The 2025 NBA All-Star Weekend: A Mixed Bag of Experimentation
The 2025 NBA All-Star weekend was billed as a fresh start, aiming to inject some much-needed excitement into a series of events that had become somewhat lackluster in recent years. The format overhaul, featuring three main teams and a fourth Rising Stars squad, was designed to bring new energy and competition. However, the results were a mixed bag, with some innovations hitting the mark and others falling flat. Here’s a look at the winners and losers from this experimental All-Star weekend in San Francisco.
Winners: The Stars of the Show
Stephen Curry
Stephen Curry, playing in his home city, delivered another memorable All-Star performance. While it wasn’t his most spectacular outing, scoring 20 points and hitting some deep shots in front of his adoring fans was enough to earn him his second All-Star MVP award. His first MVP came in 2022, when he dropped a jaw-dropping 50 points. Despite a minor hiccup with an eight-second violation, Curry’s presence and skill shone through, capping off a successful weekend for the Warriors’ star.
Mac McClung
The dunk contest has long been a highlight of All-Star Saturday, and Mac McClung delivered a performance for the ages. After a slow start with lackluster dunks from Andre Jackson Jr. and Matas Buzelis, McClung took the stage and electrified the crowd. His four perfect 50s were a testament to his creativity and athleticism. This was McClung’s third consecutive win, a record that will be hard to beat. The contest also had a special guest in Vince Carter, who was present to celebrate his own win 25 years ago, making the moment even more poignant.
Mr. Beast and Jaren the Fan
One of the most entertaining moments of the weekend came courtesy of internet sensation Mr. Beast. He offered a fan, Jaren, $100,000 if he could hit a logo 3-pointer before Damian Lillard hit three of his own. The tension built as Jaren’s final shot went through the net with seconds to spare, eliciting a roar from the crowd. It was a rare moment of genuine excitement during the breaks, which often felt like filler content. Jaren’s successful shot became one of the highlights of the weekend.
Losers: Unsuccessful Experiments and Disappointments
New All-Star Format
The new All-Star format, which divided players into international, OG, and Young Stars teams, proved to be a letdown. The format was confusing and lacked the traditional East vs. West rivalry that fans have come to expect. Draymond Green was particularly vocal about his dissatisfaction, rating the format a 0 out of 10 and criticizing the inclusion of young newcomers who, he felt, hadn’t earned their spots. The frequent stoppages and the presence of Kevin Hart, who seemed to overshadow the game itself, further detracted from the experience.
Absent Fan Favorites
Sunday’s game started on a sour note with the last-minute withdrawal of two big names, LeBron James and Anthony Edwards. LeBron, who had started the All-Star game for 20 consecutive seasons, cited foot and ankle discomfort and decided to sit out. Anthony Edwards also pulled out due to a groin injury, leaving the league unable to name replacements for either player. The timing of these withdrawals was disappointing and may have cost deserving players like Domantas Sabonis and Norman Powell their spots in the game.
Victor Wembanyama
Victor Wembanyama, the highly touted rookie, approached the All-Star weekend with an intense focus, famously stating, "I’m not here to make friends." His competitive spirit, however, led him astray during the skills challenge. Wembanyama and Chris Paul attempted to game the system by intentionally missing their jump shots to speed up their time. This strategy, while clever, resulted in their disqualification, much to Wembanyama’s frustration. Despite this setback, Wembanyama showed his defensive prowess in Sunday’s game, applying full-court pressure and deterring several layups, demonstrating his commitment to improvement.
Reed Sheppard
Reed Sheppard, the third overall pick in the 2024 draft, had a disappointing All-Star weekend that mirrored his underwhelming rookie season. Sheppard, who was not good enough to make the Rising Stars roster, was instead placed on the G-League team for Friday’s exhibition matches. He failed to score in both games, missing all four of his shots. This lackluster performance continued a trend of passivity on the court, raising concerns about his development and potential. While it’s too early to write him off, the signs are worrying, and Sheppard will need to step up his game to meet the high expectations set for him.
Conclusion: A Learning Experience for the Future
The 2025 NBA All-Star weekend in San Francisco was a mixed bag of hits and misses. While some innovations, like Mac McClung’s dominance in the dunk contest and the fan-pleasing antics of Mr. Beast and Jaren, were highly entertaining, the new format and last-minute withdrawals of key players left much to be desired. The league will need to take these lessons to heart and refine the All-Star experience for future years, ensuring that it remains a beloved event for players and fans alike.
