The Knicks were the favorites heading into the Kia Shooting Stars Challenge on Saturday, and they delivered a thrilling performance.
Jalen Brunson, Karl-Anthony Towns, and Allan Houston teamed up with Knicks assistant coach Rick Brunson—Jalen’s dad—as their celebrity passer. Together, they outperformed three other teams at the Intuit Dome, bringing home a trophy for New York during All-Star Weekend in Inglewood.
They first faced off against Team All-Star, which included Raptors guard Scottie Barnes, Thunder center Chet Holmgren, Pistons legend Rip Hamilton, and celebrity passer Druski. Next up was Team Cameron, featuring Hawks forward Jalen Johnson, Hornets guard Kon Knueppel, and former Clippers player Corey Maggette, with Anthony Anderson passing. Finally, Team Harper had Spurs guard Dylan Harper and NBA legends, alongside 2 Chainz as their passer.
Before the competition began, Rick Brunson playfully teased his son, Jalen, who smiled and joked that he was “not having a good time.” Rip Hamilton, celebrating his 48th birthday, also shared a laugh, quipping about not wearing his trademark mask for the event.
Each team had 70 seconds to score from positions around the basket and 3-point line. Points varied from 2 to 4 based on the shot made. Team All-Star went first, scoring only 16 points. Team Cameron followed, managing a better score of 24. Team Harper scored 18, setting the stage for Team Knicks. With strong performance from Karl-Anthony Towns, they finished the first round with a solid 31 points.
In the championship round, Team Knicks faced off against Team Cameron. Thanks to clutch shots from Jalen Brunson and Allan Houston, the Knicks clinched victory with a final score of 47-38. Afterward, Jalen joked that being around his dad “was never fun,” but he appreciated Rick’s passing skills. He hoped this win would boost the Knicks’ performance in the second half of the season.
Throughout the event, celebrities like Spike Lee and NSYNC’s Joey Fatone entertained fans, signing basketballs during breaks. Following the challenge, Ludacris lit up the stage with an electrifying concert. This event was more than just a game; it highlighted the Knicks’ potential and brought together fans and stars for a memorable evening.
Notably, the All-Star Weekend has historically showcased basketball legends and rising stars. This event continues that tradition, illustrating how sports can unite people from all walks of life. For further insights on the impact of celebrity involvement in sports, you can check out [The role of celebrities in sports](https://www.forbes.com/sites/forbesbusinesscouncil/2021/11/16/the-role-of-celebrities-in-sports/?sh=1e4d915d6743).
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