The 2025 NBA All-Star Weekend, hosted at the Chase Center in San Francisco, featured a revolutionary format that transformed the classic exhibition. At the center of this transformation was the Castrol Rising Stars Challenge, which not only showcased the league’s up-and-coming stars but also incorporated them into the broader All-Star celebration. San Antonio Spurs rookie Stephon Castle stood out as a highlight, taking home the Rising Stars MVP and guiding Team C to a record-breaking win.
Revamped All-Star Weekend Format
This year’s All-Star Weekend departed from the conventional East vs. West matchup, adopting a dynamic mini-tournament structure. Four teams—Team Shaq, Team Chuck, Team Kenny, and Team Candace—competed in a series of high-stakes games. The first three teams were composed of 24 players selected through traditional voting, managed by NBA legends Shaquille O’Neal, Charles Barkley, and Kenny Smith. The fourth squad, Team Candace, was special, featuring the winners of the Rising Stars Challenge and coached by WNBA legend Candace Parker. This was a novel idea that was meant to bring new energy to the event, with huge financial rewards: $125,000 for all members of the winning team, $50,000 for the runners-up, and $25,000 for semifinalists.
Castrol Rising Stars Challenge: A Prelude to Glory
The Rising Stars Challenge also included a mini-tournament played with four squads: Team A, Team B, Team C, and Team G League. Each team was a combination of NBA rookies and sophomores and elite G League players. The tournament consisted of two semifinal games each played to a target score of 40 points, then the championship game with a target score of 25 points. This is a format used to maximize competition and sustain a high level of energy during the event.
Semifinal Showdowns
Game 1: Team A vs. Team B
The first semifinal pitted Team A, which included the exciting Thompson twins Ausar and Amen, against Team B, spearheaded by Anthony Black. The match was an exhibition of offense, with the two sides trading leads throughout. The Thompson twins shared in a string of highlight-reel plays, ranging from alley-oops to three-pointers off the top of the key. Although Team B played a gritty game, Team A won the contest by a narrow margin and qualified for the title game.
Game 2: Team C vs. Team G League
Team C, under Stephon Castle, faced a powerful Team G League in the second semifinal game. Castle’s versatility was in full display in the early part of the game, making both scoring and defense contributions. On offense, he directed the flow with finesse, getting his teammates Zach Edey and Ryan Dunn opportunities for easy points. Defensively, Castle’s aggressiveness had key steals that turned the tables in Team C’s direction. Despite the efforts of Team G League’s Mac McClung, Team C ultimately came out on top, creating an enthralling championship to look forward to.
Championship Clash: Team A vs. Team C
The title tilt between Team A and Team C was highly competitive, and it opened with the two squads taking turns making baskets as evidence of the youth riches of the league. Stephon Castle kept playing at an elite level, showcasing a high basketball IQ and clutch shooting. As the game approached the halfway mark, tied 14-14, Castle played a crucial three-point play, drawing a foul on a layup. This play set off a scoring burst that Team A could not stop. Zach Edey’s dominance in the paint also further cemented Team C’s lead. Finally, Team C won the championship in convincing fashion with a 25-14 win.
Stephon Castle: The MVP and Rising Star
Stephon Castle’s playing during the Rising Stars Challenge was simply breathtaking. During the semifinal, he made the winning basket, an indication of how well he was able to hold his nerves in pressure situations. During the final game, Castle scored 12 points, which included key plays that turned the tide of the game. His on-court leadership, along with his scoring and playmaking skills, made him the Most Valuable Player. This award not only speaks to his instant contribution but also makes him a favorite to win the NBA Rookie of the Year award.
Integration into the All-Star Game
Team C, now team Candace, as winners of the Rising Stars Challenge, acquired the historic right to play the NBA All-Star Game mini-tournament. It was a new milestone that began to blur lines between superstars and upstarts. Led by Candace Parker, Team Candace played against Team Shaq in the semifinals, featuring veterans such as Stephen Curry, LeBron James, and Jayson Tatum. The game was a testament to the depth of talent in the league, with the young players keeping pace with experienced All-Stars. Although Team Candace demonstrated resilience and ability, the experience and unity of Team Shaq ultimately won out. However, the participation of Rising Stars in the main event gave the league’s future stars invaluable exposure and experience.
Stephon Castle’s Journey: From College Sensation to NBA Prodigy
Stephon Castle’s rise to NBA stardom is traced to an exemplary college career at the University of Connecticut (UConn). In the 2023-2024 season, Castle was a key figure in guiding the Huskies to an NCAA championship. His dazzling averages of 11.1 points, 4.7 rebounds, and 2.9 assists per game highlighted his all-around potential. Awarded for his efforts, he received the Big East Freshman of the Year and was included in the Big East All-Freshman team. These honors led him into the professional stage, where he was picked fourth overall by the San Antonio Spurs during the 2024 NBA Draft.