How these 2 Miami Heat players played in Rising Stars Game

Rising Stars Kel'el Ware Jahmir Young — Two Heat players, Kel’el Ware and Jahmir Young, suited up in the 2026 Rising Stars Game. (Mandatory Credit: Zach Barron/NBAE via Getty Images)

While the 2026 All-Star Celebrity Game tipped off the three-day festivities in Inglewood, Calif., the annual Rising Stars competition was the highlight of Day 1. The Miami Heat had two participants in the four-team tournament: Second-year big Kel’el Ware, and guard Jahmir Young, who’s on a two-way contract.

Both players’ nights weren’t for long. Team Austin, which Young played for, lost 40-34, while Team T-Mac (Ware’s team) lost 41-36.

However, how did each Heat player play? Let’s examine!

How Heat’s Jahmir Young played in Rising Stars game:

Young was a last-minute add to the event, replacing Chicago Bulls two-way guard Mac McClung, who did not play due to a calf injury. McClung was originally scheduled to replace San Antonio’s David Jones Garcia, who also missed the game after suffering a season-ending injury.

Young played a team-low six minutes, scoring three points with one steal on 1-of-4 shooting, including 1-of-3 from 3-point range. His one 3-pointer came in the corner on a kick out from Harper.

(Video courtesy of the NBA)

While his opportunity was brief, it was cool to see Young earn his well-deserved opportunity. He’s only totaled 44 minutes across eight games for the Heat, but the 6-foot guard has torn up the G-League this season, averaging 26.3 points, 5.3 rebounds, 9.0 assists and 1.9 steals on 58.3 percent true shooting this season.

How Heat’s Kel’el Ware played in Rising Stars game:

Ware’s playing time with the Heat has been a topic of conversation over the last several weeks. In this context, he tied for the third-most minutes, playing 10:28. He scored seven points and three rebounds on 3-of-7 shooting.

Ware was the recipient of two lobs while nailing a wing 3-pointer.

(Video courtesy of the NBA)

In the first clip, Ware sets an angled pin-down for Cavaliers guard Jaylon Tyson, who scored a team-high 10 points in the team’s five-point loss. Evidently, the 7-foot big opened himself up for the lob with a good — albeit slightly delayed — roll to the rim.

In the second clip, Team T-Mac initiated a Spain pick-and-roll, with Ware being the first screener and Hornets rookie Kon Knueppel being the second screener. A poor rep by Pelicans rookie Derik Queen freed Ware up, resulting in his second lob of the night.

(Video courtesy of the NBA)

Ware’s lone 3-pointer of the night was a confident spot-up rep above-the-break. His shooting — albeit on low volume — has taken a massive leap as a sophomore. He is shooting 40.3 percent from 3-point range on 2.9 triple tries per game.

Miami will have more participants Saturday and Sunday. Stay tuned for more coverage!