Clingan and Hansen Both Prominent in NBA All-Star Rising Stars Challenge

During the 2026 NBA All-Star Weekend in Inglewood, California, Portland Trail Blazers centers Donovan Clingan and Yang Hansen (representing the Rip City Remix) were standout performers in the Rising Stars competition. The event featured three teams of NBA rookies/sophomores coached by Hall of Famers and one G-League team coached by Austin Rivers. Clingan was selected for Team Melo, while Hansen played for the G-League's Team Austin.

In the first semi-final, Team Austin faced Team Melo, ensuring one Blazers player would advance. Clingan started strong, scoring his team's first seven points and finishing with 9 points, 2 rebounds, and a block. Hansen entered with his team trailing and contributed 10 points on 80% shooting, including a key sequence where he faked Clingan for a layup. Despite Hansen's efforts, Team Melo won 40-34, with Clingan advancing to the final.

Team Melo then faced Team Vince in the championship, a race to 25 points. Clingan scored his team's first six points on two three-pointers but was largely quiet afterward. In the final moments, with Team Melo leading 24-23, Clingan blocked VJ Edgecombe's potential game-winning drive but was called for a foul. Edgecombe made both free throws, giving Team Vince a 25-24 victory. Clingan finished the final with only 6 points and 1 rebound.

Other Blazers scheduled for All-Star events include Damian Lillard in the Saturday 3-Point Contest and Deni Avdija playing for the World Team in Sunday's mini-tournament.

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