Minnesota Timberwolves guard Anthony Edwards added another feat to his cap after being named All-Star Game MVP for the first time. He led Team Stars to the title in the mini tournament at the Intuit Dome on Sunday.
Edwards displayed his all-around talent, scoring 32 points, nine rebounds and three assists in three games. Team Stars avenged their defeat in the round robin by dominating Team Stripes 47–21 in the final.
Meanwhile, Team World lost two of its assignments despite a strong performance from San Antonio Spurs center Victor Wembanyama. For Edwards, Team World would have been more competitive if Los Angeles Lakers guard Luka Doncic and Denver Nuggets center Nikola Jokic played more.
"No grudges against Luka and Jokic, but they're two of the best players in the league, and they're not trying to play in the All-Star Game," the 24-year-old guard said.
"No complaints against Luka and Jokic, but like the two best players in the league, they don't try to play in the All-Star Game."
- Ant Man on World vs USA format https://t.co/y3LMLTBwir pic.twitter.com/TJ6c4dh3qS
- NBA Courtside (@NBA__Courtside) 16 February 2026
Doncic and Jokic failed to gel in Team World's do-or-die game against Team Stripes. In their opening game against Team Stars, Doncic had two points and two assists, while Jokic did not score and had two rebounds.
Doncic has missed the Lakers' last four games with a hamstring injury, while Jokic recently returned from a long layoff with a knee injury.
The lack of competition has been the main problem in the All-Star Game, as most players do not take it seriously. The NBA has changed the format several times, including this year, to increase the level of competition, but to no avail.
It doesn't help that Lakers forward LeBron James made an offhand comment about the staging of this year's Midseason Classic.
If more players cared as much as Edwards, the All-Star Game would be more watchable.
