The NBA's innovative USA vs. the World All-Star format: A success story?
INGLEWOOD, CALIFORNIA -- The NBA's midseason showcase just got a global makeover! This week, the league introduced a new format for its All-Star Game, dividing the 25 All-Stars into two American teams (USA Stars and USA Stripes) and one international squad (World). The result? A thrilling round-robin tournament with USA Stars emerging victorious in the 2026 All-Star Game, 47-21 over USA Stripes. Minnesota Timberwolves guard Anthony Edwards claimed the Kobe Bryant All-Star Game MVP title.
But was this new format a game-changer? Did it elevate the watchability and competitiveness of an event often criticized for its casual nature? The Athletic's NBA writers, who attended the All-Star Weekend in Southern California, weighed in with their grades and insights.
David Aldridge: B+ - A marked improvement over previous iterations, with the best ASG since 2020 in Chicago, post-Kobe Bryant. Victor Wembanyama's presence is key, but he needs to be on All-Star courts consistently.
Sam Amick: A+ - Fun and competitive, mission accomplished! While not a guaranteed success every time, the Elam Ending's impact in 2020 was notable. Victor Wembanyama's disruptive presence added to the excitement.
Mirin Fader: A- - Awesome! The players' passion and effort were evident, a refreshing change.
Zach Harper: A- - Encouraging progress, with more blocked shots in the first 12 minutes than in recent years. The Elam Ending's debut was great, but it soon became an issue. Hope remains for improvement.
John Hollinger: A+ - Players' dedication and effort were remarkable. Victor Wembanyama's genuine disappointment over his team's loss tugged at the heartstrings. The new format, after years of pleas, was a magical experience.
Jason Jones: A! - Competition, game-winners, and clutch moments made it entertaining. A significant improvement over the previous year's version.
Law Murray: B+ - Room for improvement, but a solid effort. The All-Star Game works every few years, and this was a successful iteration. No Elam Ending, except for overtime, which was acceptable. Four quarters are familiar, and this format maintained the game's integrity.
Shakeia Taylor: A- - Victor Wembanyama's competitive spirit inspired others. Players seemed to be having fun, with defense and fan engagement. The format's sustainability and longevity remain questions, but it's a step in the right direction.
Joe Vardon: B - Excitement for the first three games, but the final game was sloppy and lopsided. Ridiculous turnovers and lazy defense returned, disappointing after the initial enthusiasm.
Jared Weiss: B+ - A crucial step towards restoring magic, attributed to the short games and tournament format. Players' competitive spirit and the elimination of complacency in longer games were positive outcomes.
Dan Woike: A - Anthony Edwards' hilarious comment about not playing harder was noted, but his transformation on Sunday showcased the format's ability to inspire even non-believers.
