Philadelphia 76ers rookie VJ Edgecombe rose to the occasion as honorary coach Vince Carter’s Team Vince captured the Rising Stars Challenge on Friday night, tipping off festivities at NBA All-Star Weekend.

Edgecombe, already building a reputation as one of the league’s most efficient performers in clutch situations, was named the event’s Most Valuable Player after delivering when it mattered most. The showcase featured three squads of rookies and second-year players alongside a team of G League standouts in a fast-paced mini-tournament format.

In the championship game — a race to 25 points — Team Vince edged Carmelo Anthony’s Team Melo 25-24 in dramatic fashion. After San Antonio Spurs rookie Stephon Castle, the 2025 Rookie of the Year, threw down a tip-in dunk to put Team Melo ahead 24-23, the momentum swung once more. Donovan Clingan fouled Edgecombe on the ensuing possession, and the 20-year-old Bahamian calmly sank two free throws to seal the title.

Edgecombe, the third overall pick in the 2025 NBA Draft, had already proven decisive in the semi-finals. He scored the game-winning basket in Team Vince’s 41-36 victory over Tracy McGrady’s Team T-Mac to send his side into the final.

The other semi-final saw Team Melo surge past the G League squad coached by Austin Rivers. A dominant 12-2 closing run secured a 40-34 triumph. Dylan Harper, another Spurs rookie and the second overall pick in 2025, punctuated the win with a step-back jumper over his brother Ron Harper Jr., who has featured for the Boston Celtics on a two-way contract this season.

The Rising Stars Challenge, held at the Intuit Dome — home of the Los Angeles Clippers — was not immune to injury setbacks. Dallas Mavericks rookie Cooper Flagg, the top overall pick in the 2025 draft, was sidelined with a sprained foot.

All-Star festivities continue on Saturday with the Slam Dunk Contest, Three-Point Contest and Skills Challenge, building toward Sunday’s showcase game.