標籤: AllStar

The NASCAR All-Star Race at Dover Motor Speedway was going to feel fresh and different. Instead, it did the opposite, boring and confusing many fans, making it drag on for hours, and sparking debate over whether or not the format change actually worked.

NASCAR insider Jeff Gluck joined the race on The Teardown Podcast, and to be honest, his reaction pretty much matched the mood of a lot of viewers.

He said, “This can’t happen again. It’s not right. It needs to be sent into the sun and burned with fire. This wasn’t the right track for this. This wasn’t the right format for this. From the time they started and about four hours to the time they ended, the format was completely wrong, starting with putting people who were open with people who were closed.”

And he also explained what he thought was the bigger issue: “Ultimately, the way the rules were today, because of the wrecks and all these things, you had nine guys involved. I think they came at the expense of real All-Stars who had already made their way into it and weren’t even able to get into the All-Star race.”

His disappointment was mainly over identity and the idea that the All-Star Race should highlight the best of the sport, not be swallowed up by a hybrid format that changed the feel of the whole thing.

Fans call it “the worst All-Star Race ever”

If Gluck was disappointed, fans were even more direct.

Social media reaction during and after the race was brutal, with many calling it one of the weakest All-Star events in years.

One fan said, “That was the worst All-Star race we’ve ever had. I don’t understand why Nascar has to make it so hard.”

Another reaction expressed the anger even more clearly: “Worst format ever!! Worst All Star Race I have ever seen!! It was just a short non points race. No excitement!! 0!!”

There were also some more reflective remarks, some of which pointed out how prize money still feels stuck in the past compared to how much the sport has grown economically.

Running didn’t help at all. A huge early upset took out some of the biggest names in the field, including Kyle Larson and Chase Elliott. Larson managed to get back out after repairs, but Elliott’s race was basically over on the spot.

From there, it turned into a long, chaotic afternoon that lasted much longer than expected, with confusion compounded by changes in strategy and constant resets.

In the end, Denny Hamlin still did what he does at Dover, he won. But even that seemed like a footnote compared to everything else that happened.

Because by the time it was over, most of the conversation wasn’t about who won. It was about whether NASCAR’s experiment had gone completely awry.

My love for motorsports began as a child watching races with my family in Tunisia. Fast forward to today… more about Farah Ben Gamra

The results of NASCAR’s 2026 All-Star Race at Dover didn’t stop at just the “boring” format. Another debate quickly erupted on social media over the weekend: Is the race still paying enough to feel truly special?

As for the winner, the answer for a lot of fans seems to be ‘no.’

The NASCAR All-Star Race winner still takes home $1 million, the same top prize the event has offered since 2003. And while that number once seemed huge, many fans now feel it no longer matches the scale, money and publicity of modern NASCAR.

Fans feel the “Jackpot” feeling is gone

For years, the All-Star Race has felt like drivers are risking everything for a life-changing test.

But in 2026, many fans feel that edge is gone. Part of this comes from inflation. A $1 million prize in 2003 would be worth about $1.81 million today, meaning the value of the prize has quietly diminished over time.

And after Dover’s chaotic race weekend, fans began to openly question whether NASCAR needed to seriously reconsider pay.

Some argue that if the sport really wants to make the race feel like a major event again then the winner should now get something closer to $5 million.

Especially now that NASCAR is working under a massive television rights deal worth $7.7 billion through 2031.

One fan on Reddit said nostalgically: “This used to be a really huge cash prize, so all the best drivers were tempted to buy a purse you wouldn’t normally see (outside of the Daytona 500). If you want people to do nothing again, make the prize $5 million.”

Now let’s be clear, and put the demonstrative outrage aside: $1 million is a lot of money, no question about it. It’s just putting that figure in context for the fans’ entertainment. The logic behind this is simple: If NASCAR wants drivers to race aggressively in a non-points exhibition full of wreck risks and experimental formats, the reward must also be huge. Because, to put things in perspective, the top NASCAR Cup Series drivers earn base salaries ranging from $5 million to more than $15 million per season.

When you add up race winnings, performance bonuses and sponsorship deals, the total annual earnings of the sport’s biggest stars often exceed $10 million to $17 million annually. So this means that they will not risk any aggressive moves for a race in which they may not get any points.

RELATED: Fans and analysts criticize NASCAR Dover All-Star Race

Not all fans think money solves problems

At the same time, not everyone believes that throwing more money into the race will suddenly solve everything.

Some fans admitted that they don’t care about the millionaire drivers becoming even richer. “I think the novelty of the big prize has also worn off for most people. Why should we care if a millionaire wins more money?”

For them, the issue is more about the breed losing its identity over the years. And to be honest, this feeling continued to emerge after Dover.

A lot of the reaction focused on nostalgia, fans missing when the All-Star Race was simpler, shorter, more aggressive and truly different from a regular Cup Series event.

Instead, many viewers felt that the 2026 edition became overly complicated due to segment changes, inversions, and a format that ran too long.

This is where the division is actually taking place. Some fans believe that a much larger purse, perhaps even $5 million, could bring back excitement and motivate drivers to race harder.

Others think the event has “lost its soul” and that fixing the format makes more sense than raising checks.

The drivers themselves have started taking the conversation forward

Driver fans agree. Bubba Wallace recently said that the $3 million prize would probably change the way drivers race aggressively.

Denny Hamlin also acknowledged that the current payout “doesn’t move the needle the way it once did.” He said: “I’m just going to spend $1 million on parts and pieces? We haven’t developed anything yet,” Hamlin said. “So, to change all these things piecemeal, we’re going to make changes, we’re going to spend a lot of money. And it’s only paid $1 million to win. It’s paid $1 million to win for 30 years. It’s not that good anymore. Even if one of my cars won, I don’t even remotely see it as a break-even proposition.”

And when drivers are also openly and freely saying they want “more” money, it seems like maybe they do.

My love for motorsports began as a child watching races with my family in Tunisia. Fast forward to today… more about Farah Ben Gamra

A new rumor suggests the Phoenix Suns will make a summer trade for the talented but troubled two-time All-Star to pair with Devin Booker next season.

The Suns’ season isn’t over yet, and if they can beat the Golden State Warriors in their play-in game tonight they have a chance to secure a playoff spot this month. However, if they are victorious, no one is expecting Phoenix to make a deep run in the postseason. Especially after they lost their first play-in game to the Portland Trail Blazers earlier this week.

No matter what happened Friday night, it was still a positive season for the Suns. Despite firing head coach Mike Budenholzer, trading Kevin Durant, and releasing Bradley Beal in the offseason, the team actually won nine more games under new head coach Jordan Ott. Still, more impactful talent is needed if this team is to take another step forward in 2026-27.

Will the Phoenix Suns pursue a Ja Morant trade this summer?

Under the leadership of owner Matt Ishbia, the Suns have shown a willingness to be bold in improving the team. Well, a new rumor suggests they may make a risky move to bring in an extremely talented player this offseason. According to Brandon “Scoop B” Robinson, Phoenix is ​​emerging as the early favorite to make a summer trade for Memphis Grizzlies star Ja Morant. The other team is believed to be the Sacramento Kings.

The Suns lacked another meaningful player-creator this season. This forced Devin Booker to assume the role of not only their primary scorer, but their top facilitator. Morant will certainly ease the burden of both scoring and playmaking for Booker and could create a dangerous backcourt duo.

However, one comes with potential business risks. Morant’s value is at an all-time low, which is good for the Suns. But this is due to the off-court trouble he can cause and serious injury problems over the past few seasons. Many people associated with the sport felt that due to his injury problems he would never be able to return to the player he was.

After earning a journalism degree in 2017, Jason Burgos worked as a contributor to several sites, including MMA Sacca… More about Jason Burgos

After taking a step back from their lofty status of being annual WNBA Finals contenders, the New York Liberty made a big splash in free agency to boost their chances of competing for another championship this year.

The Liberty were one of the WNBA’s dominant powers heading into the 2025 season after consecutive trips to the Finals. Which also includes winning the championship in 2024. However, they saw their season end abruptly in the opening round of the playoffs in September.

Their disappointing year after clinching the franchise’s first championship was mostly due to injuries. Betnijah Laney-Hamilton missed the entire season after knee surgery, and top star Breanna Stewart battled injuries all year, including the playoffs. However, most of their core is expected to return in 2026.

Still, you can never have enough talent, and the New York Liberty added another star on Saturday with Stewart and Sabrina Ionescu.

New York Liberty sign 3-time All-Star Sato Sabally

ESPN basketball insider Shams Charania was first to report that All-Star Sato Sabally has agreed to sign a multiyear deal to join the New York Liberty.

Sabally was the second overall pick in the 2020 WNBA draft by the Dallas Wings. The Oregon standout became a core member of the Wings’ roster and took a big step forward in 2023 when he earned All-Star honors for the second time and finished fifth in MVP voting after posting 18.6 points, 8.1 rebounds and 4.4 assists.

Sabally was part of the massive three-team trade that sent him to the Phoenix Mercury last season. He posted another All-Star season and played a major role in leading the team to the 2025 NBA Finals. Unfortunately, they were defeated in four games by the league’s current dynasty, the Las Vegas Aces.

After earning a journalism degree in 2017, Jason Burgos worked as a contributor to several sites, including MMA Sacca… More about Jason Burgos

A top MLB insider believes the Cincinnati Reds will make a bold trade for one of the best two-way players available on the trade market this offseason.

After more progress in 2025 and a return to the postseason for the first time in five years, there are high expectations for Reds Nation heading into the new MLB campaign. They have a good young core led by Eli De La Cruz, and in the offseason, the front office added Eugenio Suárez to add more strength to the lineup and signed Emilio Pagan as their new closer.

With the Milwaukee Brewers potentially taking a step back this season, Reds fans are hoping their team can make an incredible run to the National League Central title this summer. To do that, Cincinnati will likely need to add more talent before this year’s MLB trade deadline. And The Athletic’s Jim Bowden expects a major trade move by the club this summer.

Cincinnati Reds predicted to trade Byron Buxton

“Minnesota Twins star Byron Buxton has waived his no-trade clause and is traded to the Reds at the deadline with two and a half years of control remaining on his contract,” Bowden wrote in a new prediction article ahead of MLB Opening Day 2026.

The two-time All-Star and one-time Gold Glove winner would be a great addition for the Reds. In 2025, he had a big year as he set career highs in home runs (35), runs scored (97), and RBI (83), while adding 25 stolen bases. Furthermore, he is viewed as one of the best defensive midfielders in the American League.

The fact that Bowden believes the 11-year veteran will waive his no-trade clause for Cincinnati reflects the club’s improved profile around the game. While a trade would be expensive, Buxton is just not an on-field fit for the Reds. He is also playing on a reasonable contract. He’s making just $15.2 million annually over the next three seasons.

After earning a journalism degree in 2017, Jason Burgos worked as a contributor to several sites, including MMA Sacca… More about Jason Burgos

The New Orleans Pelicans are running out of ways to mitigate Dejounte Murray’s impact. Since returning from injury, the former All-Star has not only stabilized the backcourt but reshaped the team’s defensive identity. This is a change that James Borrego has made clear is no coincidence. It’s this reality that makes a potential contract decision this offseason much more complicated than a simple market-value debate, especially since Zion Williamson is in a similar situation.

In his first 10 games, Murray has averaged 18.7 points, 6.3 assists, 5.1 rebounds and 1.6 steals in 27.6 minutes per game. His field goal percentage since his return is 54.7%, a level of shooting efficiency that exceeds any performance he had in 31 games before the injury. The Pelicans are seventh in points per game and 10th in steals since Murray returned.

However, this contract extension decision goes beyond counting statistics. Borrego emphasized that Murray’s presence has fundamentally changed the team’s identity, changing the mentality from passive to assertive.

“The physicality has improved with our intention to be a more physical, aggressive team with our hands on the ball,” Borrego explained. “We’ve set the tone on the ball. He’s Dejounte, he’s Fear, he’s Herb Jones setting the tone on the ball, contesting every shot. Our field goal percentage defense has really increased. We’re contesting every shot. Our three-point percentage has really gone down against our opponents.”

“You can’t be the bottom team in this league and think you’re going to win,” Borrego said. “And that has to be a mentality. Every day we’re working defensively. It’s about pride. It’s about size. It’s about physicality. And I think we’ve simplified our defense as well. We’re not changing coverages too much. At most, what we’re doing within a play is maybe trying to take out one or two players.”

As Borrego noted, the team’s statistical turnaround has been anchored by Murray’s point of attack defense. Since the NBA All-Star break, the Pelicans have dropped from 27th to 18th in defensive rating. Countering the shots is yielding huge benefits. He has shown significant improvement in opponent’s effective field goal percentage, especially from beyond the arc, moving from 26th (55.8%) to eighth (53.2%).

With Murray’s projected contributions expected to remain close to All-Star levels over the next three to four years, the Pelicans will have to decide if the veteran guard represents the necessary cornerstone to translate this late regular season momentum into future postseason success. The franchise has long valued fiscal discipline to avoid the luxury tax, but there is a compelling case for making an investment that could cement the team’s identity for years to come.

As the Pelicans regroup for a crucial offseason, the front office faces a high-stakes math problem. How much will Joe Dumars and Troy Weaver really value a player who has fundamentally changed the team’s defensive DNA?

The answer probably sits in the $100 million range.

Dejounte Murray paces Pelicans

Murray’s $32 million salary cap hit next season is just fine. There is no way to pick up the $30 million player option for the 2027-28 fiscal year. Getting close to $38 million annually over the next three years shows what he has shown and what he can provide. This will be expensive. This will require financial discipline elsewhere on the roster.

However, the option of seeing a former All-Star, an elite defender and a natural leader walk out the door because the front office was unwilling to shed a $40 million AAV would be a mistake this franchise cannot afford, given how other star eras have ended. Zion Williamson can afford to wait in line behind Murray for this order of business.

Fortunately, the contracts of Brandon Ingram, CJ McCollum, Zach LaVine, Kyrie Irving and Derrick White provide a reference point below that range. Jrue Holiday and Fred Van Vleet’s deals provide a floor for Murray’s agents if the market wants to play hardball.

The potential three-year, $114 million extension may not be in line with internal accounting plans. Still, it’s hard to ignore the courtroom evidence, which is forcing the franchise to reconsider how hard that line should be with this origin. Murray is entering what should be the high point of his career. His Achilles injury was serious, but his comeback in terms of production, efficiency and impact on wins has eliminated most of the durability concerns that might otherwise reduce his market value.

There are probably 15 players in the world who are capable of being a triple-double threat every night while still being legitimate NBA Defensive Player of the Year contenders. Most are on All-NBA teams at the end of the season. There’s no obvious price tag on that combination of skills, but the floor is very high, especially after Zion Williamson, Trey Murphy III, Derrick Queen and Herb Jones. Just look at how much the Pelicans have been winning lately.

Given how the last few weeks have gone, the connective tissue of that core is unquestionably Dejounte Murray. Letting him go, or letting negotiations stall long enough to damage the relationship, would cost New Orleans far more than the contract dollars in question. That’s why the Pelicans should consider starting talks with a placeholder $80 million over two years versus a long-term three- or four-year investment that leads to the trade market.

The term “Hall of Famer” gets thrown around a lot, but when it comes to Phoenix Suns star Devin Booker, the claims take on more substance as time goes on.

The five-time All-Star has received recognition from many head coaches, but Indiana Pacers head coach Rick Carlisle is new to the list.

Before Thursday’s game, Carlisle elaborated more on that three-word point.

“He’s got Hall of Fame in the books,” Carlisle explained on Twitter (formerly Twitter), via AZCentral’s Duane Rankin. “As far as I can see, he has become a great leader.”

Throughout Phoenix’s season, Booker has been the unsung leader, offensive engine and everything else you want to describe. His stats may not be where they were, but that doesn’t necessarily matter.

However, over the last five games he is averaging 26.6 points, 5.8 assists and 4.4 rebounds. The Suns have been on a hot streak since Booker’s return and have gone 4-1.

Devin Booker’s comment on Rick Carlisle highlights Suns’ success

Comparing the 2024-25 season to today, this is a completely different team. Although Booker made the All-Star Game, he noted that it was due to his team’s success.

He has also repeatedly mentioned finishing his career in Phoenix. But it is not just a feeling of pleasing the masses. At the same time, he wants to leave a lasting impact and has already done so.

For example, Booker broke the Suns franchise scoring record at the age of 28 during his ten seasons in the Valley of the Sun.

Somehow, his focus is more on winning than on accolades. As of this writing, the team has achieved 38 wins on the season, surpassing last season’s win total.

As the Suns continue to travel on the road, more coaches may get to see more of Booker’s leadership showcased.

The Rising Stars event on NBA All-Star Weekend gives fans a chance to see some of the league’s top young players, from star rookies to second-year standouts. The event has also grown to include G League standouts, but has always featured two-way contract players and assignment players. This season, Sean East II was the only non-NBA G League player to compete at All-Star Weekend.

A career game for Sean East II 🔥🌟 East finished with a career-high 39 PTS, 14 FGM and shot 63% from beyond the arc. @slcstars 🎯 pic.twitter.com/hzMTD8n4P1

– NBA G League (@nbagleague) 23 February 2026

East was a member of Team Austin, coached by former NBA player Austin Rivers. He played a little more than seven minutes, finishing with two points, one rebound and one assist as Team Austin was eliminated in the early rounds. East was also selected to play in the G League Next Up game, which featured some of the best players in the G League throughout the season.

For him, attending All-Star Weekend and sharing the court with some of the best young players in the NBA was an incredible experience. East grew up watching the All-Star Game, and still has strong memories of his favorite moments.

“Just watching the fight between Kobe [Bryant] and lebron [James]kyrie [Irving]Everybody, all of them great players. “Watching it with my family on Sunday nights,” East told ClutchPoints in an exclusive interview. “It was good. . .I had to take it all in, it was fun. I wish we could do it again. Had fun. I had fun and I can’t wait to hopefully play one day on Sunday.”

Playing one day in Sunday’s marquee All-Star Game is no easy task. There has yet to be a player who made an NBA All-Star team who debuted in the G League. Players like Houston Rockets guard Fred VanVleet and Indiana Pacers forward Pascal Siakam have made All-Star teams after spending substantial time playing in the G League.

But in Siakam’s case, he was drafted first by the Toronto Raptors. Along with VanVleet, he immediately joined the Raptors as an undrafted free agent before gaining a foothold in the G League. But aside from All-Star goals, making it to the NBA is actually a realistic option for the East.

He has been performing poorly in the G League this season, and has already attracted the attention of NBA teams.

“I’m getting a little buzz regarding a two-way contract,” East said. “But we’ll see. I’ll keep doing the work I do and hopefully the call-up comes soon.”

After going undrafted in the 2024 NBA Draft, East signed with the Los Angeles Lakers for the Summer League. He played with the Lakers team in both the California Classic and Las Vegas, averaging 6.9 points, 2.6 rebounds and 2.9 assists.

East finished playing in Canada with the CEBL (Canadian Elite Basketball League), and set the league record for most points in a season with 546. This year, he joined the Utah Jazz for training camp, but was one of the final cuts before the start of the season.

Since being waived, East has been playing with the Jazz’s G League affiliate, the Salt Lake City Stars. This is his first official foray into the G League as a professional, and the competition has been equal so far.

“It’s good competition. It’s definitely not the NBA, but it’s a good mix of players who played in the NBA and the G League,” East said. “It’s pretty solid competition. Everyone is definitely trying to get to the NBA.”

In his first full season in the G League, East appeared in 44 games for Salt Lake City. He averaged 19.3 points, 2.8 rebounds, 5.5 assists and 1.2 steals while shooting 51.3 percent from the field, 40.3 percent from the 3-point line and 75.5 percent from the free-throw line.

He is now firmly on the radar of NBA teams, and it would not be surprising if he is signed to a two-way contract, at least, until next season. He has shown that he can be a capable scoring threat, while also being able to quarterback an offense and be a playmaking guard. But until that call-up comes, East is just enjoying the newfound attention.

“It’s just a dream come true,” East said. “So I just want to continue living it.”

As the Miami Heat got a 128-120 win over the Charlotte Hornets on Friday night, it was a collective effort that saw many contributions, but it can’t be denied that Tyler Herro led the way. With the Hornets backing the Heat star into Herro after the tournament, the guard is finally showing his All-Star form of last year in the most important time of the season.

This season has been full of injuries for Herro, as he missed 45 games due to a myriad of injuries, he demonstrated on Friday night why he was an All-Star last season. Herro, who recently returned from a 15-game absence due to a rib injury, had been getting more comfortable over the past eight games, but the three-point shot came back on Friday as he was eight of 10 from that range.

Overall, Herro scored a season-high 33 points on 11 of 20 shooting from the field with nine assists and nine rebounds in 37 minutes, earning a “sensational” take from head coach Erik Spoelstra.

“You can see he’s finding more rhythm each game. And tonight finally the three ball started going his way. And then he can see how it opens up a lot for his game… He was sensational tonight,” Spoelstra said of Axe, formerly of Heat Central, on Twitter.

“I mean, it would have been great to see him have a triple-double, because he had that kind of impact, turning the ball over when he needed to, scoring when he needed to,” Spoelstra continued. “He was manipulating the defense when he needed to.”

Coach Spo on Tyler Herro:

“You can see he’s finding rhythm each game… He was sensational tonight. Being in a spot where he can create something for us offensively, but on the other side, it would have been great to see him have a triple-double, because he had that kind of… https://t.co/BEbCUyLNRr pic.twitter.com/EcJqjDWnwU

– Heat Central (@HeatCulture13) 7 March 2026

Tyler Herro on the Heat’s “collective win” over the Hornets

After the Heat’s dominant win over the Brooklyn Nets on Thursday, the team needed a win against the Hornets on Friday, especially since entering the contest, Miami was eighth in the East and Charlotte was ninth, separated by two games. The team is looking to take advantage of big games and Friday was a great step in the right direction, especially to stop the Hornets’ surging momentum.

Herro said in his TV interview after the game, “We woke up this morning, we came in late last night. And, I mean, our mentality was to come here and try to steal a shot on the road.” “We know how much it means to us in the standings. And it was a collective win from top to bottom. ‘Just for the competitors,’ Spo said this morning. We came and competed; That was a win right there.”

Tyler Herro on winning:

“Our mentality was to come out on the road and steal. We know how much it meant to us in the standings… ‘Only for competitors’ https://t.co/2uzfSy0G4l pic.twitter.com/zGSFwoYpbN

– Heat Central (@HeatCulture13) 7 March 2026

At any rate, the Heat (35-29) look to continue their current four-game winning streak in Sunday’s tough matchup against the Detroit Pistons, who have the NBA’s best record at 45-16.

The NBA All-Star Game will be hosted by the Phoenix Suns in 2027, and owner Matt Ishbia is working hard to get players more interested in the competition. He wants the stars to compete in the three-point and slam dunk contests like they used to. Therefore, he may promise additional prize money to the winners as a way to entice players to compete, but he may not be able to do so.

Ishbia was on the most recent episode of “The Pat McAfee Show” and committed to awarding a $1 million prize to the winners of the three-point and slam dunk contests. Then, an additional $1 million to donate to each event. While this sounds good in theory, there will be some hurdles to making it happen.

“Let’s get the best people in,” Ishbia said. “Let’s make it amazing.”

However, officials from the NBA league office and players union also told ESPN that such an award would not be in line with the existing bonus structure for players.

Sources said Ishbia did not consult the league office before making the offer. But he’s motivated to find a way to bring more stars to the events overall, and if he can get it approved, it might work.

The last time a current All-Star won the Dunk Contest was in 2011 when Blake Griffin set the basketball world on fire and jumped over a car to win the contest.

This year, the NBA All-Star Weekend event was viewed by many as a mixed bag. Miami Heat’s Keshad Johnson won the dunk contest in Los Angeles this year. Then, nine-time All-Star Damian Lillard won his third 3-point contest in the last four years despite missing a game this year due to an Achilles injury.

Jackson Hayes did a warm-up dunk in the actual contest, and it was widely condemned on social media and in the NBA world. Then, Jace Richardson almost got seriously injured while attempting a dunk. The actual competition between Keshad Johnson and Carter Bryant became interesting, but it was too late. If Ishbia can do that, it would be a huge win for the NBA and its viewers.

One of the biggest stories this season is the future of Giannis Antetokounmpo and whether he will stay with the Milwaukee Bucks. The Bucks are currently out of the playoff picture in the Eastern Conference, as the roster is not suited to make a championship run without another star to take the load off Antetokounmpo and step up if he is injured.

But it appears Antetokounmpo is taking matters into his own hands, as a video from NBA All-Star weekend in which he is “recruiting” Suns star Devin Booker has surfaced. In the video, Giannis cited the example of Pistons big man Isaiah Stewart, who is known for his aggressive playing style and old-school enforcer attitude.

“You make everything look good, man, but you wear a different jersey than me. You can wear the same jersey as me. I’m like Isaiah Stewart: I’ll fight for you,” Antetokounmpo said in the video.

The reference was appropriate because Stewart was suspended seven games for running off the bench for fighting Hornets forward Miles Bridges following an altercation involving the Pistons’ Jalen Duren and the Hornets’ Moussa Diabate. But the joke hides the truth that Antetokounmpo wants help to achieve his championship.

Booker and Antetokounmpo share an interesting history, having faced off in the 2021 NBA Finals, which resulted in Giannis’ first and only NBA title. After leading the series 2–0, the Bucks swept four consecutive wins and their first NBA championship since 1971.

While Booker likely won’t be available for a trade this offseason, perhaps acquiring a second star would be what Antetokounmpo would need to stay in Milwaukee.

The 2025-26 NBA season is not going well for the Memphis Grizzlies, and it didn’t get any better for them on Saturday, when they lost to the Miami Heat by a score of 136-120.

A big reason for the Grizzlies’ struggles in the campaign are the injuries they have been dealing with.

According to ESPN’s Shams Charania, Memphis reportedly made a move to add a healthy body to the roster on Monday, as they added a former Portland Trail Blazers player to the team.

From Charania on

The 21-year-old Rupert entered the league in 2023 when the Trail Blazers used their No. 43 pick in that year’s NBA draft on him. In 139 games played over two seasons for Portland, Rupert averaged 3.2 points, 1.8 rebounds and 0.9 assists while shooting only 36.7 percent from the field and 31.7 percent from behind the arc.

The 6-foot-7 Rupert played his final game in a Portland uniform last Thursday on the road against the Utah Jazz, scoring two points, grabbing four rebounds and recording a steal with two turnovers in 16 minutes of action in the 135-119 win. The next day, the Trail Blazers decided to waive him after promoting Sidi Sissoko to make room on the 15-man roster.

The move to the Grizzlies presents an opportunity for Rupert, who has a fully guaranteed $2.2 million contract through the 2025-26 season, to see a larger role on the court.

The San Antonio Spurs were well represented at All-Star Weekend. Victor Wembanyama was voted as the starter for the All-Star Game. Stephen Castle and Dylan Harper competed in the Rising Stars competition, with Harper also being a part of the returning Shooting Stars event. And rookie Carter Bryant, who has recently started playing regularly with the Spurs, was one of the headliners of the slam dunk contest.

Bryant was selected late as a replacement for the Rising Stars Tournament due to an injury to Memphis Grizzlies rookie Cedric Coward. He was impressive during his first All-Star Weekend appearance, showing some of the defensive ability that the Spurs knew they were getting when they drafted him.

In the first Rising Stars game as part of Team Vince, Bryant finished with four points, one rebound and one blocked shot in a little over five minutes. In the second game, as Team Vince won the Rising Stars championship, Bryant finished with five points, one rebound and one steal, while shooting a perfect 2-of-2, including 1-of-1 from 3-point range.

For Bryant, being able to participate in All-Star Weekend as a rookie was a testament to the hard work he has put in since being drafted.

“On my side, I feel like the work I’ve put in is being seen and my teammates have held me to a standard that’s allowed me to perform a certain way,” Bryant told ClutchPoints in an exclusive interview. “Obviously with injuries, it took something for that to happen, but I’m fortunate enough to be in a position where I’ve performed well enough this season, whether it’s the last few games, to get a chance to play in the Rising Stars game. It’s an honor.”

Not only was Carter Bryant given the opportunity to participate in the NBA’s premier weekend, but it was a homecoming for the Spurs rookie. His father D’Sean has been a longtime prominent figure in the Southern California basketball scene, having played in college at Long Beach State before moving into coaching high school basketball.

Bryant grew up in Southern California and played his senior year of high school at local powerhouse Corona Centennial. He also played for his father at Fountain Valley and Sage Hill, two other local high schools. One of the greatest things for him about attending All-Star Weekend was the presence of his family.

Bryant said, “Growing up, All-Star Weekend is everything to a kid, especially when you love the game. The best players in basketball get together and make things happen.” “But for it to be in my hometown, and to be a part of something I’ve always dreamed of, I’m so happy. Just being able to be with my family, being able to have my loved ones supporting me, it means everything.”

And as a local kid, it was former Los Angeles Lakers superstar, the late Kobe Bryant, who provided him with his favorite All-Star memory.

Bryant said, “I would say the one that really stood out was Kobe’s last All-Star Game. Being a Southern California kid, being a kid growing up with Kobe, when he got to the All-Star Game in Toronto last year.” “That whole weekend in general, from the dunk contest to the All-Star Game, having the iconic moments in that whole thing, it was dope.”

Carter Bryant’s having a party with the Spurs

The Rising Stars Game was not the only event Carter Bryant attended during All-Star Weekend. He was also selected for the Slam Dunk Contest. He made it to the final round of the competition where he ultimately lost to Keshad Johnson of the Miami Heat.

Although Bryant did not win the dunk contest, he had a good performance overall. He explained how the event has served as a rising party for young players in the past. As he begins his rookie year with the Spurs, he feels like his All-Star Weekend participation could be a springboard for his own career.

“I think the one thing that’s been missing over the years is the swagger and confidence that a lot of the great guys had that originally did it. … It was kind of a coming out party for a lot of guys. A lot of young guys came in, they were really young players, but they wanted to do the dunk contest,” Bryant said, “kind of bringing that energy back to the dunk contest, having confidence in myself that I’m confident in the work that I do. I have a God-given ability because of my athletic talent and being able to display it.”

It was just before the All-Star break when Bryant got his first real opportunity in the Spurs rotation. Selected 14th overall in the 2025 NBA Draft, he played consistently during the first few months of the regular season, but did not receive consistent playing time until February.

In the six games played just before the break, he scored in double figures three times, including a career-high 16 points in a blowout win against the Los Angeles Lakers. During that time, Bryant showed signs of being a reliable 3-point shooter. He shot a combined 44 percent from distance, a huge increase from his season average of 32.9 percent.

As far as what it takes to succeed in the NBA, one thing he has learned is patience.

Bryant said, “Patience is everything. I would say that’s the biggest thing I’ve learned. Understanding that not everything is going to be on your terms, what a great lesson that’s been.” “Having good vets and a great coaching staff, being able to sit down with a lot of the guys on the coaching staff… even in the video room, talking to the training staff about how to properly take care of my body. They’ve seen guys who have done this for a long time and had a chance to play 20 years.”

Bryant added, “That’s the ultimate goal, to play a long time and be a great player.” “Being able to pick those brains and not dwell in those moments when you feel like you can’t do anything right.”

But in addition to his offensive abilities, the defensive end of the court has been an area where Bryant has shined in his rookie season. When it comes to the Spurs’ regular rotation players, Bryant is top-10 on the team in defensive rating, according to Statmuse.

Offense in the NBA sometimes comes and goes, and the number of shots and opportunities players get often varies from game to game. But the defensive end of the court, is something that cannot be compromised. Defensively the effort and energy must always be there, no matter how many shots the player attempts.

This is a part of Bryant’s game that he is 100 percent confident he can make an immediate impact on.

Bryant said, “I don’t think you can put anybody in front of me that I can’t compete with. I embrace the competition. That’s what I grew up on. I grew up watching Kobe. I grew up watching those guys attack each other every night.” “When I grew up watching NBA basketball there were no buddy-buddy guys. It’s just the mentality, I’m trying to bring the understanding that every night is an opportunity to show what you’re made of.”

At the time of the All-Star break, the Spurs were in second place in the Western Conference standings, and were being mentioned among potential title contenders. As it stands, they are 40-16 in the West, have won eight straight games and are only two and a half games behind the No. 1 seeded Oklahoma City Thunder.

Players always have goals they want to achieve during the season, especially young players who are experiencing the NBA for the first time. But not Bryant. For him, all personal things will come in time. Right now, it is about maximizing his potential to help the team win.

Bryant said, “Making the playoffs, and with the talent that we have and the team that we have, we’re capable of making the finals. I think we’re there. I think we have a lot of guys that really work to their potential, and I think we have a good balance of vets and young guys.” “We all go to work understanding what the chances are for us as a team. I think that’s the thing for me, I’m not worried about any individual things.”

Bryant added, “Things like this come with time and come with winning.” “Winning is the first priority.”

The Brooklyn Nets looked like a team still on vacation during their first game after the All-Star break. Jordi Fernandez’s team sleepwalked through a 112-84 loss to the streaking Cleveland Cavaliers on Thursday to start the second half of the season.

This game marked the Nets’ NBA-leading eighth wire-to-wire loss of the season. Brooklyn trails by 43 points.

“It was everything. The physicality, the intensity, all those things we weren’t matching up to,” Fernandez said. “Their physicality, their intensity was exactly what a winning team should be. We weren’t even close.”

With starting center Nick Claxton sidelined, the Nets had no answer for the Cavaliers on both ends during the lopsided loss. He shot 30 of 87 (34.5 percent) from the field and 14 of 49 (28.6 percent) from three.

Brooklyn offered little resistance defensively as the Cavs shot 44-of-86 (51.2 percent), with seven players reaching double figures.

Nets dominate Cavs during blowout loss, tipping off tank race

Brooklyn’s lack of engagement was evident from the opening tip. After some miscommunication on their first two possessions, Fernandez called a timeout 40 seconds into the game in an attempt to wake up his team. He had little success in doing so.

“It was two mistakes that were completely controllable, and it tells me about the readiness of our players. It was a lack of effort and readiness, and I’m not going to let it fly. And we didn’t wake up,” Fernandez said. “We know we are better, our standards are higher than this. Now we have to go to the next level, and hold everyone accountable, including me, and go and fight better [on Friday in Oklahoma City]”

Michael Porter Jr. led the Nets with 14 points, five rebounds and two assists on 5 of 13 shooting. Ochai Agbaji added 13 points on 5-of-5 shooting off the bench during his second game with Brooklyn. Danny Wolf scored 11 points and seven assists on 4-of-12 shooting, while Egor Demin had 10 points on 3-of-8 shooting.

Donovan Mitchell scored a game-high 17 points on 7-of-12 shooting for Cleveland, while James Harden added 16 points and nine assists on 6-of-8 shooting.

The loss brings a ray of hope for the Nets, who are tied with the Washington Wizards for fourth place in the draft lottery standings. Brooklyn is tied in the win column and twice behind the Indiana Pacers and New Orleans Pelicans in the loss column, who are in second place.

Fernandez’s team will be back in action on Friday during a road matchup with the Oklahoma City Thunder.

After recently announcing his retirement from the NBA, Chris Paul is now looking to enjoy his personal time.

Paul went on to have an illustrious career spanning 20 seasons and cemented his legacy as one of the greatest guards in league history. Once eligible, he or she must be inducted into the Hall of Fame.

Paul, 40, was looking forward to his farewell season with his return to the Los Angeles Clippers. But things quickly deteriorated, with the Clippers surprisingly releasing Paul before their game against the Atlanta Hawks in December.

CP3 remained confident that he would find another team. But he also remained realistic and set a self-imposed deadline before deciding to walk away, as he shared on “7pm in Brooklyn.”

Paul said, “When all this happened, I trained and worked out, obviously, I was in Atlanta. A whole bunch of my family was in Atlanta for that game. My brother and some of my friends were there.”

“Then we flew back, and I was working out and training, and I talked to some of my friends, and I said, ‘I’m going to give myself a deadline. If I’m not on the team by a certain point, All-Star (weekend), I’ll be done with it.'”

At the trade deadline in February, the 12-time All-Star was traded to the Toronto Raptors in a three-team deal involving the Brooklyn Nets. However, the Raptors immediately waived Paul.

Some believed that Paul, who had career averages of 16.8 points, 4.4 rebounds, 9.2 assists and 2.0 steals, might eventually land with the Houston Rockets, Los Angeles Lakers or San Antonio Spurs, but nothing panned out.

Although Paul’s exit from the NBA was not ideal, he will always be remembered as a great competitor and a fearless leader.

The Charlotte Hornets missed a chance to get a big win over the Houston Rockets, losing 105-101 at the Spectrum Center on Thursday night, but LaMelo Ball is grateful he was even able to play. Following the loss, the star point guard spoke on the car accident he was involved in on Wednesday.

According to Rod Boone of the Charlotte Observer, Ball told the media, “Unfortunate, {but} everybody’s good, so good blessings.” “God is great.”

The 24-year-old, who was driving a custom-built Hummer through an intersection, collided with another vehicle in downtown Charlotte. Footage from the scene shows Ball drifting out of his lane and into another car. However, it is still not completely clear what exactly caused the accident. One wheel of the Hummer rolled off after the collision, but it is difficult to say when it started coming loose.

LaMelo’s postgame press conference: Reaction to the accident, his game tonight and more. pic.twitter.com/1CfT3J9jPh

– Rod Boon (@rodboon) 20 February 2026

Thankfully, as the former Rookie of the Year said, no one was seriously hurt. The other person involved in the accident exited his vehicle immediately after the accident. After police arrived at the scene, Ball drove away in a Lamborghini that had come to pick him up. A reporter asked him why he walked away from the wreck, but the 2022 All-Star did not answer the question. “No, you’ll have to check it out,” he replied.

LaMelo Ball was apparently unable to drive the Hummer, so it makes sense that he would call for a ride. One would assume that he had provided the necessary information to the police and the other driver before leaving the scene. However, because of his history on the road, people will be extra curious about the accident.

Video compilations can be found in which he is shown driving recklessly. In 2024, a woman filed a lawsuit against the Hornets playmaker for running over her son’s foot. The child and other people huddled around Ball’s vehicle before it was driven away from the field. He denied responsibility, claiming that the boy harmed himself.

The No. 3 overall pick in the 2020 NBA Draft clearly wants to put this latest incident behind him immediately. A day after the accident, he posted 11 points on 5-of-14 shooting with seven assists and seven rebounds.

The Oklahoma City Thunder faced a bit of a tough time from an injury perspective heading into the All-Star break, losing both Shai Gilgeous-Alexander and Jalen Williams to injuries. Gilgeous-Alexander was forced to miss last weekend’s All-Star festivities as he recovers from a calf strain, while Williams recently re-aggravated a hamstring injury he suffered in a game against the Phoenix Suns.

Now, NBA insider Brett Siegel of ClutchPoints has provided the latest update on both Williams and SGA with young rising guard Ajay Mitchell.

“The Thunder say Shai Gilgeous-Alexander (abdominal strain) and Ajay Mitchell (abdominal strain/left ankle sprain) will be reevaluated in approximately a week,” the former Seagull reported on Twitter. “Jalen Williams (right hamstring strain) will be reevaluated in approximately two weeks.”

The Thunder got off to one of the best starts in NBA history this year, but have slowed down a bit since then and have lost four of their five contests this year to the San Antonio Spurs.

The good news for Oklahoma City is that they recently added some firepower at the trade deadline by acquiring Jared McCain from the Philadelphia 76ers, they won’t have to give up any players from their roster in the process.

McCann’s name is likely to be discussed a lot in the coming matches as the team looks to survive despite injuries to two of its best players.

In any case, the Thunder will next be at home on Friday evening against the Brooklyn Nets, with tipoff scheduled for 8:00 pm ET.

In a new interview, Athletics All-Star Brent Rucker fueled rumors that a salary cap for players will be a non-starter in the new collective bargaining agreement.

Right now, MLB players are preparing for the 2026 MLB season in either Florida or Arizona. While goals and aspirations for the new season are at the forefront of their minds, there is something dark looming in the distance. Negotiations over the next CBA between the league and the MLB Players Association.

Due to the out-of-control spending by the Los Angeles Dodgers, New York Mets and other big-market teams over the past few years, the buzz around the sport is that many owners are willing to finally bring a hard salary cap to MLB. It’s similar to some other major leagues like the NFL, NHL and NBA or something similar.

However, it still has to make its way to MLB as the MLBPA has proven time and again that they are the strongest players union in the game. Whenever the owners push for a major change, the players push back even harder, and they have yet to break even.

Brent Rucker on hard cap: We will not tolerate it being implemented

And when it comes to the hard cap, the Athletics’ two-time All-Star Brent Rucker is the latest MLB star to make it clear that the idea is a complete non-starter for players.

“The salary cap is designed to suppress wages so owners can make more money. That’s enough. That’s the goal behind them. They’re not trying to accomplish anything else. It’s not good for the players, it’s not good for the league, it’s not good for competitive balance or equity.”

“We will not tolerate it being implemented into our game,” Rucker said when asked about the hard cap during an event on Wednesday. foul zone podcast.

It certainly seems like both sides are ready to take a deeper look at the hard cap issue. If they’re both adamant, it looks like there’ll be another work stoppage like 1994 – coming early next year.

After earning a journalism degree in 2017, Jason Burgos worked as a contributor to several sites, including MMA Sacca… More about Jason Burgos

Many people said that the NBA had an All-Star Weekend issue, and there may be some truth in that. Over the years, the All-Star Game has been criticized when it comes to the competitive nature of the competition. As far as All-Star Saturday Night goes, many people weren’t fans of how the dunk contest went.

According to NBA communications, there seems to be a big change this year and it is reflected in viewership.

“More than 46 million people in the US watched NBA All-Star weekend across NBC platforms and ESPN, the most in 24 years and more than triple the total from last season,” NBA Communications wrote on Twitter.

This is a huge deal for the NBA, and it shows that they are on the right track with the small changes they made this time. One of the things they did was change the format of the actual All-Star Game, because it was three different teams, and they played in a tournament-style game.

Players seemed to like this format, and with it performing so well, there’s a good chance Adam Silver will bring it back next year, and possibly for years to come.

As far as All-Star Saturday Night goes, the one thing that caught everyone’s attention this year was the three-point contest, as Damian Lillard won despite not playing this season for the Portland Trail Blazers.

The dunk may have been overwhelming for some people, but it is still a contest that everyone loves to watch.

The Rising Stars Challenge was also competitive this season and brought viewership throughout the weekend. There will likely be some changes for next year, but for the most part, it seems like the NBA may have done something right in the way it executed the week for fans.

The Boston Celtics are currently preparing to begin the unofficial second half of their season, which begins on Thursday evening against the Golden State Warriors. The Celtics were represented at the NBA All-Star weekend by Jaylen Brown, who participated as part of one of the USA teams in the round robin tournament.

The Celtics have performed well beyond expectations this year, and recently, former NBA guard Lou Williams praised what Boston is able to accomplish in 2025-26 on FanDuel’s “Run It Back” show.

“I still think Boston is the most dangerous team in the East,” said Williams, formerly of Run It Back on X, on Twitter.

Co-host Chandler Parsons said, “He’s exceeded everyone’s expectations… Jaylen Brown has to be in these MVP conversations.”

In fact, most pundits expected the Celtics to be a fringe playoff team at best this year, given that the team was playing without injured superstar Jayson Tatum, and also parted ways with Jrue Holiday and Kristaps Porzingis via trades over the summer that were mostly financially motivated.

However, as Parsons said, Brown is playing at a borderline MVP level for the Celtics this year, more than replicating Tatum’s production, and he’s also gotten some help from players like Derrick White and Peyton Pritchard, who have returned to form after rough starts to the year.

Hovering over all of this is the possibility of Tatum’s eventual return, which looks more than likely day-to-day at some point this season. If Tatum can look somewhat like his normal form during Boston’s upcoming playoff run, the Celtics will likely be the clear favorite to come out of the East this year.

In any case, the Celtics will next take the field against the Warriors on Thursday at 10:00 PM ET as they begin their trip to the West Coast.

The New York Knicks are back from the All-Star break, and their first challenge will be against the top-seeded Detroit Pistons. The last time these two saw each other, the Knicks were not at their best and lost 118-80. This time may be a little different as they will be at home, and they will have more players available in this matchup, including Karl-Anthony Towns.

There is one player on the injury report who has been important for the Knicks this season, and that is OG Anunoby. He is listed on the injury report with a sprained right toe, and it is uncertain whether he will be able to play against the Pistons.

His position in the game is as follows.

*Watch NBA Games Live with fuboTV (Free Trial)*

OG Anunoby’s injury status vs. Pistons

Anunoby is listed as questionable against the Pistons, meaning he is likely to play. He practiced the day before the game and reported that his toenail was in pain due to it being completely removed.

“There’s a lot of pain. It’s an open wound,” The Athletic on X, formerly of Twitter’s James L. Anunoby said, according to Edwards III.

Hopefully the injury won’t hinder Anunoby too much from what he wants to do on the floor and he can manage his minutes if the Knicks decide to play. Anunoby’s biggest strength is his defense, and he usually guards one of the opposing team’s better perimeter players. If he can’t perform to the best of his ability, the Knicks can bring him back slowly.

Luckily for the Knicks, they have Mikal Bridges, who is also a good perimeter defender and can fill that role for Anunoby.

It doesn’t seem like this is an injury that will keep Anunoby out for long, and if he can play, he may get a full chance.

The Phoenix Suns’ post-All-Star break season begins Thursday. But before any game time action gets underway, I went ahead and answered a few questions about the remaining 27 games.

Does the Suns’ Jordan Ott have a claim to NBA Coach of the Year?

Perhaps I’m pushing this narrative too far, but it’s not because of overt bias. Much of it comes from the nature of the work, how the players have responded and the adjustments made to correct any mistakes.

The first three games of the season showed some concerns, even though there were obvious asterisks. Playing back-to-backs in Denver and then flying to Phoenix wasn’t easy.

Defense was the main issue, as they allowed 129, 133 and 138 points respectively in their first three losses. As soon as that happened, it seemed like everyone was on the same page.

Lots of winning streaks, and ultimately bragging rights, allowing the fifth fewest points per game. Other than Dillon Brooks, they do not have any All-NBA defenders on the roster.

Constant ball pressure, constant communication and high basketball skills are stable. However, much of it comes from faith, and this is something he emphasizes.

Even Suns general manager Brian Gregory gave Ott a glowing evaluation during the All-Star break. Not to mention, he’s easily the biggest surprise, and that could put him ahead of guys like JB Bickerstaff and Mark Dagenault.

The backend of the season will indicate how close he is to securing the award. If this goes like the first half of the season, Ott may face a loss.

How do you see Jalen Green’s role progressing or regressing in the closing stages of the season?

This question will definitely attract the interest of many people. Only playing seven games is a concern, but his return has come at the right time.

This was just before the All-Star break, giving him some time to adjust physically. Given that he is a bona fide athlete and slasher, turning off the mental side was a necessity.

Green even said he felt “almost 100%” after attempting a dunk on Daniel Gafford during a game against the Dallas Mavericks. All this suggests that he is ready to go.

But then the question is, what will be his role?

As evidenced by when he was on the field, and according to the words of head coach Jordan Ott, he will lead the second unit when the starters come out.

Green’s dynamic scoring and playmaking adds a layer to a scrappy and defensively strong group. If the game gets tight he will still be with the starters.

The yin and yang effect between him and Devin Booker is too good to ignore. He’s also another scorer to worry about if you’re on the defensive side. The more offensive weapons on the floor, the better.

When the time is right, Green’s confidence in his body will translate to his performance on the court. And in time, he’ll work with anyone, but he’ll be the secondary (and maybe primary) puncher that Suns fans have come to expect.

What part of being an NBA player is the most mentally exhausting that fans have ever seen?

I can’t speak for the players because I’m not around them 24 hours a day. But when I’m around them it’s quite impressive. They are always working, practicing and doing everything they can to become 0.0001% better than they are.

A lot of the things I see have to do with situations at game time. Whether it’s being late to the shot-clock or simply learning to work in isolation, there is an answer for every situation.

Additionally, players often stay after practice for additional work. Devin Booker, rookie Rasheer Fleming and Mark Williams are some examples of them.

Some of this is also related to the media. I like to think that we’re relatively unbiased, but it can be tiring to hear some of the same things asked over and over again.

For example, when Dillon Brooks picked up his 16th technical foul for the Suns, the media had to ask burning questions. Fortunately, a trusting relationship is the key.

The players know that we have work to do and we are not attacking directly or trying to hint at something. It may be that way, but most of the time, it is not.

Constantly being there, not being afraid to ask tough questions, while also treating them as human beings with feelings and perspective, is what helped me walk that fine line just as carefully.

The San Antonio Spurs began the All-Star break leg with the second-best record in the NBA’s Western Conference standings. As one of the few veterans in the team’s rotation, De’Aaron Fox doesn’t worry about the road to the playoffs for the Silver and Black.

“Every game matters a little more, especially when you’re talking about seeding and how close West is. It’s going to be fun.”

“Every game matters a little more, especially when you’re talking about seeding and how close West is. It’s going to be fun”⬇️

-De’Aaron Fox w/#spurs Scheduled for the post-All-Star break portion of the year

Coverage offered by Superior Tax Service: https://t.co/nfxcO81b4O#porvida pic.twitter.com/JjDzsuq1ty

– Hector Ledesma (@HectorLedesmaTV) 18 February 2026

Following his second career All-Star Game appearance, Fox is one of the few Spurs to have previously qualified for the NBA Playoffs.

“It’s definitely going to be an adjustment. And, even with that, they say they don’t do it, but the games are operated a little differently, especially as you get closer to the playoffs,” Fox said. “It’s going to be an adjustment. I think our coaching staff has put us in a good position to not let that mess up the way we play because we want to be able to be a physical team and continue to play fast and continue to blow the whistle.”

De’Aaron Fox likes the way the Spurs approach All-Star Weekend

The Spurs returned to play after the break on their longest actual winning streak of the season. Although they are credited with winning eight consecutive games in December, this includes a loss to the New York Knicks in the NBA Cup Finals, which does not count towards the records of the participating teams. That blowout came to New York between three and five game wins.

Spurs won their last six matches ahead of the league’s mid-February tradition.

Fox said, “It was a stretch that we felt was really important, to be able to go into the All-Star break with some momentum and we did a good job of that.”

“We played eight games,” the ninth-year veteran said. “We talked about an eight-game season. Over the last eight games, we were 7-1, so going into the break with that type of momentum, it’s the first time a lot of our guys are playing meaningful basketball after the break. So, all of these games mean a little more.”

Former Fox and Sacramento Kings teammate Harrison Barnes, who won a championship with the Golden State Warriors and is now in his 14th NBA season, is the team’s only rotation player with more than six seasons in the league.

Fox said, “There’s got to be a mental part of the game because everyone is going through it physically. But if you can keep your mind in the game and stay focused over such a long season, it helps you more than just being physically prepared for it.”

At 38–16 for the year, the Spurs are closer to the defending champion Oklahoma City Thunder at the top of the standings than they are to the Denver Nuggets, who are in third place in the West. This is the stark reality of the opportunity facing the Foxes and Spurs.

“For us, I think people are ready and I think people are definitely excited for it.”

Recently, the NBA All-Star Weekend festivities concluded at the Intuit Dome in Los Angeles, home of the Clippers. While the game received better reviews than in previous years, many fans were disappointed by the events of Saturday afternoon, which culminated in the dunk contest, which was won by Miami Heat wing Keshad Johnson.

One idea that has been pushed by fans for several years is the implementation of a 1-1 tournament between players at All-Star weekend, and recently, Michael McCarthy of Front Office Sports reported that NBC is already lobbying for some new additions to All-Star weekend, and “possible options include adding a fourth event, such as a 1-on-1 or 2-on-2 tournament.”

Sam Flood, executive producer of NBC Sports, said, “On behalf of NBC, we’re wondering if there are any other elements that can be added that would make Saturday even more great for the players.”

NBC has taken over a large share of NBA broadcasts this year, including the All-Star weekend festivities, and thus has a large stake in how entertaining this activity is for fans.

NBC executives seemed pleased with what they saw in the game.

“The star of the weekend? We had real basketball for 48 minutes of action, the way they formatted it with 12-minute games. It made for as good 48 minutes of basketball as you get in a normal game. Getting involved in the drama of the United States versus the World was really a perfect way to elevate the All-Star Game and give us a winning story to come out of the Olympics,” Flood said.

Indeed, the round robin tournament featured a notable increase in competition compared to previous years, which some attributed to the tone initially set by San Antonio Spurs star Victor Wembanyama.

In any case, it remains to be seen if star players will agree to put their pride on the line and compete in a 1 vs. 1 tournament at a future All-Star weekend.

Recently, the NBA All-Star Game took place at the Intuit Dome in Los Angeles, home of the Clippers. The game received better reviews this year than last season, players scored at least a few tries in the new USA vs. World format, the young USA team won the round robin tournament and Anthony Edwards won MVP.

However, the league is apparently still open to suggestions about how to improve the event going forward, and recently, NBA legend Dwyane Wade offered an interesting idea for the future of the game.

“I don’t think we should stop and do this [NBA] No more mid-season All-Star Game. …I look at it like the Pro Bowl. … The All-Star Game should be a journey … an experience for the guys who make it,” Wade said, according to the Y Network by Dwyane Wade, ex, formerly on Twitter.

Indeed, the NFL Pro Bowl game takes place after the regular season and the first three rounds of the playoffs have already been completed, which could theoretically attract more attention.

However, that game has also been the subject of extreme criticism, the league has recently changed the format to flag football, and a large number of star players are opting out of the event each year, so it may not be the best reference point to use for improving the NBA’s version of the game.

This year, San Antonio Spurs young star Victor Wembanyama set the tone early in the All-Star Game with his effort level, and most of the other players seemed to follow suit, resulting in three straight game losses before the finals quickly turned into a blowout.

Overall, while it wasn’t perfect, it was definitely a step in the right direction for the NBA All-Star celebration.

Following the NBA trade deadline, the Golden State Warriors had an open two-way contract roster spot after Pat Spencer’s contract was converted to a standard deal. According to Jake Fisher of The Stein Line, after the All-Star break, the Warriors made a move to fill that roster spot by signing Nate Williams to a two-way contract.

The signing of Nate Williams now brings the Warriors’ roster to 14 standard deals and three two-way contracts. Under a two-way contract, Williams is limited in the amount of games he can be active for, but with the Warriors only having 27 games remaining in the regular season, he is in no danger of using them up. However, Williams would miss the playoffs.

After spending training camp with the Los Angeles Lakers, Williams was playing with the Long Island Nets, an affiliate of the Brooklyn Nets in the G League this season. He appeared in 35 games, a rate of approximately 34 minutes per game. He was averaging 18.4 points, 6.0 rebounds, 2.5 assists and 1.8 steals with splits of 47.2 percent shooting from the field, 36.5 percent shooting from the 3-point line and 80 percent shooting from the free-throw line.

After going undrafted in the 2022 NBA Draft, Williams got his NBA debut when he signed with the Portland Trail Blazers at the end of the 2022–23 season. This was his best performance to date, averaging a career-best 10.6 points and shooting 61.5 percent from the field in five games. He spent the 2023–24 and 2024–25 seasons with the Houston Rockets.

Following the All-Star break, the Warriors will resume play on Thursday, February 19 against the Boston Celtics. They are currently 29–26 and in eighth place in the Western Conference standings. Buoyed by the addition of Kristaps Porzingis at the deadline, the Warriors will look to make a move during the final months of the regular season.

Oklahoma City Thunder forward Chet Holmgren reflected on his first All-Star Game during postgame media availability. Holmgren discussed the competitiveness of the NBA’s new USA vs. World format. Chet played for the USA Stars team, which defeated the USA Stripes 47–21 in the final.

Holmgren talked about his first All-Star Game during media availability after the game.

Holmgren said, “I thought it was good. I thought everybody out there was playing a good brand of basketball.” “It felt like, I guess you would say, a pick-up game, and when there’s that level of talent on the field, it’s always fun, it’s always good.”

He also talked about the ring he received for his All-Star selection, which was unexpected for Holmgren.

Holmgren said, “It was pretty cool. I didn’t know you could get an All-Star ring until I got it.” “So, it was pretty cool. It comes with a little box with a little video in it. It’s too bad, but I think I like our ring from last year a little more.”

The Thunder forward took a moment to appreciate the special career milestone of his first All-Star Game.

“I definitely tried to take a moment during pictures yesterday and then warming up and playing the game today and think what a great opportunity this is,” Holmgren said. “I felt like I was beautiful most of the time. Just taking it all in.”

Chet Holmgren on his All-Star leap with the Thunder

While fourth-year forward Jalen Williams made his All-Star case for the Thunder’s Chet Holmgren, most would agree that it was a no-brainer. Ahead of his first All-Star appearance on Sunday, Holmgren discussed the work he’s done leading to arguably the best season of his career.

“I would call that all work that’s not in the game,” Holmgren said. “It’s the preparation before games, the morning shoots, the work over the summer; all the stuff that no one sees – the rehab from injuries. If you didn’t do it, no one would know about it. But at the end of the day, once you get on the court, it’s right there in the air.”

Holmgren is averaging career bests in points per game (17.4), field-goal percentage (56%), and rebounds (8.7).

The 2026 NBA All-Star Game was an overall success for Adam Silver, the players, and their fans. The NBA also invited more than 200 content creators, which it described as “the broadest creator footprint ever,” welcoming a whole new set of problems into their world.

There was precedent for the participation of global creators. This year’s annual Super Bowl-week content recently aired. comedians like jimmy kimmel liveGuillermo Rodriguez has been connecting superstars to national audiences at NBA Finals media availability for years. However, with respect to media coverage in today’s digital age, the NBA needs to stop reacting to streamers and return to its roots as one of society’s most influential cultural forces.

The answer is to consider journalism and content creation as separate. Players will fear additional content-creation media availability in the same way they feared the introduction of in-game interviews on television. Historically, leagues have found ways to force players to make sacrifices to help grow audiences.

As print culture dies out in favor of video or online platforms with character limits, discussions about anything from sports to politics have become increasingly irrational. The convenience of instant messages is undeniable. But it cannot be separated from the context which is often lost in online posts. This is especially relevant to platforms like X, which limit characters and encourage contention.

The equation of journalistic work with content creation, whether entertaining or not, is dangerous for fans. The NBA led the way globally in responding to the outbreak of the COVID-19 pandemic. Although sports reporting is not as urgent as a public health issue, the league can again lead the way globally by setting an important standard. The NBA is grateful for the example it sets for its fans to work and lead in this unprecedented era of content and information.

The NBA has pitted creators against reporters, causing real harm to fans.

According to the league, creators were “deeply integrated” into All-Star Weekend, playing “active roles in All-Star events through on-court participation, broadcast roles and behind-the-scenes access.” They are real factors in terms of revenue generation for the development of sports and empowering teams and boosting the sports economy. But they don’t have the responsibility to their audiences that journalists do.

TikTokers are beholden to standards of accuracy or fairness, but not in the way an NBA beat reporter is. Content creators entertain audiences, which is a fundamental principle of the game itself. But they don’t investigate and share information with audiences the way journalists should.

Detroit Pistons reporter Omari Sankofa II was unable to ask questions of all three All-Star representatives from the Motor City. This was simply due to an easily preventable scheduling snafu in which the availability of Jalen Duren, Cade Cunningham and JB Bickerstaff were planned simultaneously. When so many players and coaches have to field questions from so many media members, the overlap is understandable. But it’s important to recognize that fans suffer the most from that setup.

The league scheduled JB, Duren and Cade all during the same 10-minute availability window. Cade was in the interview room down the hall, not able to meet him in time. Guess they didn’t think any local Piston Beat writer would want to talk to those three

– Omari Sankofa II (@omarisankofa) 14 February 2026

Reporters, especially local ones, have long been the best way for fans to follow their team during the season. Influencers and content creators are warmly welcome to join the conversation, providing both current and potential fans with an entertaining perspective on their favorite—or new favorite—athletes. But this cannot continue at the cost of silencing journalists.

Creators should be welcomed in the NBA world, but not at the expense of journalism

In some rare cases, those journalists are literally being muted. When the NBA announced its impressive plans, New York Knicks reporter James L. Edwards III shared an anecdote related to the NBA Cup. The reporter missed the opportunity to ask a legitimate final question because a content creator made a jersey for a Knicks player and asked him to sign it.

During the NBA Cup, we (the media) were trying to interview a player for our job and a content creator intervened, pulled a Knicks player’s jersey out of his pocket and asked him to sign it. He got the last question. https://t.co/16ZqmYvwne

– James L. Edwards III (@JLEdwardsIII) 10 February 2026

While it may be tempting to call these journalists crazy and move on, the fact is that their job is to serve fans by investigating and sharing the truth. The league’s growing involvement with sportsbooks and prediction markets underscores the need for that kind of journalism.

While the cultural half-life of information is getting shorter, some data points are still much more important than others. But the NBA doesn’t have to choose between them. They should show creators how important they are by providing their media availability. Some hilarious content created over All-Star Weekend revealed that NBA stars are prone to doing all kinds of weird things. But making TikToks during a job interview doesn’t have to be one of them.

Former President Barack Obama and former First Lady Michelle Obama, at the NBA All-Star Game in Los Angeles Among the high-profile attendees were. Actually, a loose ball landed in the lap of the 44th President. Plus, he had a little fun with Reggie Miller while reliving 1990s NBA memories.

Now that all the celebrations are over, President Obama put out The NBA opened an invitation on Instagram to attend the inauguration of its Presidential Center in June.

“That’s about the limit of my game these days,” Obama posted. “But everyone is welcome to play Home Court when we open the Obama Presidential Center this June.”

The Obama Presidential Center is about to open on Chicago’s south side. Among the facilities provided by the center will be a full-length NBA regulation-style basketball court. Obama is known to be an avid basketball fan. In 1979, he helped lead Punahou School in Honolulu, Hawaii to the state championship.

As president, he hosted pick-up games at the White House with the participation of NBA players including LeBron James, Dwyane Wade, Carmelo Anthony, Kobe Bryant, Derrick Rose and Joakim Noah. Additionally, ESPN hosted “Bracketology” at the White House, where the President filled out his brackets during the NCAA Tournament.

Obama recently revealed his all-time starting lineup. This included his friends Steph Curry, Michael Jordan, LeBron James, Kevin Durant and Hakeem Olajuwon.

In 2021, Obama became a strategic partner for NBA Africa. He is also a big fan of the Chicago Bulls and appeared as a “Chicago resident” in The Last Dance in 2020.

Despite Anthony Edwards winning MVP, Kawhi Leonard stole the spotlight at the NBA All-Star Game. Leonard later earned much praise. According to First Things First, from former Boston Celtics player Antoine Walker.

“I thought Kawhi Leonard was awesome. To be a hometown guy, in front of your fans… we need to make this game very competitive again.”

“I thought Kawhi Leonard was awesome. To be a hometown guy, in front of your fans… we need to make this game very competitive again.”

Antoine Walker was a big fan of the way Kawhi played in the All-Star Game 🔥

(via @FTFonFS1)

pic.twitter.com/Dl7uu6rOiF

– ClutchPoints (@ClutchPoints) 17 February 2026

The NBA All-Star Game format consisted of four games: World vs. Stars, Stars vs. Stripes, and World vs. Stripes. Notably, during the World vs. Stripes game, Leonard scored 31 points and shot 11 of 13 from the field, leading the Stripes to a 48–45 win.

Based on his All-Star Game performances, Leonard is now a seven-time NBA All-Star (2016, 2017, 2019–2021, 2024, 2026). Notably, he was named the All-Star Game MVP in 2020. This year, Leonard is averaging 27.9 points and 6.4 rebounds per game.

While Leonard has performed well individually, the Clippers are currently 26-28 and in 10th place in the Western Conference standings. Additionally, Leonard has been dealing with injuries and inflammation recently in his left knee.

Adding to the challenges this season, Leonard’s accomplishments attracted media attention amid the NBA’s scrutiny bypassing the salary cap With the help of defunct company Aspiration.

Leonard has been playing with the Clippers since 2019, the same year he won the NBA championship with the Toronto Raptors. In the 2021 playoffs, he tore his ACL, causing him to miss the 2022 season. The following year, additional knee problems sidelined him.

Walker played 13 NBA seasons (1996 to 2008), was a three-time All-Star with the Celtics, and won the 2006 NBA Championship with the Heat.

Phoenix Suns All-Star Devin Booker revealed that while the 3-Point Contest invite surprised him last weekend, he couldn’t escape the OG label from others, including first-time All-Star Chet Holmgren of the Oklahoma City Thunder. Booker, 29, was the elder statesman of Team USA stars, among his fifth selections at the star-studded event.

For this, seeing Booker on the same team as him came as a surprise For Holmgren.

“Is that Devin Booker? On the young team? He could stretch it out a few years,” Holmgren said.

76ers All-Star Tyrese Maxey gave Booker the same treatment.

“How are you, old man?” Maxey said, to which Booker resigned from being one of the older players on the All-Star Game team.

“I’m the old man here, huh?” Booker said. “That’s madness.”

Chet Holmgren: “Is that Devin Booker? On the young team? He could stretch it out a few years.”

Tyrese Maxi: “What’s up old man?”

Devin Booker couldn’t escape UNC jokes in USA Stars locker room

(via @NBAAllStar)
pic.twitter.com/mP5N3k0WpF

– ClutchPoints (@clutchpoints) 16 February 2026

In the end, Team USA Stars, including Chet Holmgren and Tyrese Maxey, defeated Team USA Stripes. Nevertheless, this was possibly the first time that Booker was the oldest player on his team.

Devin Booker hints at retirement from 3-point contest

Suns All-Star Devin Booker fell three points short of winning this year’s 3-Point Contest, losing in the final round as he missed his final three shots that could have crowned him champion. The Blazers’ Damian Lillard won with a final score of 29 to Booker’s 27, despite having the highest score in the final round (30).

According to Duane Rankin of AZ Central, after losing by two points, Booker talked about the 2026 3-Point Contest, which would potentially be the last contest he will participate in.

“It hurt a little bit. I wanted it so bad. I wish I was defending it in Phoenix, but if I get an invite it’ll probably be the last time next year. I’m looking forward to it,” Booker said, according to Duane Rankin of AZ Central, formerly of AZ Central, on Twitter.

Lillard, who missed a game due to his Achilles injury, brought the trophy back to Portland.

On Sunday evening, the NBA All-Star weekend concluded with the big game, which was actually four smaller games as part of a round robin tournament between three teams. The United States youth team swept the field, with Minnesota Timberwolves star Anthony Edwards taking All-Star Game MVP honors.

The NBA has been tinkering with the All-Star Game format for the past few years in hopes of appeasing fans’ ongoing complaints, and if Sunday’s ratings are any indication, the league may have found its new solution moving forward.

x, former ClutchPoints NBA insider Brett Siegel on Twitter reported, “Regardless of what the audience looked like in the arena at times, the 2026 NBA All-Star Game delivered the largest TV audience since 2011, averaging 8.8 million viewers across NBC, Peacock and Telemundo.”

“The 2026 All-Star Game topped last year’s viewership with 87% (4.7 million views),” he said.

This weekend, there was a lot of discussion about the perceived lack of effort from players in the past few All-Star games, with fans wondering if the new USA vs. World format would be enough to motivate the stars to try a little harder.

San Antonio Spurs phenom Victor Wembanyama set the tone early with his competitive play and other stars seemed to follow suit, losing three out of four games at the event.

It remains to be seen if the NBA will pursue this exact format, as at one point, the old USA roster played three straight games, at the end of which they appeared a bit tired.

However, for a league that is in its final stages, NBA officials have to be happy with the game’s ratings results.

The NBA regular season is scheduled to resume on Thursday.

As Miami Heat forward Keshad Johnson won the 2026 Slam Dunk Contest during All-Star weekend, the team had additional representation from Norman Powell. With Powell earning his first All-Star nomination as a Heat star, there’s no doubt it was an emotional weekend for the guard, who talked about his experience and his focus on transitioning to the team.

Powell has repeatedly stated his goal of wanting to become an All-Star in his career, so after being considered overlooked by many last year with the Los Angeles Clippers, he would finally receive the honor in his first season with Miami. Leading the Heat with 23 points per game and bringing offensive punch to the team with Tyler Herro having an injury-filled season, he earned his spot.

Heat’s Norman Powell speaks on his “amazing” All-Star weekend

In addition to participating in the All-Star Game, representing Jamaica at Team World under the new format, he also competed in the three-point contest, trying to retain the title in Miami after Herro won the title the previous year. Although he didn’t win, it was still an “A-plus” weekend for Powell, who is now looking “on the inside” to lead the Heat.

According to The Miami Herald, Powell said, “The experience was wonderful, no complaints.” “Being able to go to a full weekend, the three-point contest and the All-Star Game for the first time. I’m having fun and making memories with all the guys that I’ve gone against, competed against and looked up to before they even got to the NBA. So it’s an A-plus weekend for me.”

“As a leader, if you want to make a change and be an example for the team and how we want to play and what we want to go out and accomplish, the first thing you have to do is look within yourself,” Powell said. “And so I’ve already had some thoughts and conversations with my coach about … how I need to come out mentally, and what I need to do to get this team on track.”

As part of Team World, Powell played two games off the bench, going scoreless in the first but recording five points in the second. Powell is the 12th player in Heat history to be selected to the All-Star Game, now taking aim at Miami, which is 29-27 and eighth in the Eastern Conference.

To say that Kawhi Leonard had a great performance during All-Star weekend would be an understatement. The Los Angeles Clippers key player finished with 31 points and the game-winning three-pointer, and seemed extremely satisfied with the new format after the proceedings.

According to a post on X by ClutchPoints, when asked if he liked the new format, he said, “Whatever you guys want. Whatever you know grabs consumer attention, I’m all for it.”

“Whatever you guys want. Man, same question. Whatever grabs the consumer’s attention, I’m all for it.”

Kawhi Leonard explained how entertaining the new All-Star Game format was 😅

(via @joeylinn_)pic.twitter.com/kwKecGThs6

– ClutchPoints (@ClutchPoints) 16 February 2026

Not many people can question his performance. When fit and active, Leonard remains one of the best players in the league and arguably the best two-way player in the NBA.

And the same has been seen with the Clippers’ season so far. After a rough start for the Clippers, Leonard’s return to form has fueled a dramatic turnaround that has kept the team in the playoff conversation.

“When I play basketball I feel like I’m one of the best players,” he said, though he questioned the basis of the rankings.

“It’s for you guys. For me, I think it’s a rotation every day, every week. Because you guys are coming in scoring 50, playing great defensive games. And then the next night, someone else is going to shine. So, for me, the rankings are just based on maintaining the hype around the game,” Leonard said, clearly determined to continue his great form.

The 34-year-old is currently averaging 27.9 points, 2.1 steals (both career-highs), 6.4 rebounds and 3.7 assists per game, and will be well aware that the Clippers count on him not only for contention, but also for postseason qualification. The Clippers currently sit in 10th place in the Western Conference with a 26-28 record and need to build on their recent performance to overtake teams.

Every year, the NBA’s All-Star Game is heavily criticized by fans. Over the past few decades, the All-Star Game has transformed from a semi-competitive game between two conferences to a glorified shootaround between two teams. There have been some good All-Star Games, but they have been few and far between. Houston Rockets star Kevin Durant blamed Los Angeles Lakers guard Luka Doncic and Denver Nuggets star Nikola Jokic for their lackadaisical approach to the All-Star Game.

“You have to ask the European and world teams if they’re going to compete,” Durant said earlier. “If you look at Luka Doncic and Nikola Jokic right now, let’s go back and see what they do in the All-Star Game. Is that competition? So we haven’t questioned what they’re doing. But we’re going to question the old heads and the Americans.”

This quote has generated considerable discussion: it is rare for a player to publicly call out his teammates, and Durant conceded defeat against two of the league’s best players. Now, Doncic has responded to Durant’s comments. In a recent interview with Slovenian sports website Sportsklub, the Lakers star revealed that the All-Star Game was treated loosely before he and Jokic arrived in the league.

“It was the same way when I first came to the All-Star Game, so I don’t know why they picked us,” Doncic said. “But I think it would be better because it’s the world against the United States.”

In fact, the Lakers star was right: The World vs. USA format lit a fire inside the players. Many fans praised the efforts of Anthony Edwards and Victor Wembanyama during the game. Team USA ultimately won thanks to Edwards, but most spectators were happy to have an entertaining and competitive game for once.

Doncic earned his sixth All-Star selection this season and his fifth as a starter. The Lakers star is averaging 32.8 points, 7.8 rebounds and 8.6 assists per game this season. LA is in fifth place in the West with a 33-21 record before the All-Star Game.

By Deni Avdija As he makes history as the first Israeli player to play in the 2026 NBA All-Star Game, Los Angeles Lakers star LeBron James discusses him and his aspirations to move to Israel.

Speaking to reporters, James praised Avdija. He stands by his opinion that Avdija deserves to be named an NBA All-Star for his play.

“I’ve been quoted before about Denny and asked what I think about his season. I said I believe he’s an All-Star. He’s playing exceptional basketball,” James said.

After this he talked about the possibility of visiting Israel. James hasn’t been, but he knows he has fans there. So, he is ready for the tour.

LeBron James on Israel:

“I hope to inspire people out there to not only be great in sports, but to be better in life in general, hopefully someday I can get there.” pic.twitter.com/Z5rPTzFval

– SM Highlights (@SMHighlights1) 15 February 2026

James said, “I’ve never been there, but if I have fans there, I hope you’re following my career.” “I hope to inspire people out there to not only be great in sports but to be better in life in general. Hopefully, someday I can get there. I’ve heard nothing but great things.”

For the 22nd time in his career, James was named to an NBA All-Star team. He has made it every year from 2005 to 2026, and has been named All-Star Game MVP three times.

James was part of the USA Stripes team, which paired him with players like Jalen Brunson, Jaylen Brown, and Kevin Durant. He played six minutes in the championship game, scoring five points and recording four rebounds. However, he led the game with two turnovers.

Currently, James is in the middle of his eighth season with the Lakers. The Lakers are 33-21, putting them in first place in the Pacific Division. They have the fifth-best record in the Western Conference. James is currently averaging 22 points, 5.8 rebounds and 7.1 assists per game.

On Sunday night, the NBA All-Star Weekend festivities concluded with the game itself, which actually consisted of four 12-minute games as part of a round robin tournament. The young American team won the tournament, defeating a team filled with US veterans as well as international players, with Minnesota Timberwolves guard Anthony Edwards winning the All-Star Game MVP award.

The NBA has changed the All-Star Game format several times over the past few years in an effort to drum up any kind of competitive spirit among the players, and the product appeared to be an improvement on Sunday compared to what we’ve seen before.

However, that didn’t stop St. John’s head coach and basketball icon Rick Pitino from proposing another idea to move the event forward.

“It’s great to see the new format with the All-Star Game. I suggested the NBA do the Ryder Cup with basketball. Starting in Greece and then going back to the states. It would be incredible and even more popular than the Ryder Cup,” he wrote on Twitter.

The NBA implementing its own version of golf’s Ryder Cup would certainly be worth seeing, and would continue the theme of US vs. international players that started this year.

For now, it seems like the league is happy with what we saw from the players on Sunday night, as the game lived up to the billing and produced some entertainment for the fans in attendance at the Intuit Dome in Los Angeles.

Now, the league will move forward into an expanded season, although Adam Silver and company still have a ton of questions to answer, including the rise of artificial intelligence, gambling, and a number of other factors that could have a major impact on the game as we know it.

On Sunday evening, NBA All-Star weekend concluded with the big game (or games in this case) at the Intuit Dome in Los Angeles. Among those who kicked off the event was Philadelphia 76ers star guard Tyrese Maxey, who is enjoying a great 2025-26 season so far this year.

This was Maxi’s second All-Star nomination of his career, having previously returned to the team in 2024, and recently, the difference the star saw between this time and his first outing was 100% real.

According to Gina Mizell of the Enquirer, Maxi said, “I feel very little out of place.” “[Two years ago, I] Was nervous. This is your first time. You don’t know when to talk, when not to talk. Now I go into my team’s locker room, I was the second oldest guy. “I played against guys who were like that growing up, and it was really fun to be in the locker room.”

In fact, Maxey has played a veteran role not only in the All-Star Game, but also on the 76ers, serving as a mentor to rookie sensation VJ Edgecombe so far this year.

Maxey and Edgecomb have teamed up to create one of the most explosive backcourts anywhere in the NBA, destroying opposing defenses with his lightning speed and ability to make tough shots from the perimeter.

Maxey and the 76ers will be hoping that Joel Embiid is able to stay at least somewhat healthy during the 2025-26 season, and Paul George is able to return to form after serving the remainder of his 25-game suspension.

If things like that happen, and Maxey and Edgecombe continue their torrid pace from the first half of the year, the 76ers won’t be an opponent anyone will want to see come playoff time.

The 76ers next face off on Thursday evening at home against the Atlanta Hawks.

After the 2026 NBA All-Star Game, it was Minnesota Timberwolves star Anthony Edwards who walked away with the MVP trophy. Edwards helped lead Team Stars to a 47–21 win against Team Stripes in the final game of the new round-robin tournament format. The Timberwolves star finished with eight points, four rebounds and two assists in the final game.

After the All-Star Game, ESPN reporter Brian Windhorst talked about why Anthony Edwards should get more praise as one of the rising faces of the NBA.

“This guy does everything you want from a superstar,” Windhorst said. “He plays on both ends of the court, he has great dunks, he’s a great 3-point shooter, he has a great personality, he’s been a winner. He hasn’t won any championships, but he’s led the Wolves to their best two years in franchise history, and he has incredible competitive juice that he’s shown in this game.”

“I think Ant Edwards is a guy who is going to be a focal point for Team USA going forward,” Windhorst continued. “A centerpiece of All-Star games moving forward, and it’s not something he’s always wanted… but he’s so magnetic. This is a guy the NBA needs to invest heavily in moving forward. They don’t have a choice, they have to.”

The two seasons Windhorst was referring to were the last two seasons when the Wolves reached consecutive Western Conference Finals. Previously, the franchise had made only one conference final appearance in its entire history, in 2004, when Kevin Garnett was at his peak.

This season, Edwards has played just over 35 minutes per game in 46 games. His career averages have been 29.3 points and 5.2 rebounds. Averaged 3.7 assists and 1.3 steals, shooting 49.3 percent from the field, 40.2 percent shooting from the 3-point line and 79.5 percent shooting from the free-throw line.

The NBA Slam Dunk Contest has always been a major part of All-Star Weekend. It’s an event we always looked forward to seeing as kids, and it’s arguably the most searched-for NBA content on YouTube, as fans always want to relive amazing moments from Michael Jordan, Vince Carter, Zach LaVine, and Aaron Gordon, among many others. It wasn’t that long ago that this competition meant anything.

Nowadays, the dunk contest is seen as something that makes us all ask, “Do we need to do this?”

At this point the event seems forced upon us, especially when it has overstayed its welcome and simply lost its touch.

If the tremendous dunk contests of the past several years were any indication of where this All-Star event has come to an end, Saturday night (technically afternoon) in Inglewood was the icing on top of the cake.

What was memorable about this incident, other than Jess Richardson almost being seriously injured when he fell hard on the court after attempting a dunk off the edge of the backboard? Honestly, can anyone remember what has happened at this event during All-Star Weekend the past few years, other than Mac McClung, who is the only player who has played a total of 10 NBA games in his career?

Frankly, getting the league to try to get players to participate in this event has been almost like pulling teeth over the years. This is especially true because star players aren’t as sought after as they were with the 3-point contest or the All-Star Game.

Lack of stars ruined the event

It wasn’t long ago that stars like Giannis Antetokounmpo, Donovan Mitchell and others were competing in the dunk contest during All-Star Weekend. Although they were small at the time and the event has always catered to young players looking to make a name for themselves, it has suddenly become something that no one wants to participate in.

Jaylen Brown has been the only All-Star talent to participate in the event over the past several years. We see players and stars all the time talking about how the dunk contest should be changed, fixed, and saved, yet none of them are willing to step up and be the solution.

It doesn’t take a rocket scientist to figure out the problem here. The reason past dunk contests with Carter, Jordan, LaVine and Gordon have always been talked about is that they not only cared about putting on a show, but they were also willing to be the face of the event.

Nobody wants to do that these days except a G League player, which is why the talent in the dunk contest has been extremely low over the past few seasons.

This should in no way be taken as a disrespect to this year’s participants: Keshad Johnson, Carter Bryant, Jace Richardson and Jackson Hayes. These people did what they could, and should really be commended for making this program happen when so many others turned down the opportunity to participate.

Also, what have any of these players actually done that made people flock to this event and think it would be any different from the disappointments of almost every dunk contest over the years? Bryant and Richardson are rookies who have barely played, Hayes has been a backup big man for most of his career, and Johnson has played a total of 257 minutes in his career.

Unless they’re a fan of one of these four players’ teams or are a basketball buff like yours truly, the average NBA fan doesn’t know anything about this year’s participants. This is a big problem, and this issue has existed for years in relation to the Dunk Contest.

Needless to mention, Hayes criticized the dunk contest after the event on Saturday night, claiming he would rather be in Hawaii than Los Angeles for All-Star Weekend festivities. When a lesser-known player is saying this, there is a serious problem with spectacle.

After all, it’s not like this year’s event was all that memorable, as it was filled with a lot of dancing and a few dunks, most of which any player in the NBA could have done. There was nothing unique about this event, and it has almost turned into an event that fans are only attending and cheering for because they don’t want to let go of the past.

Keshad Johnson went under the backboard for this dunk.

pic.twitter.com/EHjdA3ADi5

– ClutchPoints (@clutchpoints) 15 February 2026

Even the young, rising stars, who can easily win the event and get a lot of endorsement deals and set the standards for the next generation, do not want to participate in the event. Prominent rookies and second-year players, who should see such an opportunity as an honor, are ignoring the event because it is not like it used to be.

VJ Edgecombe has had an All-Rookie and Rookie of the Year campaign this year with the Philadelphia 76ers, and fans would love to see him take a lead role in the dunk contest. But the Sixers rookie had other ideas and made it clear he would not be accepting an invitation to the event, giving no specific reason other than “I’m not doing that” and that he’s “cool.”

Perhaps the dunk contest has run its course, especially when every year it’s the same story of a disappointing event and star players pleading to save it. That’s exactly what happened in 2025, prompting Ja Morant and others to hint that this year’s event in Inglewood will be one to remember for years.

Ja Morant, Zach LaVine and even Giannis claimed on social media that they could save the event after McClung won for the third consecutive year. It takes that kind of energy to save the Dunk Contest, yet neither star participated in the event last weekend.

NBA All-Star Saturday has lost its touch as the dunk contest continues to dominate the headlines. But at the same time, that doesn’t mean All-Star Weekend as a whole needs a revamp.

All-Star Saturday still works… kind of

Fans and NBA media members alike have been very critical of All-Star Weekend over the years. More specifically, All-Star Saturday Night has become a major discussion topic, with some questioning whether it is even necessary anymore.

Just because the Dunk Contest has been disappointing and needs a change, doesn’t mean that every single fun event that basketball fans around the world enjoy watching should be abandoned.

The NBA 3-Point Contest is still a great spectacle, and one of the main reasons is that big names and elite 3-point shooting threats are willing to participate. Each of the past six winners of the event has been an All-Star talent, and Damian Lillard has now won the event in three of the last four seasons.

Less than 24 hours after the contest ended Saturday in Inglewood, Stephen Curry and Lillard made it clear they will be back in contention next season when the Phoenix Suns host All-Star Weekend.

For anyone who had any doubts about how serious Curry and Lillard are, these two are already teaming up to recruit Devin Booker, who said he would participate, and Klay Thompson, who Steph told Lillard via message that he would get them to sign.

With Lillard, Curry, Booker and Thompson, the 2027 3-Point Contest already has the best field in the event’s history, as all four stars have won the 3-point crown before. So, if the big names can come together to do this for one of the All-Star Saturday events, why can’t they do the same for the others?

This year’s All-Star Saturday Night, which took place at noon, started with a fun and thrilling 3-point contest that came down to Lillard, Booker and rookie sensation Kon Knueppel. Overall, it was a great event that no one had any problems with, especially considering that Lillard has been out the entire season recovering from an Achilles injury and he not only participated, but won the event.

The next order of business was Kia Shooting Stars, which replaced the Skills Challenge. Although it was not as entertaining as previous events, Shooting Stars brought a level of excitement with the addition of past greats such as Alan Houston and Ron Harper. Whenever the NBA can add former players and Hall of Fame talent, they should always take advantage of the opportunity.

But after these first two events, the Dunk Contest, which is always the headliner of All-Star Saturday Night, was a complete waste of time. The attendees hardly made any noise, and there was virtually no over-the-top reaction from current and former players present to watch the competition.

The dunk contest has lost its touch. Unless some of the league’s best dunkers and stars are willing to save the event, it’s time to join the skills challenge. In doing so, the NBA could create a new event that both fans and players have been demanding:

A 1-on-1 tournament.

Time for a new 1 vs 1 event?

One thing the NBA does really well is involving the players and letting their input help make decisions to better the league. Commissioner Adam Silver and the NBA office have worked long and hard with the players union over the past few seasons to improve the All-Star Game, and we can certainly see improvements in terms of competitiveness on the court.

Both the NBA and the players deserve a lot of credit for making All-Star Weekend better than ever.

However, there’s still room for growth, and it all goes back to All-Star Saturday Night, with the Dunk Contest coming off as an event that overstayed its welcome. Down the road, it might make sense to bring back the dunk contest, but for now, it’s time to put this event next to the Skills Challenge.

As for what will replace the Dunk Contest and become the main event of All-Star Weekend, the NBA should look no further than the success women’s basketball has had with its unmatched 1-on-1 tournament. WNBA players have taken the event as seriously as their season over the years, and the event has generated a lot of interest among NBA talent.

At the 2025 All-Star Game, Kevin Durant spoke highly of the idea of ​​a 1-on-1 tournament and claimed that the league is full of amazing talent that could make the event stand out.

“I don’t think it’s going to be easy to predict who will come out on top,” Durant said on NBA TV. “I think there are a lot of guys that can come out here and put on a show in 1-on-1, so it will be a great addition to All-Star Weekend. We’ll see what happens.”

Durant talked about the idea of ​​a 1-on-1 tournament with Draymond Green and claimed he would play if the NBA added the event to All-Star Weekend.

This year, it was Boston Celtics star Jaylen Brown who was the leading voice for a 1-on-1 tournament to be added to the All-Star calendar, as he fully supported the idea of ​​moving the event to All-Star Weekend.

“I’m really a big fan of one-on-one,” Brown said at All-Star media day. “There are some guys here this weekend that I would love to challenge. All of them. Luka (Doncic), Shai (Gilgeous-Alexander), (Jalen) Brunson, Donovan (Mitchell). I would challenge all of those guys one by one. We can donate to any charity. Let’s set it up.”

With Durant and Brown publicly advocating for a 1-on-1 tournament over the past two All-Star Weekends, and many other stars likely feeling the same way, could we possibly see it debut in 2027? Maybe we could even see a 1-on-1 All-Star tournament replace the dunk contest for a while.

The NBA has some decisions to make regarding All-Star Weekend, and no decision is bigger than what happens with Saturday night’s activities, specifically the Dunk Contest. Unless they get stars and notable talent to participate, the event will continue to be disrespected and despised by players and fans alike.

On Sunday, February 15, 2026, the USA Stars defeated the USA Stripes to win the NBA All-Star Game 21–47. In the championship game, Anthony Edwards emerged victorious with his team following his game-winning innings, earning him the Kobe Trophy as the ’26 All-Star MVP. He finished with 32 points in 3 games.

While he became the talk of the town after the match, this was another moment after the match that went viral on the internet. Edwards was seen autographing 2 Chainz’s jersey after the All-Star Game. Rapper 2 Chainz was seen in conversation with Edwards, requesting an autograph from the Minnesota Timberwolves star following his MVP performance in the 75th NBA All-Star Game.

Anthony Edwards signs a jersey for 2 Chainz after the All-Star Game 😊✍️pic.twitter.com/hBV0Zoyrmv

– ClutchPoints (@clutchpoints) 16 February 2026

The two also hugged each other and were photographed holding the jersey for display. The 24-year-old Timberwolves shooting guard and 2 Chainz are both from Atlanta, Georgia. And the rapper was on the court to see Edwards and his team win.

Timberwolves star Anthony Edwards shares his mindset after the win

Following his MVP performance at the NBA All-Star Game, Edwards made a post-game appearance, where he spoke candidly about cooking up rival teams’ LeBron James and Kevin Durant. “Yeah, sure, I want to cook them every time.”

Despite still being young compared to James and Durant, Edwards is steadily making a name and legacy for himself in the game. Playing for the Minnesota Timberwolves, Edwards is averaging 29.3 points per game on 49.3 percent from the field and 40.2 percent from deep. By maintaining a winning mentality and attitude throughout the game, Edwards earned his first NBA All-Star MVP trophy.

The Dallas Mavericks had to deal with some injuries throughout the season, and many wanted to see what they would look like when they were fully healthy. Unfortunately, the Mavericks decided to move on from Anthony Davis and traded him to the Washington Wizards after he barely played due to injury.

Another player everyone is waiting to see is Kyrie Irving, who is still recovering from his ACL injury from last March. Irving has stepped up his rehabilitation, and he recently spoke to his fans on a live stream about updates on his injury.

“I’ll give you guys an update after the All-Star break. Whether it’s this year or next year, it doesn’t matter. I’ll speak when the time is right,” he said.

Before this season, there were reports that Irving would probably return around the second half of the season. If that’s still the case, he’s likely close to getting back on the court, but things can always change. The fact that the Mavericks aren’t particularly in a position where they’re fighting for a playoff spot means they can give Irving all the time he needs to get healthy.

The Mavericks have been missing a point guard like Irving all season and for now, head coach Jason Kidd has put Cooper Flagg at that spot. It was a rough start for Flagg, but he has begun to acclimate to his role on the field and is making progress in almost every game.

It will still be interesting to see how the Mavericks will look with Irving on the floor, but as of now, it is uncertain whether he will return to the floor this season.

With the Mavericks handing the keys to Flagg, they may also look to get younger in the offseason, and possibly try to deal Irving if he doesn’t fit into what they’re trying to do.

The day after Valentine’s was filled with love for the NBA, which accomplished something that both fans and pundits thought was impossible. The league saved the NBA All-Star Game.

Minnesota Timberwolves star Anthony Edwards went viral on Friday by declaring that the All-Star Game “is where it’s at at this point.” It was a disappointingly transparent warning against any expectations of effort. It was clear after Sunday’s first of four games that Edwards had changed his mind.

Team Stars—the young group of American All-Stars—defeated Team World 37–35. After the game, Edwards told Zora Stephenson that San Antonio Spurs center Victor Wembanyama’s intensity brought a competitive edge to his group.

“I mean, you know, I’m not going to lie, Wembley set the tone. Like, he came out playing hard. So it’s hard not to match him, so, s—, that’s what happened. Sorry for my language, though, that’s what happened,” Edwards told Stephenson on NBC’s broadcast.

Edwards and Wembanyama are two players often touted as the “future faces of the NBA.” It’s a heartbreaking acceptance that the playing careers of the two Akron-born superstars, their slim-reaping compatriots and Kawhi Leonard, will be over. The Timberwolves guard has avoided that designation like the plague, but his MVP-winning performance on Sunday worked against it.

Victor Wembanyama, Anthony Edwards make good on Muggsy Boggs’ All-Star prediction

A former NBA player sees the revival of the All-Star Game coming. Ironically, it was the youngest player in league history who had the necessary vision to disagree with an industry that had largely abandoned the event.

Boggs told David Shepard on SiriusXM NBA Radio that the players know the game is just an exhibition and that fans “wait all year” for the event. He also predicted that only a few young, enthusiastic All-Stars would bring the necessary fire from among the rest of the league’s best players.

“It’s the players. They know it’s an All-Star Game. But they know when it’s time to compete and give the fans what they deserve… I think the message and the word is getting out. And I think some of the younger players understand the importance of it. And I think they’ll put some of their – I don’t know, maybe the older guys, on Front Street. Because when you’re putting that type of effort and that energy out there, it resonates. And it shows, too. That’s who’s all in, and who’s all out,” Boggs bluntly explained to Shepard before All-Star Weekend.

Wembanyama’s approach to the competition was reminiscent of the excitement fans saw a young Kobe Bryant bring to the 1998 All-Star Game. the last Dance The recent highlight was the veteran players’ desire to beat the eager Bryant, the same energy that the sixth-year guard in Edwards had for the third-year event.

Putting financial incentives on the league’s wealthiest players has not proven to encourage efforts. However, the challenges of his teammates take advantage of the competitive spirit that fuels his battles against the best players in the world. This is key for the NBA to save its All-Star Game, which it did regardless of the format change.

The event will always go as far as its best talents will take it. This year, he shot for the stars.

Much has been written over the past few weeks regarding the All-Star Game’s decline in entertainment value due to the lack of effort put forth by the players involved. However, no one can ever say that Cade Cunningham and Team USA Stars teammate Jalen Duren, the Detroit Pistons’ representatives for the 2026 NBA All-Star Game, ever refused to give their all for even just a second spent on the court.

Neither of them will win MVP honors for the 2026 NBA All-Star Game, but The Ringer’s Zach Lowe and Bill Simmons both credited the Pistons’ star duo for being true competitors for the love of the game.

“I thought the people of Detroit really cared and that’s why the game was good,” Simmons said on Sunday night’s edition of The Bill Simmons Podcast.

“That’s what you love about the Pistons,” Lowe said. “The fight against Charlotte is their downside, but the upside of who they are, they legitimately want to beat you to the bone and harass you physically, and touch you and they want to leave you.”

All systems go for the Pistons for a deep 2026 playoff run?

The Pistons got a taste of postseason action in 2025, losing in six games to the New York Knicks in the first round. But now, they’ve gone even further, emerging as one of the toughest teams to beat on a nightly basis in the NBA.

Detroit just wants to swallow its opponents whole, and it’s the intensity on the defensive end that makes it very suffocating to play against. And both Cunningham and Duren set the tone for Team Stars, which certainly played a role in defeating Team Stripes 47-21 in the final game of the night.

Minnesota Timberwolves star Anthony Edwards had quite the weekend. While the NBA All-Star festivities certainly weren’t worth watching on television, Edwards put in a stellar performance on Sunday night during the All-Star Game, earning MVP honors in the process after scoring 32 points in three games, including eight in their final win, a 47-21 loss to the Team Stars over Team Stripes.

But the Stars certainly faced some close calls on their way to an NBA All-Star Game crown. They lost to the Stripes in the round robin game, but thankfully won their previous competition against Team World thanks to Scotty Barnes’ game-winner, which had Victor Vembanyama fuming in anger at his team’s defensive actions.

This reaction was a clear indication of how seriously Vembanayama was taking the competition, even an All-Star Game that has lost its luster in recent years. and Timberwolves star gave him credit To inject some much-needed life into the exhibition competition.

“I’m not going to lie, Wembley sets the tone. He came out playing hard. It’s hard not to match him, so that’s what happened. Sorry for my language. But that’s what happened,” Edwards said in his postgame interview via the official ClutchPoints account on X (formerly Twitter).

“Wemby sets the tone. It’s hard not to match that, so, that’s what happened. Sorry for my language.”

Anthony Edwards after the USA Stars win 😅
pic.twitter.com/7CguenFt3o

– ClutchPoints (@clutchpoints) 15 February 2026

Timberwolves star Anthony Edwards loves competition

Edwards is a player who has always wanted to play against the best players in the association; That’s exactly the kind of stoic killer he wants to be on the court. The Timberwolves star also said that he really liked the NBA’s new format for this year’s edition of the All-Star Game, and his feedback will definitely be taken into account by those in charge.

Now, all that’s left for Edwards to do this season is try to power up the Timbers

Anthony Edwards’ career is on a rapid upward trend, and he is establishing himself as a surefire Hall of Famer, even though he is only six seasons into his NBA career. The Minnesota Timberwolves star has been racking up a ton of accomplishments so early in his career, the latest of which is him taking home All-Star Game MVP honors on Sunday night after scoring a total of 32 points while his team, the Team USA Stars, accomplished the feat.

Edwards scored 32 points in three games and was the Stars’ most consistent player in their NBA All-Star Game-winning performance, earning himself the MVP award in the process. And in doing so, he became the only player in NBA history other than LeBron James to score 10,000 points or more, win an Olympic gold medal, become All-Star Game MVP and be touted as the number one overall pick before the age of 25, as reported by OptaStats on X (formerly Twitter).

Of course, the Timberwolves star is missing a key element of the LeBron experience; He has yet to lead his team to the NBA Finals and has yet to win overall MVP honors, both of which James accomplished at the age of 24. But Edwards still has time to figure it out.

Anthony Edwards’ next goal is to lead the Timberwolves to victory

As confident as Edwards is, he knows legacies are cemented when one’s team is in last place in June. The Timberwolves have never done this yet in their history; They have yet to advance beyond the conference finals.

That’s now Edwards’ next goal – helping the Timberwolves overcome Western Conference challenge. And if he somehow brings a championship to Minnesota, he should earn induction into the Naismith Memorial Basketball Hall of Fame for it.

In 2026, LeBron James made the All-Star team for the 22nd time in his career, with coaches recognizing how impactful he is as a star, even though he hasn’t really been that great in the past for the Los Angeles Lakers. James has the most All-Star nominations in NBA history with 22, but as a wise imaginary man once said, “With great power comes great responsibility”.

Since James has made the All-Star Game 22 times, losses are bound to happen, even for a great guy like him. In 2026, his team, Team Stripes, fell short in the latest edition of the famous exhibition competition, giving them their 11th loss in All-Star Game history.

As HoopsHype reported on

Of course, this isn’t a statistic that was just posted in jest. The All-Star Game doesn’t really matter in the grand scheme of things, and outside of a few years (from 2020 to 2022), not many players even take the game seriously.

And as a result of making the All-Star Game every season, James has more opportunities to lose than everyone else. Not that losing 11 times in ASG is a big deal for someone who has made it 22 times.

Has Lakers star LeBron James played his final All-Star Game?

At age 41, it’s also an anomaly that James is still playing at such a high level that his All-Star Game participation can be argued on merit, unlike Dwyane Wade and Dirk Nowitzki in 2019, when they were the only participation nods.

It’s not at all clear if this is the Lakers star’s final season in the NBA. But if that’s the case, he may have just played his final All-Star Game, because there’s no way he’s going to miss the ASG next year if he’s active and healthy.

LOS ANGELES — As he explained Saturday, it was a short stint for Los Angeles Lakers star Luka Doncic during the NBA All-Star Game. Doncic took the court for the first time since suffering a minor hamstring injury during the Lakers’ win against the Philadelphia 76ers on February 5.

During his media availability session as part of All-Star Weekend, Doncic admitted that he was only going to play a little bit in the actual game, and that his hamstring injury was looking good. Sure enough, Doncic only played five minutes in the first game of Team World’s new All-Star format, sitting out the second game. He finished with two points and two assists while shooting 1-3 from the field.

After Team World’s exit from the new All-Star Game tournament, Doncic explains how his injury felt after getting back on the court

“It was cool. Obviously I wanted to be there, the fans voted for me to be in this game so I wanted to be there and be a part of it a little bit,” Doncic said. “But [my hamstring] I liked it.”

Doncic missed four consecutive games after the injury. The Lakers went 3–2 in those games. They came into the All-Star break with a 33–21 record and fifth place in the Western Conference standings. They are only one and a half games behind the current No. 3 seed Denver Nuggets, but only one and a half games behind the No. 7 seed Phoenix Suns and the play-in spot.

As the Lakers try to build some stability during the final stretch of the season, one thing they are counting on is staying healthy. Injuries have forced the Lakers to shuffle their lineup, and while they have a full roster available, they have yet to find a consistent extension.

Doncic thinks that’s the main thing for the team to finish strong over the next few months.

“Just health,” Doncic said. “We are struggling with injuries a lot, so this will help.

In his first full season with the Lakers since the trade, Doncic appeared in 42 games at a rate of just over 35 minutes per game. He averaged a league-leading 32.8 points, 7.8 rebounds, 8.6 assists and 1.5 steals while splitting 47.3 percent shooting from the field, 34.5 percent shooting from the 3-point line and 78.1 percent shooting from the free-throw line.

The Lakers will resume play after the All-Star break on Friday, February 20 at home against the LA Clippers.

Anthony Edwards always believes that he is the best player on the court at all times, no matter who he is sharing the hardcourt with. The Minnesota Timberwolves star loves to snatch the chains from other stars he competes against, and that’s what helped Team Stars reach the NBA All-Star Game crown.

Edwards scored a total of 32 points in three games, including eight in the Stars’ 47–21 win over the Stripes, and that was good enough to crown the Timberwolves star as All-Star Game MVP.

Going up against players like Kevin Durant, with whom he has had a friendly rivalry over the past few seasons, and LeBron James, both of whom he played with on the gold medal-winning Team USA in 2024, lit a fire Under the Timberwolves star, as was obvious.

“I want to cook them every time,” Edwards said in his interview after receiving All-Star Game MVP honors.

When Ant was being protected by LeBron and KD
“I want to cook them every time”😭 pic.twitter.com/cPeZgyX9Ij

– 𝗠𝗔𝗟 (@MindOfBron) 16 February 2026

In fact, the Timberwolves star did his fair share of the cooking, as a few of his buckets in the All-Star Game final caused much of a rift between him and Team Stripes. Now all that’s left is to keep cooking whoever comes after the season.

Timberwolves’ Anthony Edwards is coming for the crown

Edwards has been tough in the playoffs now, having suffered heartbreak in two Western Conference Finals. In his first WCF appearance, he ran out of steam. The following year, the Oklahoma City Thunder were formidable. But now, Edwards understands the level that is required for him to get over the hump.

Timberwolves stars raise their game when they come up against the game’s greats, and Shai Gilgeous-Alexander has quickly become one of them. And knowing how much he has on his shoulders, hopefully he’ll be at his best when the postseason starts in April.

A host of celebrities and celebrities were at the Intuit Dome in Los Angeles on Sunday to watch the NBA All-Star Game. They included former President Barack Obama, who is widely known as a basketball fanatic.

Growing up in the Windy City, Obama watched Michael Jordan and the Chicago Bulls build a dynasty in the 1990s. To this day, even as the Bulls have struggled to regain their lost prestige, Obama remains an avid follower of the NBA.

During the NBA All-Star Game, Reggie Miller asked him if he had a favorite memory of the Bulls dynasty. Obama, always quick-witted, had perfect response.

“I always enjoyed watching us beat Indiana (Pacers),” Obama said, taking aim at Miller’s team.

“Although I will say that no one scared me more than Reggie Miller with a potential three-point shot at the end of the game. Even though you outran Michael in that one game.”

Reggie Miller: “Do you have a favorite moment from your time in Chicago during the ’90s?”

Barack Obama: “I always loved seeing Indiana beat.” 🏀🔥🎙️ #nba #nbc pic.twitter.com/rCzmUBNU90

– Awful Announcement (@awfulaannouncement) 15 February 2026

Obama was referring to Game 4 of the 1998 Eastern Conference Finals between the Pacers and Bulls, in which Miller buried the game-winning three-pointer. Miller pushed Jordan on his inbounds play to get free and get the ball. Pacers leveled the series 2-2.

The no-call remains one of the most controversial moments in NBA history. To some, this was a smart move by Miller at a critical juncture, while others claimed it was a blatant offensive foul.

The Bulls won the series 4–3 and ultimately captured their sixth title.

Now, is there any way to pit Obama and Miller in a shooting competition during halftime at next year’s NBA All-Star Game?

Minnesota Timberwolves star shooting guard Anthony Edwards was the best of the rest in Sunday’s star-studded NBA All-Star Game tournament.

Following Edwards and Team Stars’ victory over LeBron James and Team Stripes in the NBA All-Star Game Finals, the former Georgia Bulldogs star was named NBA All-Star MVP.

ANT: 2026 @kia All-Star MVP!

He received the Kobe Bryant Trophy 🏆 pic.twitter.com/eHypNna1DN

– NBA (@NBA) 16 February 2026

In his fourth All-Star Game, Edwards scored a total of 32 points with nine rebounds, three assists and a steal and led Team Stars to defeat Team World 37–35 in the round robin.

This story is being updated.

The NBA All-Star Game took place at the Intuit Dome in Los Angeles, California on Sunday evening. Also attending the festivities was Lakers star LeBron James, who has long been known as one of the game’s most entertaining players.

While the celebration is taking place in Southern California, James recently explained why he doesn’t see it as a celebration for the Lakers.

“LeBron James said it doesn’t make sense for him to play the All-Star Game in LA because ‘It’s not our building. It’s a road game,'” Athlon Sports’ Joshua Valdez, formerly of the Ax, reported on Twitter.

In fact, the Lakers’ home Crypto.com Arena is a few miles away in Downtown Los Angeles, while the Intuit Dome is to the south in Inglewood.

This is the second year the Clippers have played in the arena, having previously shared a home at Crypto.com Arena, formerly known as Staples Center.

Meanwhile, James was recently declared ineligible for an All-NBA nomination this year after sitting out more than the maximum allowed 17 games due to injury. However, he is still clearly playing at an All-Star level when healthy, guiding the Lakers to a solid record so far, and a potential chance at a top-four seed in the coveted Western Conference playoff picture.

There has been much speculation that this could be the final year of James’ career, as well as questions about what he might do if Los Angeles misses its star in the playoffs once again this year, as they did against the Minnesota Timberwolves in 2025.

Some have noted that the signings of both James and Luka Doncic to large contracts have made it difficult for the Lakers to field a balanced roster.

In any case, the Lakers will next take the field against the Clippers on Friday evening, coincidentally.

On Sunday evening, the NBA All-Star Game took place from the Intuit Dome in Inglewood, California, home of the Los Angeles Clippers. Unfortunately, Stephen Curry of the Golden State Warriors was unable to attend this contest due to a knee injury that has caused him to miss the last few games for Golden State.

However, Curry was still in attendance in Los Angeles for the festivities, and during a pre-game interview with NBC, he launched a shot into the stands from the network’s set, drilling it, of course, very surprising Of fans in the field.

(Oh no, he didn’t on X, first on Twitter).

Steph Curry is crazy 🤯

Curry hits an unreal trick shot from both NBC commentators 🔥

pic.twitter.com/hqq9Qkyd91

– ClutchPoints (@clutchpoints) 15 February 2026

Curry has long been known for his tendency to nail spectacular trick shots before games, often launching shots from the tunnel of both Oracle Arena and Chase Center before games, surprising fans in the process. In fact, fans arrive at Warriors games hours early just to see the spectacle.

While Curry will unfortunately miss the game due to a knee injury, he is still finding ways to entertain fans regardless.

Curry isn’t the only notable player to miss the game due to injury, as Milwaukee Bucks star Giannis Antetokounmpo and reigning league MVP Shai Gilgeous-Alexander of the Oklahoma City Thunder will also be sidelined for the festivities.

It will certainly be interesting to see whether the players who are available will be able to provide a higher level of effort than in previous years.

For another year, LeBron James has chosen to have his NBA All-Star press conference different from others, and of course, that’s led some to believe that big news is coming. To get this out of the way, James was asked what his plans would be for retirement, and he gave the same answer he has been giving for some time.

“I want to live…when I find out, you guys will know. I don’t know,” James said.

LeBron James on his plans for next year:

“I want to live…when I find out, you guys will know.” pic.twitter.com/L5Iae9ARF1

-Joshua Valdez (@joshvaldez100) 15 February 2026

Honestly, it doesn’t seem like James is focused on retirement just yet, as he’s still playing like he has a lot left in the tank. Just before the All-Star break, he recorded a triple-double in the Lakers’ win against the Dallas Mavericks, becoming the oldest player in history to do so.

After the game, he talked about how he knew when it was time to call it quits, and that it was more about falling out of love with the process than a decline in his play.

“My game is not going anywhere,” James said, via Dave McMenamin. “It’s all these other things, it’s a lot of other factors that go into how long the game has to be played. I don’t think it would ever have any impact on my game if I decided to continue playing, no matter how long it is. I think it should be [my mind]:How long can I stay in love with this process?

“If I can’t continue to be in love with this process, if [my mind] If it goes, my body is going to go. And once my body is gone, it’s a cover.

James still looks to be in good shape and is putting up big numbers even at his age. Even though he knows the time to put on the jersey may come soon, as long as he can get on the field and give it his all, he’s keeping the thought of retirement in the back of his mind.

Ahead of his first All-Star appearance, the Oklahoma City Thunder’s Chet Holmgren explained how he took his game to new heights during Mayday on Saturday. Shai Gilgeous-Alexander supported Holmgren’s first All-Star selection, calling it a no-brainer. Gilgeous-Alexander watches Chet work during practice, but the Thunder starting forward says it’s important to work overtime when no one is watching.

For Holmgren, it’s the extra time he puts into improving his game to the best of his ability that has led to him becoming the All-Star forward he is today.

“I would call that all work that’s not in the game,” Holmgren said. “It’s the preparation before games, the morning shoots, the work over the summer; all the stuff that no one sees – the rehab from injuries. If you didn’t do it, no one would know about it. But at the end of the day, once you get on the court, it’s right there in the air.”

Holmgren is averaging career bests in points per game (17.4), field-goal percentage (56%), and rebounds (8.7).

Chet Holmgren reacts to his first All-Star selection

Thunder forward Chet Holmgren is grateful for his first All-Star selection. Before All-Star weekend, Holmgren reacted to Chet’s move to Los Angeles after his first All-Star selection.

“It means a lot. I have a lot of people I have to be grateful for – the help they’ve given me along the way. From family friends, coaches, old teammates, current teammates, the Thunder, the opportunity they gave me and the situation they put me in. I’m just forever grateful for that,” Holmgren said.

“I always say I would never play or give a chance to things of that nature, but that doesn’t mean there’s gratitude for it, and there’s no understanding of the seriousness of it. I’m extremely grateful, and I just feel like I have to keep going, and I have a lot of [further] To go.”

Holmgren will play for Team USA Stars along with Timberwolves All-Star Anthony Edwards, Suns’ Devin Booker, Raptors’ Scottie Barnes, 76ers’ Tyrese Maxey, Pistons All-Star tandem Cade Cunningham and Jalen Duren and Hawks’ Jalen Johnson.