The 2025 NBA All-Star Game took a bold leap into uncharted territory with an all-new tournament format, aiming to reignite excitement and competition in the annual showcase event. However, the ambitious experiment yielded decidedly mixed reviews from the players involved, many of whom voiced concerns over the frequent stoppages that disrupted the rhythm of the games.
A Promising Start, But Room For Refinement
The revamped All-Star format, which eschewed the traditional East vs. West matchup in favor of a four-team single-elimination tournament, certainly succeeded in injecting a fresh dose of competitive spirit into the proceedings. Players dived for loose balls, locked down on defense, and battled for every bucket with an intensity rarely seen in prior All-Star contests.
However, the format’s flaws quickly became apparent as the tournament unfolded at San Francisco’s Chase Center. The decision to implement a target score of 40 points for each round, combined with the inclusion of the Rising Stars winners as the fourth squad, led to a series of jarring stoppages that left many players visibly frustrated.
Trae Young Leads Chorus of Criticism
Atlanta Hawks guard Trae Young, a member of Charles Barkley’s “Global Stars” team, was among the most vocal critics of the new format’s pacing issues:
“To be honest, I didn’t like it at all. I didn’t like the breaks. The games were so short. Obviously, we can score. So, they’re trying to, I feel like, trying to extend the game, extend the TV time with the breaks and things like that.”
– Trae Young, Atlanta Hawks
Young’s sentiments were echoed by several of his All-Star peers, including Shai Gilgeous-Alexander of the Oklahoma City Thunder, who stated, “I would rather play without breaks. But I had fun, nonetheless.”
Broadcast Tribute Sparks Prolonged Pause
The most glaring example of the format’s timing issues occurred during the championship game between Shaq’s “OGs” and Chuck’s “Global Stars.” A lengthy tribute to the TNT broadcast crew, which is in its final year covering All-Star Weekend, halted play for nearly 20 minutes, leaving players standing idly on the sidelines as the ceremony unfolded.
Boston Celtics forward Jaylen Brown succinctly summed up the sentiment among the players:
“I would say it’s not ideal to stop like that if you want guys to be physical. It’s definitely not ideal.”
– Jaylen Brown, Boston Celtics
Curry, Durant Offer Nuanced Perspectives
Not all players were entirely critical of the new format, however. Two-time All-Star MVP Stephen Curry, who led Shaq’s “OGs” to victory, acknowledged the need for change while highlighting his own role in shaping the event’s evolution:
“I did have some input and a lot of conversations with Adam [Silver] and the rest of the leadership on where we were last year. We needed to change, needed some new life, new juice in the game, something kind of unexpected.”
– Stephen Curry, Golden State Warriors
Kevin Durant, another member of the victorious “OGs,” offered a more measured assessment, noting that the format “took some getting used to” while praising the competitive spirit on display in the semifinal matchup against the Rising Stars.
Absence of Injured Stars Dampens Enthusiasm
Adding to the challenges facing the new All-Star format was the noticeable absence of several marquee players due to injury. The likes of LeBron James, Giannis Antetokounmpo, and Anthony Edwards were all forced to sit out, depriving fans of the opportunity to see some of the league’s brightest stars compete in the revamped tournament setting.
Green Questions Rising Stars’ Inclusion
Another point of contention arose from the decision to include the winning squad from Friday night’s Rising Stars event as the fourth team in the All-Star tournament. Golden State Warriors forward Draymond Green, never one to mince words, questioned the fairness of allowing first- and second-year players to compete on the All-Star stage:
“I had to work so hard to play on Sunday night of All-Star Weekend. And because ratings are down, because the game’s bad, we’re bringing in Rising Stars? I never played in the Rising Stars game. My first two years, I didn’t touch that game. And these guys get to touch the All-Star floor? On Sunday night?”
– Draymond Green, Golden State Warriors
Looking Ahead: Fine-Tuning The Format
As the NBA reflects on the successes and shortcomings of its All-Star experiment, it’s clear that further refinements will be necessary to strike the right balance between competition and entertainment. While the tournament structure succeeded in elevating the intensity on the court, the league must find ways to minimize stoppages and ensure a more seamless viewing experience for fans.
Despite the mixed reviews, there were undoubtedly positive takeaways from the 2025 All-Star Game’s new format. The increased competitiveness and the unique dynamics created by the team drafts added fresh intrigue to an event that had grown somewhat stale in recent years. By fine-tuning the pacing and perhaps reconsidering the inclusion of Rising Stars, the NBA can build upon this year’s experiment to create an even more compelling All-Star showcase in the years to come.
As the league continues to evolve and adapt to the changing landscape of professional sports, the 2025 NBA All-Star Game will be remembered as a crucial stepping stone in the ongoing quest to perfect the balance between honoring the game’s greatest players and captivating fans around the globe. While the path forward may not be entirely clear, one thing is certain: the NBA’s willingness to embrace change and take bold risks bodes well for the future of the All-Star Game and the sport as a whole.
