper recorded eight points (2-5 FG, 2-4 3Pt, 2-2 FT), five rebounds, and one assist across nine minutes in Team Melo's 25-24 loss to Team Vince in the Rising Stars championship game Friday. The 19-year-old led all players in points and tied the game high in rebounds during the final. Earlier, in Team Melo's 40-34 semifinal win over Team Austin, Harper contributed four points (2-5 FG, 0-2 3Pt), one rebound, and one steal, hitting the game-winning jumper over his older brother Ron Harper.
Philadelphia 76ers rookie VJ Edgecombe was named MVP of the NBA Rising Stars Game after leading Team Vince to victory on Friday night. Edgecombe, who was confirmed to the roster earlier, secured the championship win over Team Melo with a pair of free throws, finishing with 6 points (2-5 FG, 0-3 3Pt, 2-2 FT), 2 rebounds, and 1 steal in 9 minutes. He also paced Team Vince in their semifinal win over Team T-Mac, contributing 17 points (6-8 FG, 3-4 3Pt, 2-2 FT), 5 rebounds, and 1 assist in 13 minutes, hitting the game-winning jumper.
