SAN FRANCISCO — Rookie Stephon Castle of the San Antonio Spurs shared that the Rising Stars MVP trophy he lifted on Friday evening is just the beginning of his ambitions for the NBA All-Star Weekend.

Castle excelled as he led Team C, coached by Chris Mullin, to a commanding 25-14 victory over Team G League, which was under the guidance of Jeremy Lin. He contributed 11 points and assisted on what turned out to be the game-winning 3-pointer by Keyonte George of the Utah Jazz.

In their opening group match, Team C triumphed thanks to Castle’s clutch jump shot, defeating Team T, coached by Tim Hardaway Sr., with a score of 40-34. (The initial group games had a target score of 40, while the final was set at 25.)

“Being involved in the game-winning plays in both matches carries significant importance for me,” Castle remarked.

The Rising Stars event featured three teams of first- and second-year players alongside a fourth team composed of G League athletes. This competition marked the beginning of a bustling schedule for the 6-foot-6 guard, who is also set to compete in the dunk contest on Saturday evening.

When probed about his dunking strategies for the contest, Castle stated: “I’d like to keep it under wraps, but know that the MVP trophy is not the only accolade I’m aiming to claim.”

Moreover, Castle’s team’s victory secured a spot in the All-Star Game on Sunday, where they will face Shaquille O’Neal’s OGs, featuring future Hall of Famers like LeBron James, Stephen Curry, and Kevin Durant.

“As a basketball enthusiast, I can’t ask for much more. Growing up, I watched those legends, and now being able to share the court with them this weekend is truly a blessing,” Castle expressed to ESPN.

Castle joins Blake Griffin as the latest to take part in events throughout all three nights of All-Star Weekend, a feat Griffin accomplished as a rookie for the LA Clippers in 2011.

The format for the All-Star Game will resemble that of the Rising Stars contest, featuring four teams of eight players competing in a mini-tournament with semifinal games and a final, each aiming for a target score of 40. Following two lackluster All-Star Games in previous years, the league has altered the structure to rekindle excitement for February’s festivities.

“We’re entering the game with nothing to lose,” Castle shared when discussing his team’s prospects against Shaquille O’Neal’s squad, which also includes stars like James Harden, Damian Lillard, Jayson Tatum, Kyrie Irving, and Jaylen Brown. “We plan to play with confidence and freedom. I wouldn’t discount us.”

For Sunday’s match, Candace Parker will take over coaching duties for Team C from Mullin. As the team’s general manager, Parker has chosen Amen Thompson from Team M, coached by Mitch Richmond, to fill the final roster spot.

Team G League advanced to the Rising Stars final after defeating Team M in a surprising outcome, with Bryce McGowen from the Rip City Remix sinking a crucial 3-pointer to secure the 40-39 victory. McGowen’s shot was even more impressive considering Ausar Thompson of the Detroit Pistons, Amen’s twin brother, struggled at the free-throw line, missing all four attempts while the team was at 37 points.

Castle and his teammates from Team C each earned $35,000 for their victory on Friday and will have the chance to showcase their skills against seasoned NBA stars on Sunday.

In addition to Castle, Los Angeles Lakers rookie Dalton Knecht, Phoenix Suns rookie Ryan Dunn, as well as Golden State Warriors second-year player Trayce Jackson-Davis will go up against basketball giants such as James, Durant, and Curry.

“Facing off against Bron is exciting since he’s also one of my teammates. It will be a blast to hit the court and make a statement,” Knecht remarked.

When inquired about potential banter between the 40-year-old James and the 23-year-old Knecht, the Lakers rookie joked: “I don’t usually initiate the talk; I prefer to finish it.”