The revamped All-Star Game format led to noticeable enhancements in competitive spirit during the event.

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SAN FRANCISCO — The excitement of basketball this past weekend unfolded across two cities, unified by the presence of Stephen Curry, just as many had envisioned.

The NBA All-Star 2025 festivities were dominated by the San Francisco Bay Area, bringing together both San Francisco and Oakland. It was fitting that the most significant player in the history of these cities earned the title of Kia MVP of the All-Star Game.

Curry was undoubtedly the star of the weekend. After LeBron James withdrew due to injury, Curry stepped up magnificently.

Here are five key takeaways from the weekend:

1. Continuous Evolution of the Event

Similar to a cosmetic overhaul in Hollywood, the league has meticulously redesigned the All-Star Weekend, particularly the game itself, striving to enhance both entertainment value and competitiveness.

This year’s installment highlighted two facts: the journey of improvement continues and, although incremental, the progress was clear.

With four teams engaging in a new tournament-style format, a sense of urgency permeated Sunday’s semifinals and finals. The introduction of a first-to-40-points rule made defense a critical component.

Did competitiveness improve? Absolutely!

“That was the intention,” Damian Lillard confirmed.

The league aimed to maintain a balance between gameplay and entertainment, bringing in comedian Kevin Hart for some light-hearted commentary during the longer breaks. An ambitious move, but its success remains to be evaluated based on fan and viewer responses.

For skeptics, there’s promising news: the NBA seems committed to ongoing refinements, aiming to perfect the All-Star experience.

2. The Potential for a Dunk Contest Resurgence

It’s difficult to gauge what received a warmer welcome: Mac McClung’s third consecutive victory in the AT&T Slam Dunk Contest or the buzz from potential challengers for future contests.

“Mac might just inspire me to dunk,” Ja Morant shared on social media.

“If you go for it, I’ll join you,” wrote Giannis Antetokounmpo in response.

“Zach and AG, are you in?” Morant added, referencing the exhilarating 2016 showdown between Zach LaVine and Aaron Gordon.

Needless to say, the NBA would be thrilled if Morant, Giannis, and other stars like Anthony Edwards and Zion Williamson decided to participate, rejuvenating a contest that has lacked star power recently.

However, the suspense regarding the 2026 Dunk Contest lineup will have to wait. Until then, the trophy remains with a G-League player, who may be hanging up his sneakers unless an enticing offer comes from the NBA.

A showdown between McClung, LaVine, Gordon, Morant, Giannis, and Zion would be immensely captivating and iconic.

3. The Emergence of the Young King

He may not clinch the Kia Rookie of the Year title—stay tuned for that—but for All-Star Weekend, give the MVP trophy to Stephon Castle.

The Spurs’ rookie guard not only reached the dunk contest finals but executed a stunning jam worthy of a near-perfect score. He also played a crucial role in his team’s advancement during the Castrol Rising Stars Game, reaching the All-Star semifinals.

If you were looking for a young standout to watch, Castle has firmly established himself. With the season’s final stretch approaching, the question arises: How will the Spurs integrate Castle moving forward?

San Antonio’s predicament is nuanced. The Spurs recently added De’Aaron Fox and retain Chris Paul, positioning them well for the playoffs. However, should they boost Castle’s playing time and role on the court now, or wait until next season?

Though Fox is locked in as a starter, Paul may not be a long-term solution. The Spurs could either bide their time until next season or prompt Paul to assume a bench role (although this outcome is unlikely).

Maximizing playoff potential hinges on this decision.

4. Bid Farewell to ‘Inside the NBA’

And just like that, the beloved and often-discussed NBA show wrapped up its run for All-Star weekend. Ernie Johnson Jr., Kenny Smith, Charles Barkley, and Shaquille O’Neal held their final midseason classic, as the show shifts to NBC next season.

What will be missed? Beyond their signature chemistry and insights—which ranged from humorous to controversial—two traditions are irreplaceable:

Ernie at the Legends Brunch. Always the MC, Johnson’s poetic tributes about players, both past and present, enliven the Sunday morning event.

In his farewell, Johnson remarked, “This is TNT’s last All-Star Game during our final season. We’ve cherished every moment spent with this league, fueled by you—the players and fans who tune in night after night. For 40 years, every game, every episode has been a true joy.”

“It’s important to focus on gratitude. We offer our sincere thanks to every member of our crew—our backbone.”

Smith’s Commentary on Dunk Contests. Smith was always at his best discussing dunk creativity and often predicted winners.

He made history back in 2000, the last time the Bay Area hosted All-Star Weekend, when he famously exclaimed during Vince Carter’s legendary performance: “Let’s go home!” This moment solidified his legacy.

This time, with McClung’s spectacular dunks, Smith jokingly suggested letting McClung perform solo attempts with background music instead of a contest.

TNT’s iconic team received autographed jerseys from the All-Star teams and humorous gifts suitable for a relaxing day on a lake. As comedian Kevin Hart put it: “It’s time to kick back and go fishing.”

5. Master Your Half-Court Shots, Players!

Practice makes perfect, as you may randomly get the chance to shoot against Lillard for a $100,000 prize.

This advice comes from Jaren Barajas, the fan who celebrated a victory in the MrBeast Challenge by sinking a shot from the logo in a duel against Lillard, earning a stunning payout and a celebratory embrace with Shaq and Smith.

As another exciting All-Star Weekend came to a close, Curry walked away with the game ball, while Jaren left with a bag full of cash.

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Shaun Powell has been reporting on the NBA for over 25 years. Feel free to contact him here,
check his archive, and follow him on X here.

The opinions expressed here may not reflect those of the NBA, its teams, or Warner Bros. Discovery.