標籤: AllStar

On Sunday afternoon, the NBA All-Star Game will take place from the Intuit Dome in Los Angeles, home of the Clippers. Unfortunately, Golden State Warriors star point guard Stephen Curry will not be able to attend the event due to his recovery from a knee injury, but he was still in attendance at the media day to answer some questions.

One of the major talking points at this year’s All-Star Game was the players’ lack of effort in the game in recent years, and now, Curry has offered a possible solution to the problem.

“I guess, the only thing I would think about is shortening the game. That might be the only real suggestion I would have, because it’s hard to replicate the intensity of a regular season game and no one is asking anyone to treat it like a playoff game with these types of stakes, but maybe a shorter game,” Curry said, per Chaz NBA, via Hoopship on YouTube.

The league has tried several different formats in the All-Star Game in recent years, this year going with a USA vs. World setup that would consist of multiple 12-minute games in a round robin tournament, followed by a championship match.

Last season the players did not bother to put in much effort with various tactics employed by the league office to resolve the issue, and many fans doubt that this year will be any different, despite the fact that the players’ lack of effort has now become a major talking point for the event.

Curry is known as one of the few players who wants to put on a show for the fans during All-Star weekend, and it will certainly be disappointing for fans in attendance that he is unable to go.

Tipoff is scheduled for 5:00 pm ET.

The format of the All-Star Game has changed once again, as it will be split between two Team USA and one Team World. The reason for this was to make the game more competitive, but ultimately it is the players who make it interesting, not the format. Nikola Jokic has been one of those players who has consistently been in the All-Star Game for the past few years, and there hasn’t been any change as far as how he plays.

During his media availability, he was asked if he would play anything differently this year because of the format, and as expected, he said nothing would change.

Jokic said, “I’m going to play the same way I play every year. I’m not sure it’s going to bring another fire out of me because I play the same way every game.”

“I’m going to play the same way I play every year. I’m not sure it’s going to bring another fire out of me because I play the same way every game. Not for me.”

Nikola Jokic shares his thoughts on the new All-Star format 🗣️pic.twitter.com/elrpATGq2S

– ClutchPoints (@clutchpoints) 14 February 2026

Other players have noted that the competition starts with the players. Kawhi Leonard believes the game should go back to the classic East vs. West format.

“It’s going to start with the starters, whoever gets there first,” Leonard said. “For me, personally, we need to get back to the way it was, and if guys are going to play hard, they’ll play hard. I think it will be competitive this year. I don’t know what the format is like. But hopefully, guys are competing. They usually do, but it’s also an All-Star Game.”

There hasn’t been much competition during the All-Star Game in years past, and the most energy was when they were scoring goals. For some reason, they discontinued that format and created several different teams, and it did nothing to improve it.

It will be interesting to see if this new format changes any players’ approach to the game, because if not, they may have to make more changes.

Taco Fall served up an unreal dunk highlight during the NBA Celebrity All-Star Game on Friday night.

Fall represented Team Giannis throughout the competition, with Milwaukee Bucks star Giannis Antetokounmpo serving as an honorary coach. On the roster, he includes actor and comedian Keegan-Michael Key, actor Rome Flynn, Chinese actor and singer Dylan Wang, NBA insider Shams Charania, social media creator and basketball personality Jenna Bandy, Charlotte Hornets co-chairman and governor Rick Schnall, former NBA champion Jeremy Lin, rapper Glorilla, Brazilian soccer legend Cafu and Detroit Lions star receiver Amon-Ra St. Brown. Worked together.

Fall played three seasons in the NBA from 2019 to 2022, representing the Boston Celtics and Cleveland Cavaliers over that span. He appeared in 37 career games, averaging 2.2 points and 2.4 rebounds per contest. He shot 67.3% from the field and 32% from the free-throw line.

Fall got a chance to enjoy throughout the festival. He produced several highlights in the game, including this neat reverse dunk in the first quarter.

Point guard Tacko Fall threw a reverse dunk 😮‍💨🔥

pic.twitter.com/9IDyAKbfC3

– ClutchPoints (@ClutchPoints) 14 February 2026

How Taco Fall played in the celebrity game

Taco Fall is dominated by the annual gathering of celebrities from sports, music and other forms of entertainment. He finished with a stat line of 20 points, 21 rebounds and five blocks.

Rome Flynn won the Most Valuable Player award at the 2026 Ruffles NBA All-Star Celebrity Game on Friday. He scored 17 points and added 4 assists for Team Giannis in a 65–58 win over Team Anthony.

Jeremy Lin (12 points, 15 rebounds) hit a key 8-point shot at the end of the fourth quarter, putting Team Giannis in a strong position. Los Angeles Chargers wide receiver Keenan Allen scored a team-high 18 points for Team Anthony. Meanwhile, Adrian Nunez contributed 13 points in support.

Rome Flynn is making the NBA All-Star Celebrity Game his personal playground. For the second year in a row, the multitalented actor and musician walked off the court with the hardware, proving that his 2025 performance was no fluke. Flynn led Team Giannis to a 65-58 victory over Team Anthony on Friday night, solidifying his status as the undisputed king of the star-studded exhibition.

While the celebrity game is usually known for its viral moments and questionable jump shots, Flynn brought the legitimate game to the hardwood. He was there to surround. Flynn finished the night with a game-high 17 points, showcasing a smooth offensive performance that kept the defense on its heels. Whether he was driving to the rim or hitting a timely jumper, he served as the engine that kept Team Giannis ahead in competitive back-and-forth.

back to back!

Rome Flynn has been named NBA All-Star Celebrity Game MVP for the second consecutive year.

pic.twitter.com/3j7Sg1M6UH

– ClutchPoints (@clutchpoints) 14 February 2026

Team Anthony did not go down without a fight, keeping the score within reach until the final minutes of the fourth quarter. However, the cohesion of the Giannis Antetokounmpo-led team proved to be too much to handle down the stretch. Beyond the scoring, Flynn’s defensive energy and three steals helped spark a crucial run in the second half that ultimately decided the outcome.

Repeating as MVP is a rare feat in this format, putting Flynn in an elite category of celebrity athletes who have the skill to live up to the hype. Now with two trophies under his belt, the conversation has turned to whether or not he can keep playing, whether anyone can really stop him from a three-peat. The celebrity game is Flynn’s; Everyone else is playing for second place.

NBA All-Star Weekend begins with the Celebrity Game. giannis and taco fall playful banter exchangedWhereas Jeremy Lin was exceptional.

During the game, Lynn showed a glimpse of his greatness By converting an 8-point shot, according to ClutchPoints. Lynn was representing Team Giannis, going up against Team Anthony, coached by actor Anthony Anderson.

Team Giannis included Keegan-Michael Key, Glorilla and Shams Charania. Team Anthony included Jason Williams, Keenan Allen and Andre De Grasse.

Jeremy Lin 8-point shot 🤯👀

pic.twitter.com/Xlnp6A27P3

– ClutchPoints (@clutchpoints) 14 February 2026

Team Giannis won 65–58. Lynn is remembered For their breakout “Linsanity” season With the Knicks during the 2011–12 NBA season.

At the time, Lin was a graduate of Harvard University. Additionally, the Knicks were struggling and decided to move Lin off the bench and into the lineup. Almost overnight, his amazing performance helped push the Knicks to a seven-game winning streak.

In the process, Lynn overcame racial prejudice and became a global phenomenon. During one game he scored 38 points against Kobe Bryant. Overall, Lin played in the NBA from 2010 to 2019 and for eight teams. Lin played for the Golden State Warriors, Houston Rockets, LA Lakers, Charlotte Hornets, Brooklyn Nets, and Atlanta Hawks. He would average 11.6 points and 4.3 rebounds per game.

In 2019, Lin was a part of the Toronto Raptors when they won their first NBA championship in franchise history. Last year, he officially retired from sports After 15 years, including a stint in the Taiwan Basketball League.

NBA All-Star Weekend concludes Sunday with the highly anticipated All-Star Game, which promises to be one last showdown of basketball’s brightest stars.

As the Miami Heat are in the midst of a much-needed All-Star break, one of the few players representing the team this weekend is Norman Powell. With Powell earning All-Star honors for the first time with the Heat, which has been a goal of his for some time, he mentioned why this season has come full circle in a certain way.

Powell was considered an All-Star candidate by many last season with the Los Angeles Clippers, as he stood out as an offensive lineman for the team, especially when they were dealing with injuries to Kawhi Leonard and others.

Fast forward to this year, Powell has shined for Miami, leading the way with 23 points per game, but he believes it “completes the story” given that the All-Star festivities take place in his former home of Los Angeles.

“I think that wraps up the story,” Powell said, according to The Miami Herald. “I think it’s something you can’t even write about or think about. It wasn’t like, ‘Oh, the All-Star Game is in L.A., now I’m definitely trying to make it.’ “I guess that’s just the way it is.”

“I really thought I’d be an All-Star with the team last year, and it didn’t happen,” Powell continued, referencing this time with the Clippers. “Moves are made, and then that spot is actually the same place you were just traded from, and you get selected to be one and go back in front of that organization, in front of the fans. I think it’s just a nice little Easter egg to the story of my career.”

At any rate, Powell is looking to help the Heat further as the team’s record is 29-27, which gives them the eighth seed in the Eastern Conference.

LOS ANGELES – Luka Doncic missed the Los Angeles Lakers’ last four games before NBA All-Star Weekend with a hamstring injury. Doncic initially suffered the injury during the first half of the Lakers’ win against the Philadelphia 76ers on February 5, and was ultimately ruled out of the second half.

Ahead of the Lakers’ game against the Dallas Mavericks just before NBA All-Star Weekend, head coach JJ Redick remained optimistic that Luka Doncic can return from injury after the break. And during his All-Star media availability session on Saturday, Doncic acknowledged that he is feeling good in terms of getting back on the court and getting ready for the All-Star Game on Sunday.

“I’m feeling pretty good. I’m working to get back,” Doncic said. “Obviously I wanted to play the last game, but it wasn’t possible. I was almost there. So I think I’ll play a little bit.”

Doncic was not named to the All-Star team last season, breaking a streak of five consecutive selections. This will be Doncic’s first time being an All-Star as a member of the Lakers. He will be part of Team World in the NBA’s new format that will feature three teams in a round-robin tournament.

During the first half of the regular season, Doncic has been one of the top candidates for the NBA’s MVP award. Doncic has never won the award before, with his highest performance coming during 2023–24, when he led the league in scoring and finished No. 3 in the voting last fall.

Doncic currently leads the league in scoring with 32.8 points for the second time in his career. He has appeared in 42 games in just over 35 minutes per game. In addition to his points, he averaged 7.8 rebounds, 8.6 assists and 1.5 steals, including shooting 47.3 percent from the field, 34.5 percent shooting from the 3-point line and 78.1 percent shooting from the free-throw line. Doncic also leads the NBA in free-throw attempts at 10.9 per game.

After the All-Star break, Doncic’s first chance to return to the Lakers’ lineup is on February 20 against the LA Clippers.

Denver Nuggets cornerstone and proud Serbian Nikola Jokic is passionate about horses and horse racing, but he’s not the most animated person when speaking in front of a camera. The contradiction between his private life and public life was on display during a media session at NBA All-Star Weekend.

When the (seemingly) young Texan was asked “what kind of horse” he should get, Jokic offered a simple but honest explanation.

According to the Oh No He Didn’t “But I don’t know which one is the best… maybe the most expensive, that would be the best (laughs).”

“I live in Texas, and I want to get a horse, which horse should I get?”

Nikola Jokic: “The best… the most expensive, maybe he will be the best.” 😅pic.twitter.com/OYx7ZoCKap

– ClutchPoints (@clutchpoints) 14 February 2026

Jokic is probably bombarded with questions about horses all year long, as it’s one of the only things people really know about the man beyond his supreme basketball talent, love for the music of his native country, and the fact that he was modeled on a Taco Bell commercial. The five-time All-NBA First-Team selection probably has a lot of knowledge about horses, but perhaps this wasn’t the right time or place for him to talk in detail about one of his most iconic breeds.

Still, this reaction would lend credence to the notion that Jokic is one of the most reckless superstars in recent memory. He’s certainly not the only standout player to display a reserved personality – San Antonio Spurs legend Tim Duncan comes to mind – but there’s a growing perception that the 30-year-old center dislikes the attention. A column about his allegedly brief exchange with a Serbian folklore group after last Saturday’s win against the Chicago Bulls only added to fans’ curiosity.

No one knows what to expect from Nikola Jokic when he is in the public eye, because he is truly an enigma. However, there is no mystery as to what will happen on the court. The sensational big man is averaging a triple-double for the second consecutive season, leading the league with 12.3 rebounds and 10.7 assists per game and ranking in the top-10 with 28.7 points per contest. Had he not missed 16 games with a knee injury he would have certainly been an MVP favorite.

Jokic is a hoops expert and an avid horse owner. Those sides of him are different, but apparently they resonate with the public in the same way. He will start in his sixth consecutive NBA All-Star Game, then turn his attention to the second half of the 2025-26 campaign and then return to his favorite spot when his Nuggets close on business for the summer.

Houston Rockets veteran Kevin Durant does not agree with the notion that the NBA’s All-Star Game was more intense than it is in today’s era. Golden State Warriors veteran Draymond Green criticized the new format of the All-Star Game, as the association attempts to make its signature event more competitive after weak reactions in recent years.

As for Durant, he does not agree with the story of how competitive the All-Star Game was for the NBA during the 1990s and 2000s, and He explained the reason Saturday during All-Star media day.

“I’m watching the All-Star Game and the older generation is talking about the intensity of it,” Durant said. “I don’t know if I saw it or not, you know?”

“I’m watching the All-Star Game and the intensity the older generation is talking about. I don’t know if I’ve seen it before.”

– Kevin Durant 🗣️pic.twitter.com/d4Y66J7yfw

– ClutchPoints (@clutchpoints) 14 February 2026

The NBA’s new USA vs. World format will feature three teams – Team World, USA Stars and USA Stripes – each with eight players, competing in a round-robin tournament.

Kevin Durant will play for the USA Stripes team alongside LA Clippers’ Kawhi Leonard, Los Angeles Lakers All-Star LeBron James and New York Knicks All-Star Jalen Brunson, as well as Boston Celtics’ Jaylen Brown and Cleveland Cavs’ Donovan Mitchell. Brandon Ingram of the Toronto Raptors and De’Aaron Fox of the San Antonio Spurs are replacing injured All-Stars Stephen Curry of the Golden State Warriors and Giannis Antetokounmpo of the Bucks.

Lakers All-Star Luka Doncic, Denver Nuggets two-time MVP Nikola Jokic and first-time All-Star Jamal Murray will play for Team World. Alperen Sengun of the Rockets, Karl-Anthony Towns of the Knicks and Victor Vembanyama of the Spurs are also on the team, as well as first-time All-Star forwards Danny Avdija of the Portland Blazers and Pascal Siakam of the Indiana Pacers.

Kawhi Leonard hopes players ‘compete’ in All-Star Games

Clippers veteran Kawhi Leonard thinks the All-Star Game will be competitive this season. However, for Leonard, how game starts “It’s important,” he said, according to NBA on Prime Insider Chris Haynes.

“It’s going to start with the starters, whoever gets there first,” Leonard said. “For me, personally, we need to get back to the way it was, and if guys are going to play hard, they’ll play hard. I think it will be competitive this year. I don’t know what the format is like. But hopefully, guys are competing. They usually do, but it’s also an All-Star Game.”

Met up with Clippers star Kawhi Leonard in LA ahead of the All-Star Game on Sunday. Many topics were discussed, including whether people would work hard. pic.twitter.com/ppgZi4L5uU

– Chris Haynes (@ChrisBHaynes) 14 February 2026

Leonard will play for the USA Stripes team.

Ahead of LA Clippers veteran Kawhi Leonard’s seventh All-Star Game appearance, he expects a competitive schedule despite not fully understanding the new format. Leonard led the Clippers’ hard-fought 105-102 win against the Houston Rockets.

According to NBA on Prime Insider Chris Haynes, he said, Leonard is also expecting a competitive night.

“It’s going to start with the starters, whoever gets there first,” Leonard said. “For me, personally, we need to get back to the way it was, and if guys are going to play hard, they’ll play hard. I think it will be competitive this year. I don’t know what the format is like. But hopefully, guys are competing. They usually do, but it’s also an All-Star Game.”

The NBA’s new USA vs. World format will feature three teams – Team World, USA Stars and USA Stripes – each with eight players, competing in a round-robin tournament.

Leonard will play for Team USA Stripes alongside Houston Rockets’ Kevin Durant, Los Angeles Lakers All-Star LeBron James and New York Knicks All-Star Jalen Brunson, as well as Boston Celtics’ Jaylen Brown and Cleveland Cavs’ Donovan Mitchell. Brandon Ingram of the Toronto Raptors and De’Aaron Fox of the San Antonio Spurs are replacing injured All-Stars Stephen Curry of the Golden State Warriors and Giannis Antetokounmpo of the Bucks.

Lakers All-Star Luka Doncic, Denver Nuggets two-time MVP Nikola Jokic and first-time All-Star Jamal Murray will play for Team World. Alperen Sengun of the Rockets, Karl-Anthony Towns of the Knicks and Victor Vembanyama of the Spurs are also on the team, as well as first-time All-Star forwards Danny Avdija of the Portland Blazers and Pascal Siakam of the Indiana Pacers.

Minnesota Timberwolves All-Star Anthony Edwards will join Team USA stars along with Phoenix Suns All-Star Devin Booker, Philadelphia 76ers’ Tyrese Maxey and the Detroit Pistons’ All-Star duo of Cade Cunningham and Jalen Duren. The Raptors’ Scottie Barnes is also on the team, along with Oklahoma City Thunder forward Chet Holmgren, who is making his first All-Star appearance.

Kawhi Leonard’s opinion on Clippers’ Darius Garland trade

Clippers veteran Kawhi Leonard discusses Darius Garland following the Clippers’ trade with the Cavs during All-Star weekend. While Garland recovers from a toe injury, Leonard can’t wait to join the team’s offense when healthy.

“I believe he was probably about 20 or 21 years old when I first came here,” Leonard said. “He was probably in his third year in the league, so he just kept working and over time he transitioned from being the guy that stayed in the fourth quarter and held down the fort for us in the paint. Also became very efficient in the post, creating mismatches or double teams on guys his size.

“His development has been great, he’s playing well, and he’ll still have a chance to win at Indiana when Tyrese comes back, and they get their whole group together. I told him, it’s not the worst, so just enjoy your kid, and he’ll get a chance to play for a championship.”

The Clippers have won three of their last four games before the All-Star break.

NBA All-Star Weekend is finally here and all the festivities are starting in Los Angeles as one of the weekend’s longest-running events returns with a new group of players. Larry Bird, Stephen Curry, Mark Price and other greats have graced the stage in the NBA 3-Point Contest, but only one can emerge victorious on Saturday.

Tyler Herro of the Miami Heat won the competition in 2025, but was replaced by teammate Norman Powell. The Blazers’ Damian Lillard comes into the event having won two of his last three, but it’s the Charlotte Hornets’ rookie sharpshooter Kon Nueppel who comes in as the betting favorite. The Suns’ Devin Booker will also return after his memorable final round victory in 2018.

3-Point Contest Odds, courtesy of DraftKings

2026 NBA All-Star 3-Point Contest Odds

Kon Knuppel: +240
Damian Lillard: +400
Jamal Murray: +650
Devin Booker: +650
Tyrese Maxey: +700
Donovan Mitchell: +750
Norman Powell: +1000
Bobby Portis: +1200

overview

Each contestant will have 70 seconds (1:10) to pass five racks of five balls, each rack containing a “money ball”. In general, a regular basketball will be worth one point while a money ball will be worth two points. The fifth rack, which can be placed at any position by the participant, will exclusively contain five money balls. Finally, two “from the logo” spots will be designated with two shots for three points each.

Each player will take a total of 27 shots in the first round. The three highest scores will advance to the championship round, shooting in the reverse order of their total from the first round.

Main storyline, returning participants

The most interesting name to watch here is Damian Lillard of the Portland Trail Blazers, who has already won this championship two of the last three years. He is not expected to return to action during the 2025–26 season due to pain, but is determined to compete and regain his former crown. The Cavs’ Donovan Mitchell and the Heat’s Norman Powell return for another breakout season after a brief absence over the past two years.

Of all the contestants, Tyrese Maxey has had the best season and is garnering MVP votes for his performances with the 76ers this season. Kon Knueppel is challenging the Mavericks’ Cooper Flagg for “Rookie of the Year” and winning this contest could certainly raise his stock in the eyes of fans.

player to watch

Rookie Kon Nueppel is the clear betting favorite here, shooting 43.1% from deep on an average attempt ratio of 3.4-7.9 this season. Additionally, he is also adept at taking open looks, so this type of competition is tailored to his skill set. Players like Devin Booker and Donovan Mitchell provide a serious chance as they are both capable of catching heat from deep, but they can be considered more of in-game shooters.

The Milwaukee Bucks’ Bobby Portis actually has the highest three-point percentage in the entire field at 45.1%, so don’t be surprised if he is able to advance to the championship round. Making sure to conserve energy through all five racks is a lesson first-timers usually learn very late in the round, so expect Portis, Maxi and Knueppel to pace themselves early in this rack.

In terms of taking a risk in this contest, Devin Booker could be a solid choice as he has already won this contest. I expect Tyrese Maxey and Donovan Mitchell to go down early as they are more effective when heated up during the game, but players like Booker, Nueppel and Lillard could step up because of their rhythm.

Final 3-Point Contest Predictions and Winners

It’s hard to say how effective Damian Lillard will be in regaining his title while competing despite an injured Achilles. The Hornets’ Kon Knueppel seems to be the most obvious pick here due to his expertise on the three-point shot and if he is able to get off to a strong start he is the most capable of winning this contest.

Although he will be looking to work on his timing and find his rhythm for the first time in this competition, he has been playing like this against other opponents for most of the season. He is also likely to reach the ground early and hit some shots, making him a likely choice to win in his first outing.

Final Prediction: Conn Knueppel (+240)