Winners and Losers of NBA All-Star Weekend: Highlights and Disappointments

SAN FRANCISCO — The 2025 NBA All-Star Weekend showcased a mix of excitement and disappointment as players and fans gathered at Chase Center to celebrate the sport. After a lengthy hiatus, the Bay Area returned as host, with a fresh format aimed at rekindling competitive spirit in the exhibition matches.

One of the most discussed aspects was the new mini-tournament format, wherein teams competed to be the first to score 40 points. This structure injected a sense of urgency into the All-Star Game, making it feel relevant. However, the criticism arose from the inclusion of the Rising Stars team, which some considered undermining the prestige of the main event.

LeBron James announced just hours before the game that he would not participate due to ongoing ankle and foot injuries, marking the end of his 20-consecutive All-Star appearances. His absence, along with Anthony Edwards and Giannis Antetokounmpo, fueled disappointment among fans and players alike.

Despite these losses, the weekend also featured notable performances. San Antonio Spurs rookie Stephon Castle stood out, earning the MVP award in the Rising Stars Challenge and demonstrating his potential as a future star in the league. His electrifying dunks during the contest showcased his athleticism, securing him a second-place finish in the Slam Dunk Contest.

Mac McClung made headlines by winning his third consecutive Slam Dunk Contest, where he executed stunning dunks that captivated the audience, including a perfect score on all four attempts. Castle, while not the winner, confirmed his status as a budding talent during the weekend.

In contrast, the Skills Challenge fell flat as Chris Paul and Victor Wembanyama tried to exploit a loophole by intentionally missing shots, resulting in their disqualification. Commentator Kevin Harlan humorously remarked about Paul’s influence on the strategy, showing how valuable competitive integrity is, even in All-Star festivities.

Every event had its highs and lows, significantly impacting public perception of the weekend. While the competitive nature of this year’s format was a step in the right direction, the execution revealed areas needing improvement, particularly concerning the pacing of intermissions and on-court entertainment.

A lengthy tribute to the NBA on TNT crew during the championship game resulted in a disruptive break that stifled momentum and kept players from re-engaging with the game.

“It was kind of tough to get back into the game after that,” said Boston Celtics All-Star Jayson Tatum. Shai Gilgeous-Alexander also echoed those sentiments, favoring a continuous play style over extended breaks.

The NBA welcomed significant attention to the WNBA presence during the event, with several stars promoting their league’s upcoming season. A'ja Wilson remarked on the mutual respect needed to bridge the two leagues, highlighting the weekend as a crucial step in this direction.

The All-Star Game is not without its challenges, and as the NBA seeks to innovate the experience, there remains a delicate balance between entertainment and authenticity. Next year’s format may witness further adjustments as organizers strive to capture the spirit of competition while honoring the game’s illustrious history.