The China Mail - Sixers rookie Edgecombe leads 'Team Vince' to NBA Rising Stars crown

Edgecombe, who has emerged as one of the league's most efficient performers in "clutch" time -- the final five minutes of close games -- was named Most Valuable Player of the challenge.

It featured three teams of rookies and second-year players and a team of G League talent in a mini-tournament.

Edgecombe drilled a pair of game-winning free-throws as Team Vince beat Carmelo Anthony's Team Melo 25-24 in the rapid-fire championship game in which the first team to 25 points won.

San Antonio's 2025 Rookie of the Year Stephon Castle had put Team Melo up 24-23 with a tip-in dunk, but Donovan Clingan fouled Edgecombe on the other end and the 20-year-old from the Bahamas closed it out.

Edgecombe, the third overall pick in the 2025 draft, had delivered the game-winner in his team's 41-36 win over Tracy McGrady's Team T-Mac to reach the title contest.

In the other semi-final -- both played to 40 points -- Team Melo closed with a 12-2 scoring run to beat the team of G League players coached by Austin Rivers 40-34.

San Antonio rookie Dylan Harper, the second overall pick in the 2025 draft, closed out that win with a step-back basket over his brother Ron Harper Jr. -- a G League regular who has played for the Boston Celtics on a two-way contract this season.

Like Sunday's All-Star Game proper, the Rising Stars Challenge at the Intuit Dome -- home of the Los Angeles Clippers -- was hit by injuries.

Dallas rookie Cooper Flagg, the top overall pick in the 2025 draft, was ruled out with a sprained foot.

The All-Star festivities continue on Saturday with the Slam Dunk Contest, the Three-Point Contest and the Skills Challenge.

H.Au--ThChM