Stephen Curry’s Hometown Triumph
SAN FRANCISCO — The 2025 All-Star Weekend was a triumphant event for Stephen Curry, both on and off the court. As the hometown hero, Curry’s team, the veteran-filled Shaq OG All-Stars, clinched the title, and he was awarded the MVP trophy. The atmosphere was electric, and Curry’s hosting experience was nothing short of exhilarating. "The hosting experience was unbelievable," Curry said, reflecting on the weekend. His success and the overall positive vibe made the event a memorable one for him and the fans.
The All-Star Format: A Step Forward, but Not Quite There
One of the most significant changes to the All-Star Weekend this year was the introduction of a new format: a four-team mini-tournament with games up to a target score of 40. While this was a marginal improvement over last year’s unwatchable East vs. West format, it still received mixed reviews. Players like Jalen Williams and Victor Wembanyama noted that the games felt more competitive, but only slightly. "I actually sweat. I didn’t think I was going to sweat," Williams remarked, capturing the essence of the tepid enthusiasm. The defensive efforts were also more noticeable, with Wembanyama’s performance reminiscent of a young Giannis Antetokounmpo. However, the overall effort and competitiveness still lagged. "I think it’s interesting," Knicks’ Jalen Brunson said. "It’s different. The games are kind of short. Maybe just score to 50." The format worked better in the Rising Stars game, where players had tangible incentives, but the question remains: Is this the best the NBA can do, or should they consider more radical changes?
Speculating on Future Formats: USA vs. World and 1-on-1
The NBA’s quest to revitalize the All-Star Weekend led to speculation about other formats that could energize the event. Two successful examples from other sports were highlighted: Unrivaled’s 1-on-1 tournament and the NHL’s 4 Nations Faceoff. These events saw players fully invested, driven by personal or national pride. The USA vs. World format, supported by Giannis Antetokounmpo, seems like a viable option. "I would love that. Oh, I would love that," Antetokounmpo said. "For sure, I’d take pride in that." However, the question of whether players will maintain this level of enthusiasm in the future is uncertain. The 1-on-1 tournament, while interesting, might face similar challenges. Antetokounmpo acknowledged the difficulty and potential embarrassment, saying, "I think sometimes you forget, to be good, to be a good one-on-one player, you’ve got to be able to play both ways. You’ve got to get a stop to get the ball." Despite these reservations, both formats could add a new level of excitement if players are committed to them.
More Basketball, Fewer Distractions
All-Star Sunday felt more like a variety show than a basketball showcase, with lengthy non-basketball interruptions. Kevin Hart’s comedic bits, while entertaining, led to extended breaks. The awkward Mr. Beast shooting contest and the nearly 20-minute stoppage to celebrate TNT and the Inside the NBA Crew further pushed the game to the periphery. "The NBA can’t tell the players to go out there and play hard, to care about the basketball, then have a production that doesn’t seem to care about the basketball," a fan might rightfully ask. The league needs to strike a balance, ensuring that the game remains the focus while still providing entertainment. This year’s All-Star Game seemed to prioritize everything but basketball, which is a misstep the NBA needs to address.
McClung’s Dunk Contest Inspires Future Participation?
Mac McClung’s history-making third-straight win in the Dunk Contest has sparked discussions about whether it will inspire NBA stars to participate in the future. Antetokounmpo, when asked about his X post, joked, "I got hacked. I got hacked last night," before getting serious. "I don’t know. I think you get motivated seeing guys go out there to put on a show. If I’m healthy and things are going well for me next year, I will want to do it." The challenge, however, lies in sustaining this motivation. Players’ reluctance to participate in the Dunk Contest, fearing embarrassment, has been a recurring issue. The success of the event in San Francisco may have rekindled some interest, but it remains to be seen if this will translate into star appearances in next year’s contest in Los Angeles.
LeBron James: A Hint at One More Season
LeBron James’s absence from the All-Star Weekend due to foot and ankle discomfort added to the speculation about his future. James skipped Saturday’s practice and arrived on Sunday morning, only to announce he was unable to play. "You won’t see anything for me tonight, unfortunately. I will not be in uniform tonight, still dealing with ankle and foot discomfort," he said pregame. This absence, combined with other circumstantial evidence, suggests that LeBron might play at least one more season. Unlike Tim Duncan, who announced his retirement in a press release, LeBron is known for his grand exits and farewell tours. Playing with Luka Doncic for an entire season, especially with a better supporting cast, and the opportunity to be celebrated in one more All-Star Game in Los Angeles, could be the incentives he needs. At 40, LeBron’s career remains unpredictable, but the signs point to him extending his legendary run for at least one more year.
The 2025 All-Star Weekend in San Francisco offered a mix of excitement and critique. While Stephen Curry’s success and the marginal improvement in the game format were highlights, the league still has work to do to make the event more engaging and player-driven. Whether the NBA will adopt a USA vs. World format or explore a 1-on-1 tournament remains to be seen, but the goal should always be to put the basketball first.
