Anshari Taslim
INGLEWOOD, California – The 2026 NBA All-Star Game, held at a capacity Crypto.com Arena, witnessed a dramatic resurgence in competitive intensity, largely attributed to a new format featuring two USA teams and one World team, and the palpable influence of San Antonio Spurs phenom Victor Wembanyama. The shift in atmosphere was evident from the opening contest, a stark contrast to the often-criticized exhibition-like nature of previous years.
Following the inaugural game of the new format, a thrilling overtime victory for one of the USA contingents, Minnesota Timberwolves star Anthony Edwards was questioned by the NBC broadcast about his assertive desire for the ball during the crucial first possession of the extra period. Edwards, known for his directness, did not offer a conventional answer, instead providing an insight into the newfound competitive spirit. He candidly admitted that Wembanyama had "set the tone," creating an environment where it was challenging not to match the burgeoning French star’s energy. This admission marked a significant departure from Edwards’ pre-game skepticism; on the eve of the event, when pressed on whether the intensity observed in international competitions, such as the upcoming 2024 Olympics, could translate to the All-Star Game, he had unequivocally responded with "no."
Edwards’ initial doubt mirrored the sentiment of many NBA enthusiasts, both in attendance and watching remotely. Recent iterations of the NBA All-Star Game had frequently been marred by a lack of defensive effort and competitive drive, yielding more forgettable moments than highlight-reel plays. However, the collective post-game consensus among players indicated the new format was a resounding success. NBA Commissioner Adam Silver, who has consistently sought to reinvigorate the mid-season spectacle, could justifiably consider Wembanyama a pivotal catalyst for this transformation.
"He set the tone," Edwards reiterated postgame, referring to Wembanyama. "It was definitely competitive with all three teams. I feel like the old heads played hard, too. They were playing real good defense. But yeah, he set the tone, man. It woke me up for sure." Edwards, who recently signed a five-year, $260 million extension with the Timberwolves, is in the midst of another stellar season, averaging 27.8 points, 5.9 rebounds, and 5.5 assists, leading Minnesota to a formidable 45-19 record, placing them among the Western Conference’s elite. His increased assertiveness and competitive fire during the All-Star Game underscored the impact of the new environment.
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Edwards himself delivered an All-Star Game performance that will be etched in memory. He concluded the final contest against the USA Stripes team with eight points, ultimately being named the All-Star Game MVP. His most impactful display, however, came in that opening game against Team World, where he notched 13 points in a critical overtime victory. This individual brilliance, coupled with his team’s success in the new format, highlighted his growing status as one of the league’s premier talents.
While the concluding game of All-Star Weekend ultimately proved somewhat anticlimactic, the preceding three contests delivered a blend of entertainment, competitiveness, and genuine intensity. This sentiment was echoed by New York Knicks star Jalen Brunson, whose team currently holds a 37-27 record and is battling for playoff positioning in the Eastern Conference. Brunson’s comments suggested that Wembanyama’s influence transcended individual matchups, permeating the entire event.
"I think Wemby’s a leader," Brunson stated. "The way he carries himself is fantastic for this game. I think he’s done a great job and you see what his impact is on and off the court around this game." Brunson, a first-time All-Star this season, has been a driving force for the Knicks, averaging 27.4 points and 6.5 assists. His recognition of Wembanyama’s leadership qualities, despite the latter being in only his third season, speaks volumes about the young Frenchman’s maturity and presence.
Wembanyama’s impact, though still early in his NBA career, is already profoundly felt across the league. The previous year’s All-Star Game had largely been criticized as a "snooze fest," prompting Silver and the league office to explore new formats. The 2026 iteration, with its innovative structure, successfully injected a much-needed jolt of life into the event. Wembanyama, who is averaging 21.2 points, 10.5 rebounds, and a league-leading 3.6 blocks for the San Antonio Spurs (13-51), exemplified the competitive spirit that many felt had been missing.
"It’s the game we love," Wembanyama remarked, reflecting on his approach. "It’s the game I personally cherish. Being competitive is the least I can do." His performance, characterized by defensive tenacity and an eagerness to contest shots, set a precedent for his peers.
The format, which involved each of the three teams playing each other once in a 12-minute quarter setting, undeniably generated more excitement than the traditional exhibition. Los Angeles Clippers star Kawhi Leonard, a five-time All-Star and two-time NBA champion, contributed significantly, dropping 31 points to help Team Stripes advance in a crucial game against Team World. Leonard, currently averaging 23.7 points and 6.2 rebounds for a Clippers team that is 40-22 and a strong contender in the Western Conference, showcased his characteristic efficiency and clutch play.
Another standout moment involved San Antonio Spurs guard De’Aaron Fox, who is enjoying a career year averaging 26.6 points and 6.2 assists for the Sacramento Kings (37-27). Fox delivered a dramatic 3-pointer at the buzzer, just seconds after Edwards had hit a clutch shot of his own, securing a thrilling victory for the USA Stripes team in their opening contest. Crucially, and perhaps most tellingly, all participating teams demonstrated a concerted effort on the defensive end, a stark departure from the recent past.
Despite the heightened competitive level, the new format did present some challenges, particularly for viewers at home who might have found the rules confusing. Even players, including Leonard, admitted to attempting to decipher the intricacies of the scoring and advancement rules as the games progressed. This led Leonard to suggest a return to the traditional East versus West format after the event, believing it would still foster competition while being more easily understood.
"I think it was good," Leonard said. "I didn’t really figure it out until we got here. As the game was going on, trying to figure out the records. … I thought it was good, but I still think going back to East vs. West will be great and I think guys will compete still." Leonard’s pragmatism highlights a potential area for refinement if the league opts to retain the innovative structure.
Regardless of opinions on the format’s complexity, its immediate impact on engagement and competitive drive was undeniable. The renewed vitality of the All-Star Game itself provided a much-needed boost, especially considering that All-Star Saturday Night – typically one of the premier events on the NBA calendar featuring the Skills Challenge, Three-Point Contest, and Slam Dunk Contest – was largely perceived as a "wash" this year, failing to generate significant buzz or memorable moments.
Houston Rockets star Kevin Durant, a seasoned veteran and multiple All-Star, provided a concise summary of the overall improvement. "It was a step up in the competitive department compared to last season," Durant, who is averaging 27.5 points and 6.7 rebounds for the Rockets (29-35), observed. His assessment, from a player with extensive All-Star experience, lends significant weight to the notion that the 2026 All-Star Game succeeded in its primary objective: to be a competitive showcase of the league’s top talent. The new format, propelled by the infectious competitiveness of emerging stars like Wembanyama, appears to have injected a sustainable energy that could very well ensure its longevity, or at least influence future iterations of the mid-season classic.
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