NBA news: 2025 All-Star Championship inspires mixed reactions despite format change
The 2025 NBA All-Star Championship saw a three-game mini-tournament featuring four teams and a target score of 40 in each game, successfully injecting much-needed energy into the event while inspiring some decidedly mixed reactions from players and fans.
Previously known as the NBA All-Star Game, the event was regarded as a spectacle until its entertainment value took a dive and came under increasing scrutiny in recent years.
After last year’s game turned into an uncompetitive affair, the league took action and worked with star players, including Stephen Curry, to revamp the format.
Sports News Blitz writer Noah Ngcobo reports on the story.
A step in the right direction
Curry, who played a role in shaping the new format, emerged as the night’s biggest star, leading Team Shaq to a dominant 41-25 win over Team Chuck in the final game.
His half-court shot and subsequent celebration with rapper Mistah F.A.B. provided one of the event’s most memorable moments.
“We needed to change,” Curry admitted afterwards. “We needed some new life, new juice in the game – something unexpected. The way people consume basketball is different now. But it can still be fun. I had fun, our team had fun, and that’s what matters.”
The shift away from last year’s defense-optional contest did result in more effort on the court.
Indeed, there were even rare defensive highlights, including blocks at the rim by Jaren Jackson Jr. and Victor Wembanyama.
However, opinions on the new format varied widely.
Denver Nuggets star Nikola Jokic, who has consistently downplayed his suitability for the All-Star Game, was blunt in his assessment.
“I think maybe we should focus on some other things than All-Star,” he said. “It’s always going to be like this, so we should accept it.”
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New format sees mixed reactions
While the format change encouraged more engagement, the event still had its flaws.
Extended breaks, including a lengthy ceremony honoring TNT’s 40-year partnership with the NBA, disrupted momentum.
Players also expressed frustration with long delays between games.
“It was tough,” admitted Celtics star Jayson Tatum. “Stopping mid-game for a presentation made it hard to get back into rhythm.”
Donovan Mitchell echoed those concerns: “You start with energy and adrenaline, and then you sit for 30-45 minutes. That was tough. It’s a work in progress.”
Some, like Cavaliers coach Kenny Atkinson and rising star Evan Mobley, saw potential in the format.
“It’s much better,” Atkinson said. “It wasn’t just a lay-up drill.”
Others, however, were not as optimistic.
Warriors forward Draymond Green gave the new format a harsh review on TNT’s broadcast, rating it a “zero” out of ten, while Miami Heat guard Tyler Herro and Cavaliers guard Darius Garland called for a return to the traditional East vs West format.
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The debate over the future of All-Star
Beyond the format changes, another debate loomed over the event: Should the All-Star Game even exist?
Phoenix Suns superstar Kevin Durant took to social media to voice his frustrations with ongoing criticism from fans, suggesting that the event be scrapped altogether.
“I think it’s more fun to complain about the NBA than to actually watch it. Crazy, cancel All-Star Weekend and let’s just give everybody a break since we’re so miserable around this time,” Durant posted on X (formerly Twitter).
He went on to argue that fans will always find something to complain about, implying that no format will ever satisfy everyone.
Despite the criticism, ideas for further tweaks to the format continue to circulate.
One suggestion that gained traction was a “Team USA vs The World” concept. With international stars like Giannis Antetokounmpo and Victor Wembanyama backing the idea, the league may consider it as an alternative moving forward.
“I think that would be the most interesting and most exciting format,” Antetokounmpo said. “For sure, I’d take pride in that.”
Wembanyama agreed, stating, “There’s more pride in it. More stakes.”
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What happens next
With the 2025 All-Star Championship now in the history books, the focus shifts to 2026, when the event moves to the LA Clippers’ new arena in Inglewood, California.
What changes, if any, will the NBA implement?
Will the league refine the current format, return to East vs West, or consider a bold new approach?
Only one thing is clear: The All-Star event remains a hot topic, and its future is anything but settled.
Whether it continues as a must-watch event or fades into irrelevance will depend on how the league responds to the latest round of mixed reviews.
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