Inglewood, Calif. — Anthony Edwards confidently expressed his ambition to become the best basketball player globally, and on Sunday, he showcased why he may already be on that path. Leading the Stars team to a resounding 47-21 victory over the Stripes squad at the new NBA All-Star Game format held at the Los Angeles Clippers’ Intuit Dome, Edwards earned the All-Star MVP award while demonstrating his exceptional talent throughout the weekend.
The revamped All-Star competition, designed to pit American players against an international squad, aimed to boost competitive spirit and fan engagement in an Olympic year. For the fourth consecutive year, the NBA introduced this innovative mini-tournament featuring three fast-paced games that maintained suspense with buzzer-beating finishes, culminating in a commanding final led by Edwards.
New Format Spurs Intensity and Excitement
The NBA’s decision to split teams into Americans versus players from around the world added a fresh dynamic, increasing national pride and rivalry across the event. Edwards praised the structure’s ability to generate focus and determination, noting,
“I think it makes us compete because it’s only 12 minutes, and the three different teams separate the guys. I think it was really good.”
This format appeared to raise the level of competitiveness compared to previous All-Star exhibitions, which often lacked intensity.
The tournament featured thrilling finishes in all three preliminary games. Edwards forced overtime with a crucial 3-pointer, setting up a game-winning shot by Scottie Barnes for the Stars’ narrow victory over the World team. The Stripes then edged out the Stars in an overtime thriller, thanks to De’Aaron Fox’s last-second 3-pointer. Kawhi Leonard delivered a sensational 31-point performance for the Stripes in the final round-robin game, including a decisive 3-pointer with just 3.5 seconds remaining.
Stars’ Dominance in the Final Showdown
Though the Stripes displayed remarkable skill throughout the tournament, they appeared fatigued in the championship game. Edwards and his Stars teammates capitalized on the opportunity, dominating the floor to secure an overwhelming win. When asked about his proudest moment, Edwards said it was “Probably beating the World team.” Explaining further, he added,
“Because they say they’re the best players in the world, so beating them is the best feeling in the world.”
The 24-year-old guard from the Minnesota Timberwolves is no stranger to pressure or international competition, having previously won Olympic gold in Paris two years ago and led his team to back-to-back Western Conference finals appearances. His All-Star MVP award, named in honor of Kobe Bryant, reflected consistent standout performances, with 13, 11, and 8 points scored across the three games respectively.
High-Profile Spectators and Support Add to the Energy
The enthusiastic crowd at Intuit Dome included notable figures such as former President Barack Obama, whose presence motivated Edwards.
“He’s my favorite person in the world,”
Edwards said.
“We were kicking it (Saturday). Me and him had a great time. I told him I was going to put on a show for him.”
NBA Commissioner Adam Silver also praised the players for their elevated effort when presenting the championship trophy to the Stars.
Despite the World team going 0-2 in the tournament, their roster included standout international stars like Victor Wembanyama. While Wembanyama’s team struggled to secure wins, he still led his side in scoring with 14 and 19 points in their two outings. Wembanyama had also called on players to treat the game with seriousness, a call that seemed answered through the tournament’s competitive nature.
Kevin Durant, a veteran known for his poise and skill, reflected on the event’s progress, saying,
“It felt good to be out there with greats, new and old, and even international guys, too. Hopefully we just build upon this and the weekend becomes more and more competitive.”
Key Highlights from Each Match
First Game: Scottie Barnes’ overtime three-pointer clinched a 37-36 win for the Stars over the World. Edwards ignited the extra period with an early jump shot after tying the game with a late 3-pointer in regulation. Despite a late response from Wembanyama, Barnes sealed the victory with his only attempt of the game.
Second Game: The Stripes edged the Stars, fueled by Donovan Mitchell’s assist to De’Aaron Fox for the final buzzer-beater. Jaylen Brown led the Stripes with 11 points, while LeBron James, appearing in his record 21st All-Star game, scored eight early on. Despite the match being held in Los Angeles, James described it as
“nothing, because this is not our building. This is a road game,”
a sentiment echoed by the usually hostile Clippers fans who booed James and Luka Doncic throughout.
Third Game: Kawhi Leonard dazzled the home crowd with a near-perfect shooting performance, going 11 for 13 overall and 6 of 7 from beyond the arc during the Stripes’ 48-45 victory over the World. Leonard opened strong with seven consecutive field goals, including five three-pointers, energizing fans seated in the intense supporters’ section called The Wall. LeBron James secured a late lead with a putback dunk, but Wembanyama kept the World close with clutch free throws before Leonard’s game-winning shot.
The absence of Luka Doncic, the league’s leading scorer, and three-time MVP Nikola Jokic in the second game, alongside Giannis Antetokounmpo not playing at all, weakened the World team’s roster depth.
Future Prospects for NBA All-Star Weekend
NBA All-Star festivities will remain on the West Coast for the foreseeable future, with Phoenix scheduled to host the event again in February 2027, marking its fourth time as a host city. As the league experiments with formats and player involvement, this year’s competitive atmosphere suggests steady progress toward delivering an engaging, meaningful midseason showcase that appeals to both players and fans.
