NBA All-Star Game weekend, with its revised format, is officially over.
Shaq’s OGs, a team composed of seasoned veterans, won the 2025 All-Star Game and Warriors guard Stephen Curry, playing in front of his hometown fans at the Chase Center, won the game’s Most Valuable Player award after he scored 12 points in the final, including nine of his team’s final 18.
The OGs toppled Chuck’s Global Stars, a team of mostly international superstars, 41-25.
The NBA launched a revised format designed to increase competitiveness; as opposed to a traditional East vs. West game, four teams — including one Rising Stars squad made up of rookies and sophomores — competed in a mini-tournament.
The game, however, was deprived of some star power, with icons like LeBron James, Giannis Antetokounmpo and Anthony Davis all sitting out with injuries.
James, who was slated to play in a record 21st All-Star Game, sat out with continued left ankle and foot soreness.
His record for consecutive starts ends at 20 as he missed an All-Star Game for the first time when he has been chosen to play. He was not tapped in his rookie year.
“I hope to be available Wednesday,” James, 40, said during a news conference before Sunday’s game. The Los Angeles Lakers will play the Charlotte Hornets in a game rescheduled because of the California wildfires.
“I was hoping that it would feel a lot better this morning but it’s not where I want it to be.”
James missed a game Feb. 8 against the Indiana Pacers with the same issue. He was slated to play for Shaq’s OGs, but since the announcement came so close to tipoff, James was not replaced.
Each player on the championship-winning team will receive $125,000, each player on the second-place team will receive $50,000 and each player on the third- and fourth-place teams will receive $25,000.
Read about all of Sunday night’s action from the NBA All-Star Game:
2025 NBA All-Star Game highlights
All-Star Game MVP: Steph Curry wins in front of home crowd
SAN FRANCISCO — The star of the host team who welcomed All-Star fans to the Bay Area for the weekend collected his second NBA All-Star MVP.
Golden State Warriors guard Steph Curry earned Sunday’s Kobe Bryant All-Star MVP trophy with a 12-point, four-rebound performance in the championship game of the event featuring a new four-team mini-tournament.
Curry’s performance helped Shaq’s OGs defeat Chuck’s Global Stars, 41-25. In the three-game event, the first team to 40 points won each game.
Curry had eight points and six rebounds in the semifinal victory against Candace’s Rising Stars, giving him 20 points, 10 rebounds, three steals and two assists in two games. He made four 3-pointers in the final game and two 3s in the semifinal.
All-Star Game final: Shaq’s OGs 41, Chuck’s Global Stars 25
In the end, the slow start was too much to overcome.
Shaq’s OGs, a team of seasoned veterans, toppled Chuck’s Global Stars 41-25 in the NBA All-Star Game final after the Global Stars missed their first 10 shots of the game, falling in an early 10-point hole.
Stephen Curry, playing in front of his home crowd, scored nine of the OGs final 18 points to help his team pull away. He was named MVP. Curry scored 12 points on four-of-eight shooting — with all his attempts coming from beyond the arc — while Celtics forward Jayson Tatum led all players with 15 points.
Spurs phenom Victor Wembanyama led the Global Stars, who shot just 35.5% from the floor, with 11 points.
Chuck’s Global Stars miss first 10 shots in All-Star final
There are slow starts and then there are slow starts.
In the NBA All-Star Game final, Shaq’s OGs, a team of seasoned veterans, scored the game’s first 11 points, as Chuck’s Global Stars started 0-for-10 from the field.
Celtics forward Jayson Tatum led the charge early, leading all players with 11 points scored on a dunk and three 3s.
The NBA then had an intermission to honor the TNT Inside the NBA crew.
Coming out of that break, Chuck’s Global Stars picked up the pace and went on a 7-3 run, though Shaq’s OGs have maintained a commanding lead, 33-19.
Kevin Hart fetes ‘Inside the NBA’ crew during All-Star Game
SAN FRANCISCO ‒ Kevin Hart paid tribute to TNT’s “Inside the NBA” crew of Ernie Johnson, Charles Barkley, Shaquille O’Neal and Kenny Smith, who are broadcasting their final All-Star Weekend with TNT.
TNT is not part of the NBA’s new 11-year, $76 billion TV deal which begins next season with Disney (ABC/ESPN), NBC and Amazon showing NBA games.
The crew received “gone fishing” gifts, a nod to an “Inside the NBA” segment when a team is eliminated from the playoffs.
While TNT won’t have NBA games next season, TNT licensed the rights for “Inside the NBA” to Disney and the popular program will continue on ESPN and ABC. It will be produced by TNT staffers.
NBA announces halftime format for All-Star Game final
The NBA said a halftime of about 12 minutes will take place when the first team reaches 20 points in the final. Entertainment for fans and another warm-up for players will take place.
All-Star Game 2 final: Shaq’s OGs 42, Rising Stars 35
Score one for the critics.
Those bemoaning the inclusion of the Rising Stars in the revised format of the NBA All-Star Game will point to the way Shaq’s OGs, a team of seasoned NBA veterans, pulled away late to win the second game of the mini-tournament, 42-35.
The OGs closed on a 14-7 run to set up a showdown against Chuck’s Global Stars in the final of the NBA All-Star Game.
Frankly, it could’ve ended sooner, as the OGs had multiple chances to reach the target score of 40, though they settled for 3s and opted for flair. That allowed the Rising Stars to make a small push, though it would not be enough.
Shaq’s OGs scored 17 fastbreak points compared to eight from the Rising Stars, and Bucks guard Damian Lillard, who hit the game-clinching 3 pointer, finished with a game-high nine points.
Fan wins $100,000 in shootout with Damian Lillard
Jaren Barajas, a fan, won $100,000 when he beat Bucks guard Damian Lillard in a 3-point shootoff, hosted by media personality Mr. Beast.
Lillard needed to hit three logo shots before Barajas hit one. Barajas nailed his shot at the buzzer – off the bank, no less – to take home the cash.
Shaq’s OGs 28, Rising Stars 26
Perhaps there is something to be said about experience.
While Shaq’ OGs, a team comprised mostly of veterans, has several All-Star appearances to their names, the Rising Stars have hung around to make it a mostly competitive game, with Shaq’s OGs taking a 28-26 lead.
Lakers guard Dalton Knecht leads the Rising Stars with eight points on three-of-five shooting, while Warriors guard Stephen Curry, who is playing in front of his home crowd, leads the OGs with eight points, including a pair of deep 3s.
Although the Rising Stars have kept things competitive, there is a nonchalance and ease to the pace and play of the OGs.
The winner of this game will take on Chuck’s Global Stars in the All-Star Game final.
All-Star Game 1 final: Chuck’s Global Stars 41, Kenny’s Young Stars 32
SAN FRANCISCO — Chuck’s Global Stars advanced to the final of Sunday’s All-Star Game with a 41-32 victory over Kenny’s Young Stars.
In a game where the winner was determined by the first to 40 points, Shai Gilgeous-Alexander’s dunk ended the game. Alexander had a game-high 12 points, and Victor Wembanyama and Karl-Anthony Towns each scored six points for the Global Stars.
The Global Stars will play the winner of Shaq’s OGs vs. Candace’s Rising Stars in the final of the new All-Star format.
Gilgeous-Alexander, the leading candidate for the 2024-25 regular-season MVP award, also had two rebounds, one assist and one block.
There was a modicum of defense played – the Global Stars had three blocks and three steals.
Evan Mobley, Darius Garland and Tyler Herro each scored six points for the Young Stars.
All-Star Game attracts celebrities, current and former players
Chuck’s Global Stars leading Kenny’s Young Stars
SAN FRANCISCO — Chuck’s Global Stars own a 17-12 lead against Kenny’s Young Stars in a game where the winner is determined by the first team to 40 points.
Karl-Anthony Towns has six points on two 3-pointers and Shai Gilgeous-Alexander has four points for the Global Stars. Tyler Herro, who won the 3-point shooting contest, leads the Young Stars with six points on two 3s.
Draymond Green, Candace Parker trade barbs over Rising Stars in All-Star Game
Candace Parker, the TNT analyst who is also the general manager of the Rising Stars team that won Friday’s mini-tournament, took a playful shot at Golden State Warriors forward Draymond Green, perhaps over Green’s criticism about the Rising Stars competing Sunday against NBA All-Stars.
During the TNT pregame show, a comment was made about Parker “coaching” the Rising Stars, which is not the case; Warriors icon Chris Mullin is serving as the honorary coach.
“There’s no way I could coach — ever — it would be like Draymond coaching,” Parker said.
“Wow,” Green responded. “I’ve already been offered the Golden State Warriors head coaching job, you think I’m going to suck?”
“I didn’t think you would suck, I just didn’t think you would enjoy it. You would not be able to coach — your patience, our patience …” Parker said before trailing off.
Green had criticized the NBA’s decision to include the Rising Stars as “absurd” earlier during the TNT pregame show.
“I had to work so hard to play on Sunday night of All-Star weekend, and because ratings are down because the game is bad, we’re bringing in Rising Stars? That’s not a fix,” Green said during the broadcast.
LAFD member sings national anthem in tribute to L.A. area
Los Angeles Fire Department firefighter and paramedic Dennis R. Rodriguez sang the national anthem before the NBA All-Star Game. He represents the first responders who worked tirelessly during the wildfires that rocked the area, destroying lives, homes and landmarks.
Rodriguez has been a member of the Los Angeles Fire Department since April 2015, according to the Sporting News.
How to watch the 2025 NBA All-Star Game
Location: Chase Center (San Francisco)
Date: Sunday
Time: 8 p.m. ET
TV: TNT
NBA All-Star Game: How to stream basketball event
NBA All-Star weekend welcomes a few events tipping off across networks that include ESPN and TNT, which you can stream on Sling.
Watch NBA All-Star weekend events with Sling
NBA All-Star rosters
Shaq’s OGs: LeBron James, Stephen Curry, Kyrie Irving, Jayson Tatum, Kevin Durant, Damian Lillard, James Harden, Jaylen Brown and Anthony Davis.
Chuck’s Global Stars: Donovon Mitchell, Nikola Jokic, Trae Young, Shai Gilgeous-Alexander, Victor Wembanyama, Pascal Siakam, Alperen Sengun and Karl-Anthony Towns.
Kenny’s Young Stars: Anthony Edwards, Jalen Brunson, Jaren Jackson Jr., Cade Cunningham, Darius Garland, Tyler Herro, Evan Mobley and Jalen Williams.
Candace’s Rising Stars: Stephon Castle, Ryan Dunn, Zach Edey, Keyonte George, Trayce Jackson-Davis, Dalton Knecht, Amen Thompson, Jaylen Wells
Giannis jokes children tweeted at Ja Morant after dunk contest
SAN FRANCISCO — Milwaukee Bucks star Giannis Antetokounmpo, who is not paying in the All-Star Game due to a strained left calf, joked that one of his kids hacked his phone and posted on social media that he had interest in participating in the 2026 slam dunk contest if Memphis’ Ja Morant did it, too.
“That was my kids tweeting. That wasn’t me,” Antetokounmpo said. “While I was sleeping, they woke up in the middle of the night, came next to the nightstand, took my phone out of my charger, went to their room, tweeted and I found out this morning.”
Dad jokes aside, Antetokounmpo said, “I think you get motivated seeing guys go out there to put on a show. You get motivated. If I’m healthy and things are going well for me next year, I will want to do it.”
Antetokounmpo was open to other All-Star format changes, too, such as a one-on-one event, international stars vs. U.S. stars and an All-Star Weekend in Europe.
“Anything that can make the weekend more exciting, more fun for the viewers, for the fans and for the players, I would love to participate,” he said.
He was super supportive of a world stars vs. U.S. stars game.
“That would be the most interesting and most exciting format. I would love that. I’d take pride in that,” he said. “I always compete, but I think that will give me a little bit more extra juice to compete, like having Shai, Jokic, Luka, Wemby, Towns, Sengun. I know those players. Obviously I’m missing some guys that I cannot think from the top of my head, going against the best U.S. players. I think it would be fun.”
LeBron James on ‘SNL’: ‘A dream come true’
SAN FRANCISCO — LeBron James was the last active NBA player to host “Saturday Night Live” – on Sept. 29, 2007.
As the long-running sketch comedy show celebrates its 50th anniversary Sunday, James reflected on his appearance.
“To be a part of the ‘Saturday Night Live’ legacy is a dream come true,” James said. “It’s been on, obviously, my entire life, and seeing so many great actors grace those skits every single Saturday and so many entertainers that come there and do their bits, as well, it was fun.
‘It was super fun, and hopefully I get the opportunity to do it again. I would love to do it again. I was so young. You said 2006? 2007? I was 21, 22 maybe. It was super fun. … It was definitely a treat and something that I can always look back and say ‘I was on a show that Will Ferrell has been on and so many great guys.’ Bill Hader is a good friend of mine. It was pretty cool.”
James’ skit where he plays one-on-one against an overly cocky production assistant played by Jason Sudeikis made USA TODAY Sports’ list of favorite “SNL” sports sketches.
LeBron James selected for record 21st All-Star Game
LeBron James will compete in his 21st NBA All-Star Game on Sunday. He made his first All-Star appearance in 2005 and has shared the court with Kobe Bryant, Shaquille O’Neal and Kevin Garnett, among others.
He played in 13 games as a representative for the Eastern Conference. He spent five seasons representing the West. He also spent two seasons as the team captain for Team LeBron James and earned victories over Team Stephen Curry in 2018 and 2019.
The All-Star Game changed to a draft format during those two years and was not specifically tied to the East vs. West team name moniker, according to information on StatMuse. ‒ James Williams
LeBron James’ All-Star Game stats and records
LeBron James is averaging 21.7 points (434 total), 5.7 rebounds (114 total) and 5.7 assists (113 total) through his first 20 All-Star Game appearances. James is the all-time leader in several All-Star Game statistical categories including minutes (536), field goals made (182), field goals attempted (355) and 3-pointers attempted (138), according to Fox Sports. James is currently third in assists with 113, behind Chris Paul (128) and Magic Johnson (127). James’ 114 rebounds is sixth all-time, behind Wilt Chamberlain (197), Bob Pettit (178), Kareem Abdul-Jabbar (149), Bill Russell (139) and Tim Duncan (136). ‒ James Williams
Mavericks’ assistant coach arrested
The Dallas Mavericks have suspended an employee as assistant coach Darrell Armstrong was arrested and charged with aggravated assault with a deadly weapon.
The Dallas Police Department said in a statement to USA TODAY Sports that officers responded to a call about 3:45 a.m. on Saturday regarding a dispute. A preliminary investigation found Armstrong and the alleged victim were in an argument when he allegedly hit the victim with a gun and threatened to shoot her.
Armstrong was booked into jail before 7:30 a.m. on Saturday and was charged with assault with a deadly weapon. His bond was set to $35,000, which he has since posted. Police said Armstrong and the alleged victim know each other.
The Mavericks said in a statement to USA TODAY Sports that they are aware of an incident ‘involving a member of our staff,’ but did not specify who it was. The team said it was gathering information regarding the incident and the staff member was suspended. Read full story here. ‒ Jordan Mendoza
NBA All-Star 2026 location
The 2026 NBA All-Star Game will be held in Los Angeles at the Clippers’ Intuit Dome. The 2027 NBA All-Star Game is headed to the desert in Phoenix at the Suns’ Footprint Center. The location of the 2028 NBA All-Star Game has not been announced yet.
TNT’s Ernie Johnson expresses gratitude
In what is TNT’s last All-Star Weekend telecast for at least the next 11 seasons, longtime TNT sports host Ernie Johnson delivered a thoughtful and grateful message at the annual NBA Legends Brunch.
Johnson relied on one of his trademark rhyming poems to express himself.
In front of some of the greatest players to play in the NBA, including Oscar Robertson, Johnson said:
“Pointing fingers or placing blame, they have no place in this rhyme.
“Bitterness or ill-will, c’mon, don’t waste my time.
“Instead consider gratitude. We’re thankful, and we’re blessed.
“Our TNT production crew, our backbone, just the best.
“So for all my colleagues, every teammate in our ranks:
We offer you a simple yet sincere and heartfelt thanks.”
TNT is not part of the NBA’s new 11-year, $76 billion TV deal to televise and stream games starting in 2025-26. However, TNT’s popular and entertaining “Inside the NBA” featuring Johnson, Charles Barkley, Shaquille O’Neal and Kenny Smith has been licensed to Disney so that show will continue on ESPN and ABC.
Mac McClung dunks over car; Tyler Herro wins 3-point shootout
SAN FRANCISCO — Mac McClung brought out the props for the slam dunk contest – a car, a ladder, a hoverboard.
And despite his limited NBA experience – the 6-2 high-flyer from the G League jumped, floated and wowed the crowd with his creativity for another All-Star slam dunk contest victory Saturday at Chase Center.
McClung is the first player to win the event three consecutive times and was asked if it would be fair to consider him the greatest dunker ever.
“That’s not for me to decide,” McClung said.
Miami’s Tyler Herro won his first 3-point contest and prevented Milwaukee’s Damian Lillard from winning the event for the third consecutive season.
Cleveland’s Donovan Mitchell and Evan Mobley won the Skills Challenge and NBA commissioner Adam Silver explained why there was no rematch between Steph Curry and Sabrina Ionescu.
What’s the future of ‘Inside the NBA’? Details still need to be worked out
SAN FRANCISCO – The idea of not working NBA All-Star Weekend didn’t register with TNT’s Kenny Smith until a friend asked him a question this week.
“My friend asked, ‘Are you going to come to All-Star Weekend next year?’ Smith told USA TODAY Sports from the green room at Pier 48, down the street from Golden State’s Chase Center. He was preparing to appear with TNT’s popular “Inside the NBA” crew for a show before the Minnesota-Oklahoma City game.
“I said, ‘What do you mean?’ He says, ‘Well, NBC does it after this season.’ When my friend asked me that question, I had never thought about it.’ Read the full story here.
Opinion: NBA’s winning social media strategy comes at expense of All-Star Game
Despite the NBA’s best efforts over the last decade to juice up its All-Star Game to a vague level of competitiveness and credibility, it’s hard to see the league’s newest gimmick generating significantly different results this weekend than the Elam Ending or having LeBron James and Giannis Antetokounmpo drafting the teams.
If that’s the case, NBA commissioner Adam Silver will likely see it as a failure. He has made it clear he wants the All-Star Game to be something other than a glorified pickup run, and the league hopes that this year’s format — dividing players into four teams and having a first-to-40 tournament — will be more satisfying for fans in the arena and more attractive for those watching on television.
But the real problem with the All-Star Game is not something the NBA can fix with a new format, or even shoveling money into the bank accounts of the players.
The problem is us. Or, to be more precise, the way our collective consumption of the NBA has evolved. Read Dan Wolken’s column here.
Opinion: NBA All-Star Game on life support? Format change may save it
NBA commissioner Adam Silver wants a more competitive All-Star Game. His broadcast partners domestically and globally want a more competitive game. Fans – and their seething, disgusted, and worse, apathetic emails dropped into my inbox – want the same. I, too, prefer a more competitive All-Star Game.
Yet, I am skeptical that there is a long-term solution to making it a better product for the league, its partners and fans. Read Jeff Zillgitt’s column here.
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