Rookie Stephon Castle Leads Team C to Rising Stars Victory

San Francisco, CA — San Antonio Spurs rookie Stephon Castle showcased his talents Friday night, leading Team C to a 25-14 victory over Team G-League in the Rising Stars final, a pivotal event in the 2025 NBA All-Star Weekend at Chase Center.

Castle, who was named Most Valuable Player of the Rising Stars game, contributed 12 points to his team’s win. His performance not only secured team honors but also guaranteed them a spot in the All-Star Game on Sunday, where they will face a team coached by Shaquille O'Neal, featuring stars like LeBron James and Stephen Curry.

“We all wanted to play on Sunday,” said Castle. “We were down early, but we came and fought back to win.” He also emphasized his team’s determination, stating, “Just be ready for us. Don’t count us out. We’re here to win it.”

The Rising Stars competition began with a mini-tournament format, contrasting with previous editions. Teams competed in quick, high-paced games, where Team C triumphed over Team T with a score of 40-34 in the semifinals before defeating Team G-League in the finals.

Teammate Dalton Knecht, a rookie with the Los Angeles Lakers, expressed excitement about competing alongside his NBA idol, LeBron James. “About to play my first All-Star Game, that’s crazy, as a rookie,” Knecht noted.

Despite an initial deficit of 12-8, Team C rallied to secure the championship. The game was marked by notable performances from other players as well, including Keyonte George, who assisted Castle for the game-winning three-pointer, and contributed crucial points throughout the competition.

“Bryce McGowens of Team G-League hit a game-winning three-pointer to secure an upset against Team M in the semifinals, edging them out 40-39,” reported sources. McGowens emphasized the determination of his team, “That team definitely wanted it more than us,” referencing Team M’s roster which included the Thompson twins.

Castle’s accolades continue as he preps for further competitions throughout All-Star Weekend. He will also participate in the highly anticipated Slam Dunk Contest on Saturday, expressing confidence in his performance. “The MVP trophy isn’t the only trophy I’m trying to take home,” he told ESPN when asked about his dunk plans.

This year’s All-Star Game has adopted a new format featuring a mini-tournament setup, aiming to enhance competitiveness following lackluster performances in previous years. Teams will compete against one another, with the first to score 40 points advancing to the championship round.

Overall, the 2025 Rising Stars event successfully spotlighted emerging basketball talent, setting the stage for a captivating All-Star weekend, marked by memorable moments and high-stakes matchups that honor the league’s promising newcomers.