In an electrifying display of talent and entertainment, the 2025 Ruffles NBA All-Star Celebrity Game thrilled spectators at Oakland Arena on February 14, 2025. The game had a galaxy of celebrities from different walks of life, including movies, music, sports, and social media. At the forefront was Emmy-winning actor Rome Flynn, whose impressive performance earned him the Most Valuable Player (MVP) award and led Team Bonds to a 66-55 win over Team Rice.
Event Overview
The NBA All-Star Celebrity Game is now a popular tradition, uniting a diverse group of public figures to honor basketball and entertainment. The game this year was no different, with a team featuring actors, musicians, athletes, and influencers all looking to demonstrate their basketball prowess on a national platform. The game was televised live on ESPN, ESPN+, and Disney+, enabling fans across the globe to be a part of the action.
Team Rosters and Coaches
The 2025 game featured two teams: Team Bonds and Team Rice, each named after their celebrity coaches.
Team Bonds, coached by MLB all-time home run leader Barry Bonds and rapper 2 Chainz, boasted a dynamic lineup:
- Rome Flynn: Emmy-winning actor known for his roles in television dramas.
- Baron Davis: Former NBA All-Star point guard.
- Allisha Gray: Two-time WNBA All-Star guard for the Atlanta Dream.
- Kai Cenat: Popular online streamer and YouTuber.
- Mickey Guyton: Four-time GRAMMY-nominated country music artist.
- Tucker Halpern: Musician and one half of the duo SOFI TUKKER.
- Noah Kahan: Two-time GRAMMY-nominated multi-platinum artist.
- Danny Ramirez: Actor featured in Marvel Studios’ “Captain America: New World Order.”
- Masai Russell: Olympic gold medalist in track and field.
- Pablo Schreiber: Actor known for his role in Paramount+’s “Halo.”
- Dylan Wang: Chinese actor and singer.
Team Rice, under the guidance of Pro Football Hall of Famer Jerry Rice and influencer Khaby Lame, featured:
- Matt Barnes: NBA Champion with the Golden State Warriors.
- Bayley: WWE Superstar.
- Chris Brickley: Renowned basketball skills trainer.
- AP Dhillon: Indian singer, rapper, and songwriter.
- Druski: Acclaimed comedian and actor.
- Walker Hayes: Singer-songwriter returning for his second Celebrity Game appearance.
- Shelby McEwen: Olympic silver medalist in high jump.
- Terrell Owens: Pro Football Hall of Fame wide receiver.
- Shaboozey: Six-time GRAMMY-nominated singer-songwriter.
- Oliver Stark: Actor known for his role in the drama series “9-1-1.”
- Kayla Thornton: WNBA Champion and forward for the Golden State Valkyries.
The inclusion of WNBA stars Allisha Gray and Kayla Thornton highlighted the game’s commitment to showcasing top-tier basketball talent alongside entertainment figures.
Game Highlights
Right from the initial tip-off, the game was a vibrant and energetic contest. The two sides showed a combination of competitive fire and playful moments, giving the fans a great show
First Half
Team Bonds had an early lead, with Baron Davis directing the offense and providing opportunities for open shots to teammates. Rome Flynn settled into rhythm easily, sinking several baskets and demonstrating his athleticism. Allisha Gray’s defense was on display as she pulled down rebounds and initiated fast breaks.
Team Rice answered with Matt Barnes leveraging his NBA background to keep the game in check. Comedian Druski added some comedy to the court, making the crowd laugh with his shenanigans while adding quality points. Kayla Thornton’s play in the paint gave Team Rice second chances.
Second Half
The second half saw both sides heighten their activity. Rome Flynn kept scoring, impressing fans with a barrage of three-pointers and alley-oop acrobatic layups. Kai Cenat and Dylan Wang contributed to the momentum of Team Bonds with plays that mattered, such as a highlight-reel alley-oop dunk.
Terrell Owens of Team Rice displayed his athletic agility with highlight drives to the hoop. AP Dhillon and Shaboozey added depth from outside, closing the gap. Team Bonds remained calm, though, and were helped to a 66-55 win with masterminded plays by 2 Chainz and Barry Bonds.
Rome Flynn’s MVP Performance
Rome Flynn’s exceptional performance was the cornerstone of Team Bonds’ success. He led all scorers with 22 points, demonstrating a blend of shooting accuracy, court vision, and defensive tenacity. Flynn’s ability to perform under pressure and his leadership on the court earned him the MVP honors.
In his post-game interview, Flynn expressed gratitude for the opportunity to participate and acknowledged his teammates’ support. “It’s an incredible honor to play alongside such talented individuals and contribute to a great cause. This experience is something I’ll cherish forever,” he remarked.
Special Features and Fan Engagement
The 2025 Ruffles NBA All-Star Celebrity Game wasn’t just about basketball—it was an immersive experience for fans, incorporating unique features and entertainment elements:
- Four-Point Line: A designated four-point zone encouraged players to take deep shots, adding an extra challenge and excitement. Some of the biggest highlights of the night came from players daring to shoot from this extended range.
- Mic’d-Up Moments: Throughout the game, select players were mic’d up, allowing viewers to hear their in-game banter, strategic discussions, and hilarious exchanges. Druski and Kai Cenat provided some of the funniest moments, making it feel like a crossover between basketball and a comedy show.
- Fan Voting for MVP: Fans had the opportunity to vote for the game’s MVP in real time through social media and the NBA app, reinforcing engagement and interaction. Rome Flynn’s stellar performance earned him the fan-voted MVP title by a wide margin.
- Live Music Performances: During halftime and timeouts, musical guests performed, bringing the energy of an NBA All-Star event. Noah Kahan and AP Dhillon delivered electrifying performances, further blurring the line between sports and entertainment.
Reactions and Social Media Buzz
The Celebrity Game generated significant buzz on social media, with fans and celebrities reacting in real time:
- NBA Players’ Reactions: Current and former NBA stars, including LeBron James and Stephen Curry, tweeted about the game, acknowledging the surprisingly high level of competition and calling it “one of the best Celebrity Games in years.”
- Rome Flynn Trends No. 1: Following his MVP performance, Rome Flynn trended at No. 1 on Twitter (X) and Instagram, with fans praising his athleticism and charisma. Many joked about him getting a 10-day NBA contract after his standout performance.
- Memes and Viral Moments: Druski’s hilarious on-court antics, Kai Cenat’s flashy passes, and Terrell Owens’ impressive dunks became instant meme material. Clips of these moments garnered millions of views within hours.
Charity and Philanthropy
Beyond the entertainment and competition, the game had a deeper purpose: supporting various charitable initiatives. A portion of the proceeds from the game was donated to the NBA Cares Foundation and Ruffles’ “Ruffles Assist” program, which funds community basketball courts in underserved areas.
Several celebrity players also pledged personal donations based on their in-game performances. Rome Flynn, for instance, pledged $10,000 for every three-pointer he made, amounting to a generous donation toward youth basketball programs.
Legacy of the 2025 Celebrity Game
The 2025 Ruffles NBA All-Star Celebrity Game will be remembered for its perfect blend of competition, entertainment, and philanthropy. With Rome Flynn cementing his name in the game’s history as MVP, and with viral moments keeping fans engaged, it set a new benchmark for future Celebrity Games.
As All-Star Weekend continued, anticipation for the main NBA events—the Three-Point Contest, Slam Dunk Contest, and the NBA All-Star Game—only grew. But one thing was clear: the Celebrity Game had already delivered one of the most entertaining nights of the weekend.
