Everyone already knew it would be the most red-and-black All-Star Game in ten years of Novo Basquete Brasil. However, the seven Flamengo athletes who were at the Ibirapuera gymnasium in São Paulo (SP) took to the court determined to dominate the event in every way. This Sunday (18), the biggest celebration in Brazilian sport featured a show by the sport's greatest characters, great challenges, and a clash of giants between NBB Brasil and NBB Mundo, which ended 130 to 121.

Kicking off Sunday's action, the All-Star Game challengers took to the court to battle for the morning's trophies. In the 3-Point Tournament, two-time champion Marcelinho Machado was the first to shoot, scoring 16 points, but was ultimately outclassed by his opponents and relegated to the first round.

Next, MJ Rhett performed well in the Slam Dunk Contest. The American advanced directly from the first duel, which was supposed to be against Paulistano's David Nesbitt, but his opponent was injured. Next, Campo Mourão's Greg Brown tried to surpass the red-and-black's Black Panther + Air Jordan style dunk, but couldn't sink it in time. The final came down to Pinheiros' Gui Bento, but MJ ended up losing due to a clock out.

A game as it should be: celebration, on-court spectacle, and beautiful plays. Shining with seven players and coach José Neto, Flamengo was instrumental in the great performances of NBB Brasil and NBB Mundo. The four red-and-blacks scored 65 of the 130 points that gave the Brazilians the victory. On the other side, the foreigners also made a difference, and MJ Rhett set the Ibirapuera gymnasium on fire.

A standout with a double-double (18 points, 15 rebounds, and three assists), Anderson Varejão was the JDE MVP in his first year. The overall top scorer, Marquinhos, scored 29 points and grabbed five rebounds. The top scorer among the gingos, MJ Rhett, wowed the fans with 25 points and four rebounds. In his final career event, Marcelinho was a stunner on three-pointers, scoring 14 points, three rebounds, and six assists.

JP Batista had four points, five rebounds, and three assists. Ramon added five points, and David Cubillan had seven for São Paulo.

"For everything I experienced on the court, the time I dedicated to basketball, having received so many honors this past season. Today is my last All-Star Game. I didn't expect the honor to be like this... Kobe Bryant's testimony really moved me, being with my family. I'm very happy. I was talking to Hortência and she said there is a bit of sadness in leaving something I love, but there is also happiness in having lived basketball so intensely for so many years. I can only be grateful to everyone who helped me: players, coaches, directors, press, fans," said Marcelinho.

"We can see a better atmosphere every time. It's a celebration of Brazilian basketball, everyone involved understands this, even the journalists are a little more relaxed. There are winners, of course, but in the end, the sport wins," the captain added.

Turning its attention to the New Basketball Brazil 10, Flamengo continues preparing for the final two challenges of the qualifying phase. Against Basquete Cearense on March 25th at Arena Carioca 1, the Mais Querido, already in second place, remains in the fight for the top spot.