By Jamal Baker
NDG Contributing Writer
The NBA shook up some things at the annual NBA All-Star Game in an attempt to promote a more competitive atmosphere.
The 74th rendition of the game included a mini-tournament featuring four teams—three teams of NBA All-Stars and the winner of the Rising Stars challenge. The prize pool totaled $1.8 million—each player on the championship winning team won $125,000 while players on the second-place team won $50,000. Players on the teams that lost in the semifinals were awarded $25,000.
Key takeaways from the weekend where some of the greatest basketball talents in the world are celebrated:
1. The Skills challenge was a snooze fest.
2. Can we spice up the 3-point contest? (Bring the WNBA athletes back)
3. Mac McClung’s shoulders must be tired from carrying the dunk contest.
4. The All-Star tournament is refreshing and much appreciated.
Saturday night kicked off with Spurs teammates Victor Wembanyama and Chris Paul being disqualified from the NBA All-Star Game skills challenge. In a hilarious attempt to find a loophole in the skills competition, Wembanyama and Paul did not take legitimate shots by just throwing the ball toward the rim in an effort to save time.
“I don’t regret it. I think it was a good idea,” Wembanyama said.
All-Stars Donovan Mitchell and Evan Mobley walked away victorious in the competition—a competition that left plenty of meat on the bone and much to be desired.
The three-point shot has revolutionized the modern NBA, and the Starry 3-point contest is a test of accuracy, stamina, and clutch. The Miami Heat’s Tyler Herro put these characteristics on full display as he defeated Buddy Hield in the final round. Two-time defending champion Damian Lillard was eliminated in the first round after only making four of his nine money balls.
A three-peat was witnessed Saturday night after Mac McClung put on an epic performance during the NBA Slam Dunk Contest. At this point, let’s change the name to the “Mac McClung Showcase” because it just was not fair. Stephon Castle did however give McClung a run for his money by logging a score of 99.6 in the last round and barely finishing second. McClung became the only player in NBA history to win three consecutive slam dunk contest titles.
Team Shaq defeated Team Chuck in the All-Star tournament final. The new tournament format produced more competitive basketball, but it is clear this game is too far beyond repair to ever truly bring 100 percent effort out of players.
“The hosting experience was unbelievable,” Stephen Curry said of All-Star Weekend. “I’m not going to complain about being tired or exhausted. This is an honor and a blessing to be able to celebrate and share this beautiful Bay Area that’s been a part of my life for the last 16 years and the basketball history and culture that’s here and the amazing fans that are here and the impact that the game being here has had on both cities. It was awesome from start to finish.”
Curry took home his 2nd Kobe Bryant Trophy, winning the 2025 All-Star MVP. Los Angeles will host next year’s All-Star festivities where NBA commissioner Adam Silver will certainly remain creative to increase fan engagement.
