In an NBA All-Star tournament that was met with pushback for its format and its coverage, Team Shaq prevailed on Sunday when the basketball was said and done.
In the four-team mini-tournament, Team Shaq's squad of All-Star veterans defeated Team Candace's roster of non All-Stars in the semifinal round. It then rolled past Team Chuck's squad of international All-Stars via a 41-25 victory in the final to secure the title of 2025 All-Star champions.
Each player on Team Shaq secured a $125,000 prize for the victory. Team Chuck's runners-up earned $50,000, while the semifinal losers secured $25,000 each just for making it to Sunday.
Team Shaq ran away from opening tip
After facing a challenge from Team Candace's Rising Stars team in the semifinals, Team Shaq started the final on fire with an 11-0 lead, sparked by eight early points from Jayson Tatum. Team Chuck never challenged as Team Shaq cruised to the 16-point victory.
Tatum led the way with 15 points, including the game-winning dunk in the first-to-40 format. Warriors star Stephen Curry added 12 points in front of the crowd in San Francisco.
Stephen Curry wins MVP
Curry was named All-Star MVP for his effort in his home arena. He shot 4-of-8 from 3-point distance for his 12 points in the final while adding four rebounds, two assists and one steal. In Team Shaq's semifinal win, Curry tallied eight points, six assists, one rebound and one steal.
The All-Star MVP is the second for Curry, who also won the award in 2022.
Stephen Curry was named All-Star MVP for a second time on Sunday. (Ezra Shaw/Getty Images)
The championship game was interrupted for a lengthy tribute to the TNT broadcast team by Hart in the network's final year covering All-Star weekend. The tournament format itself, meanwhile, was the subject of harsh criticism on the TNT broadcast from Draymond Green.
Team Shaq avoids disaster in semis
Playing without an injured LeBron James, Team Shaq averted disaster in the second semifinal of the day.
Led by nine points from Damian Lillard, Team Shaq scored a 42-35 win over Team Candace's roster of Rising Stars, who earned their way to the All-Star showdown via Friday's challenge.
In the first-to-40 format, Team Candace kept pace with Team Shaq for much of the contest at 28-28. But Team Shaq pulled away with a 14-7 run to secure the win and avoid losing to a team of non-All-Stars. Team Shaq missed a bunch of shots down the stretch as it repeatedly tried to end the game on a 3-pointer while sitting on 37 points.
Officials then ignored an obvious foul on Kevin Durant as Team Shaq sat on 39 points in an apparent effort to avoid having the game end on the free-throw line.
Behind an outburst from Shai Gilgeous-Alexander and some actual All-Star Game defense from Victor Wembanyama, Charles Barkley's team of international stars struck first Sunday night.
Team Chuck cruised to a 42-31 win over Team Kenny in the first semifinal, which featured a lineup of young stars headlined by Jalen Brunson and Evan Mobley. Anthony Edwards was a DNP with a lingering groin injury.
Gilgeous-Alexander led all scorers with 12 points, including the game-winning bucket. Gilgeous-Alexander beat Jaren Jackson Jr. off the dribble and put Team Chuck over 40 points with a two-handed dunk.
Gilgeous-Alexander's easy path to the bucket with the game on the line won't assuage critics tired of the lack of defense in the All-Star Game. But Wembanyama at least made an effort in his All-Star game debut.
He finished with six points, four rebounds, one steal and this block of Cade Cunningham in a winning effort for Team Chuck.
Similar to the Rising Stars challenge, the NBA All-Stars competed in a three-game tournament. The All-Stars were split into three teams — through an All-Star Draft conducted by TNT analysts Charles Barkley, Shaquille O'Neal and Kenny Smith. The first two matchups were Team Shaq vs. Team Candace Parker, and Team Chuck vs. Team Kenny.
The rosters
The All-Star teams were comprised of the East and West starters (voted by fans, players and media members) and reserves (voted by coaches). Trae Young and Kyrie Irving were named as injury replacements for Giannis Antetokounmpo and Anthony Davis, respectively.
Here's a breakdown of the rosters (listed in order of how each team was drafted).
Shaq’s OGs
LeBron James, Lakers*
Stephen Curry, Warriors
Anthony Davis, Mavericks*
Jayson Tatum, Celtics
Kevin Durant, Suns
Damian Lillard, Bucks
James Harden, Clippers
Jaylen Brown, Celtics
Kyrie Irving, Mavericks
Kenny’s Young Stars
Anthony Edwards, Timberwolves
Jalen Brunson, Knicks
Jaren Jackson Jr., Grizzlies
Jalen Williams, Thunder
Darius Garland, Cavaliers
Evan Mobley, Cavaliers
Cade Cunningham, Pistons
Tyler Herro, Heat
Chuck’s Global Stars
Nikola Jokić, Nuggets
Giannis Antetokounmpo, Bucks*
Shai Gilgeous-Alexander, Thunder
Victor Wembanyama, Spurs
Pascal Siakam, Pacers
Alperen Şengün, Rockets
Karl-Anthony Towns, Knicks
Donovan Mitchell, Cavaliers
Trae Young, Hawks *injured
Team Candace
Stephon Castle, San Antonio Spurs
Ryan Dunn, Phoenix Suns
Zach Edey, Memphis Grizzlies
Keyonte George, Utah Jazz
Trayce Jackson-Davis, Golden State Warriors
Dalton Knecht, Los Angeles Lakers
Jaylen Wells, Memphis Grizzlies
Amen Thompson, Houston Rockets (added by Parker after Friday's games)
LIVE COVERAGE IS OVER20 updates
Yahoo Sports Staff
Team Shaq wins 1st NBA All-Star tournament; Steph Curry named "MVP"
Team Shaq defeated Team Chuck, 41-25, to win the inaugural NBA All-Star tournament.
Jayson Tatum got a dunk for the final bucket to mercifully put an end to a game that was disrupted by a lengthy ceremony for TNT.
Steph Curry was named the MVP on his home court after posting 8 points (2-of-8 from 3), 6 rebounds, 1 assist and 1 steal in Game 1, and 12 points, 4 rebounds, 1 assist and 2 steals in Game 2.
Yahoo Sports Staff
Yes, there was a bizarre game stoppage to honor TNT
The final of the NBA ASG tournament came back from commercial break and an insane gift ceremony occurred to honor the TNT crew of Ernie Johnson, Shaq, Chuck and Kenny.
I repeat: A live game — with Team Shaq leading Team Chuck, 11-3 — was stopped and billion of dollars worth of All-Stars sat around and got cold so they could watch the TNT studio show hosts get a bunch of gifts to honor their roles in the promotion of the game. Oh yeah, and Kevin Hart was once again the host of it.
Like most the evening, it went over like a lead zeppelin:
The extended breaks in these games are really tough. We're now on to honoring the end of Inside the NBA on TNT when everyone knows its headed to ESPN next season.
Team Shaq's OGs defeated Team Candace's Rising Stars, 42-35, but it wasn't easy.
Team Shaq had numerous opportunities to put the game away, but needing just three points with a 37-31 lead, the veterans opted to take a lot of 3s — and missed them.
Finally, Damian Lillard, who led his club with nine points on 3-of-4 shooting from long distance, hit a 3 to give Team Shaq the victory and a ticket to face Team Chuck in the final.
For those into such things, Team Candace spent most of the day at BetMGM as a 7.5-point underdog, but went off as only a 6.5-point dog as the game tipped. Landing on seven had major ramifications, once again illustrating the importance of getting the best of the number.
The NBA making its All-Star game less and less about basketball while complaining about NBA players not taking it seriously is about all you need to know about the state of NBA discourse in 2025.
I get what Draymond is saying about the disservice guys like SGA and Wemby will see with this new format. He can say this format sucks but let's not ignore how we got here, the guys just didn't care. The games have been awful.
I swear I’m not trying to be cynical but everything outside of the actual games tonight — which have been great — has varied from terrifying to cringe.
Now they getting present with gifts. During the Allstar game. This couldn’t be on the post show? They aren’t going off air anyway bruh they just won’t have the all star game 😂
The extended breaks in these games are really tough. We're now on to honoring the end of Inside the NBA on TNT when everyone knows its headed to ESPN next season.
Anthony Edwards does not play in All-Star Game due to groin injury
Minnesota Timberwolves star Anthony Edwards did not participate for Team Kenny in the opening game of All-Star Sunday's new format due to a groin injury, he said afterwards.
There was no indication in the lead-up to the game that Edwards would not participate.
Edwards played his usual 36 points in a 15-point victory against the Oklahoma City Thunder on Thursday, compiling 23 points (5-of-18 shooting), seven rebounds, seven assists and three steals.
Ben Rohrbach
Fan makes logo shot to win $100,000 at All-Star Game
Mr. Beast, the YouTube sensation, hosted a shooting contest between Damian Lillard and a fan for $100,000. The fan had to make one shot from the logo near halfcourt before Lillard made three. Lillard made two, but before he could sink his third the fan banked in the winning shot.
The NBA and commissioner Adam Silver want the All-Star event to be taken more seriously, with players actually competing.
But the four-man booth for Game 1 — Shaq, Candace Parker, Reggie Miller and Brian Anderson — was all about jokes and topics other than the game during the early going.
The broadcast also gave time during the game to Ernie Johnson and Kevin Hart, who were sitting with coaches Charles Barkley and Kenny Smith. Hart screamed a lot about whatever as action on the court took place.
I have wondered for a very long time who the Kevin Hart fans are? Where they are? Why does Adam think he’s an ambassador lol. https://t.co/8GPCvBz5ku
When the broadcast went back to the actual broadcast booth, it was Anderson trying to give updates on the action, while his broadcast mates wanted to talk about anything except the action on the court.
The issue: If the action isn't interesting enough for the folks calling the game, why should anyone else care?
Then after the first game, Draymond Green ripped the new format, trashing everything about it. The NBA continues to lead American sports in giving monster platforms to voices who continue to tear apart, ridicule and denigrate its game. Some would say that isn't an optimal strategy when so much money and time are involved in "promoting" the game.
The NBA needs to take a hard look at this game presentation.
Ben Rohrbach
Victor Wembanyama is wreaking havoc, and the All-Stars are trying!
Led by Victor Wembanayama, the NBA's young stars are injecting some energy into the All-Star Game for the first time in years. In a back-and-forth battle, Wembanyama has wreaked havoc on both ends, inspiring everyone to compete.
Trivia time: Evan Mobley scores 1st points in NBA's new All-Star tournament format
In the first NBA All-Star tournament game, featuring Team Chuck vs. Team Kenny, it was Evan Mobley of Team Kenny who scored the first points of the new format.
In transition, the Cavs big man was on the receiving end of an alley-oop from Oklahoma City Thunder star Jalen Williams.
Mobley added another bucket as Team Chuck led 17-12 at the first timeout of the contest, which will be decided by the first to 40.
Jason Owens
And we're underway. There's no game clock in these games. First team to 40 points in the semifinals wins.
Giannis Antetokounmpo pledges to participate in 1-on-1 battle in 2026
Milwaukee Bucks star Giannis Antetokounmpo, speaking before the All-Star Game, pledged to participate in a 1-on-1 battle next season, if the NBA decides to add the event to its festivities.
"If I had the chance to play 1-on-1 with anybody, I would love to do it," he said. "Anything that can make the weekend more exciting, more fun for the viewers, for the fans and for the players, I would love to participate. ... If it's a 1-on-1 competition, I would love to participate."
He gives himself a pretty good shot, too.
"I think sometimes you forget, to be a good 1-on-1 player, you've got to be able to play both ways," he said. "You've got to get a stop to get the ball. You don't get a stop, you're not getting the ball. It's kind of hard, say, if Kyrie Irving is going against [Victor Wembanyama]. He's got to get a stop. But it would be fun. It would be fun. I would love to participate if next year there's a 1-on-1 tournament. I would love to participate."
Is he sure?
"I can't make no promises," he said, "but if I'm healthy, I'd probably do it.
Ben Rohrbach
LeBron James' record of 20 straight All-Star Game starts comes to an end
Los Angeles Lakers superstar LeBron James will be sidelined for the All-Star Game on Sunday night, as he manages the ankle soreness that has plagued him for the past few seasons, ending his record-setting streak of 20 consecutive All-Star Game starts.
"I was hoping that it would feel a lot better this morning, but it's just not where I wanted it to be," said James. "With 30 games left and us trying to make a playoff push in the wild, wild West, I feel like it's very important for me to take care of myself and understand what was coming on.
"It is maintenance, but at the same time I have to look out for myself when it comes to this injury I've been dealing with for years."
James flew from Los Angeles to San Francisco on Sunday and will return later in the night.
"There will be no vacation for me," he said. "I head back to L.A. tonight and back to the rehab tomorrow and getting ready for practice on Tuesday."
His availability for Wednesday's home game against the Charlotte Hornets is questionable.
NBA commissioner Adam Silver speaks during a press conference at All-Star Saturday night festivities Saturday, Feb. 15, 2025, in San Francisco. (AP Photo/Godofredo A. Vásquez)
SAN FRANCISCO — NBA commissioner Adam Silver sees all and hears all: the praise of where his game is or, most importantly, the constant critique the NBA is subject to, almost on a daily basis.
The never-ending 3-point discussion, one that even he has chimed in on at times.
The money element, the financial decisions that have played a big part in trades involving Luka Dončić, Anthony Davis and Karl-Anthony Towns, and the standoff with Jimmy Butler and the Miami Heat.
The officiating, the challenges with a million camera angles and a million more opinions on social media and in NBA locker rooms.
And he’s even contributed to it in ways, jokingly throwing gasoline onto the discourse by suggesting 10-minute quarters instead of the usual 12 — a suggestion that earned a decent amount of criticism.
“I try to read it all, frankly, and we try to absorb it at the league office,” Silver said during his annual news conference at All-Star Weekend inside Chase Center. “I think the state of the game is excellent. I think it’s the media’s role, the fans’ role, it’s perfectly appropriate to be critical of the game, and I find it very helpful. I’m not one of those people who said I don’t read criticism.”
How did we get here on All-Star Weekend and what did we miss?
Osceola Magic guard Mac McClung dunks over a car during the slam dunk contest at the NBA All-Star Saturday night festivities Saturday, Feb. 15, 2025, in San Francisco. (AP Photo/Godofredo A. Vásquez)
Nobody was beating Mac McClung in his three-peat bid.
The Magic G Leaguer was once again the runaway slam dunk contest winner for his third-straight title Saturday night in a performance for the ages. He started things with a dunk worthy of a closer and continued to wow with each successive dunk. Each of McClung's dunks earned a perfect 50 score.
