Curry Won MVP Honors in San Francisco, But ‘Too Much Kevin Hart and Not Enough Basketball’
The NBA shook things up for the 2025 All-Star Game, abandoning the traditional East vs. West matchup in favor of a four-team, single-elimination tournament. The teams included Chuck’s Global Stars, Kenny’s Young Stars, Shaq’s OGs, and Candace’s Rising Stars. The latter squad earned their spot by winning the Rising Stars event on Friday. Each game was played to a target score of 40 points, adding a new twist to the annual event.
The whole event took nearly three hours, but less than half of that time featured actual basketball. There were plenty of extracurricular off-court activities — and plenty of Kevin Hart, whom the NBA dubbed the “on-court emcee.” The three games were all played to 40 points, and Tatum dunked home the game-winning points in the championship game.
Player Reactions: Exciting But Disruptive
While players appreciated the increased competition, many expressed frustration over the frequent stoppages. The event featured extended breaks for entertainment, including commentary from comedian Kevin Hart, which some felt disrupted the flow of the game.
Trae Young, who played for Chuck’s Global Stars, criticized the structure, saying, “I didn’t like the breaks. The games were so short. Obviously, we can score, so they’re just trying to extend TV time with all the pauses.” Shai Gilgeous-Alexander echoed this sentiment, stating he preferred continuous play but still saw the format as a step toward a more competitive All-Star Game.
Shaq’s OGs Win Big in a Star-Studded Championship
In the final matchup, Shaq’s OGs—led by Stephen Curry, Kevin Durant, and Jayson Tatum—defeated Chuck’s Global Stars, which featured Nikola Jokic, Victor Wembanyama, and Shai Gilgeous-Alexander. Tatum sealed the victory with a game-winning dunk, securing a 40-32 win.
Curry, who tallied 12 points in the championship game, was named All-Star Game MVP, making him the 15th player in league history to win multiple All-Star MVP awards. The game itself, however, was punctuated by a nearly 20-minute break to honor TNT’s broadcast crew in its final year covering All-Star Weekend.
Debate Over Rising Stars’ Inclusion
Not all players were thrilled with the new format, particularly the decision to include Rising Stars participants in Sunday’s event. Warriors forward Draymond Green voiced his displeasure, questioning whether younger, less-experienced players should be part of the main showcase.
“I had to work so hard to play on Sunday night of All-Star Weekend. And now, because ratings are down and the game’s bad, we’re just bringing in Rising Stars?” Green said on the TNT broadcast.
Key Takeaways From the Tournament Format
The All-Star Game ran for nearly three hours, but actual basketball took up less than half that time due to frequent intermissions. While the tournament structure injected more competition, the disruptions left many players wanting a more fluid experience. Despite mixed reviews, NBA Commissioner Adam Silver and league officials will likely analyze feedback to refine the format for future games.
One of the biggest storylines of the night was the absence of LeBron James, who missed his first All-Star Game in 21 years due to foot and ankle discomfort. Injuries to stars like Giannis Antetokounmpo and Anthony Edwards also impacted the event’s overall energy.
The Road Ahead for the NBA All-Star Game
The NBA took a bold step in revamping its All-Star format, but reactions were split between excitement and concern over pacing issues. While the new structure succeeded in increasing competitiveness, the frequent stoppages and inclusion of younger players raised questions about the future direction of the event. As the league evaluates the success of the format, adjustments may be made to ensure the All-Star Game remains a must-watch spectacle.
