2026 NBA All-Star Game: Edwards Leads Team Stars to Victory | Scores & Highlights

USA Stars Claim Inaugural NBA All-Star Championship in New Format

February 16, 2026 – The 75th NBA All-Star Game concluded Sunday at the Intuit Dome in Los Angeles with a victory for the USA Stars, marking the culmination of a revamped tournament format that pitted teams against each other in a round-robin style competition. The Stars defeated Team Stripes 47-21 in the championship game after navigating a challenging day of matchups.

The new format, featuring three teams – USA Stars, USA Stripes, and World – proved to be a success, delivering a level of competition and drama largely absent in recent All-Star Games. The Stars, comprised of the league’s rising stars, ultimately prevailed, showcasing a blend of skill and determination.

Edwards Earns MVP Honors

Anthony Edwards of the Minnesota Timberwolves was named the Kia NBA All-Star Game MVP, recognizing his consistent performance throughout the day. Edwards scored a combined 32 points across the three games, including crucial baskets in both overtime contests. His clutch three-pointer against Team World forced overtime in the opening game, and his overall impact was instrumental in the Stars’ championship run.

“It means a lot,” Edwards said, according to NBA.com. “I love Minnesota, and I know Minnesota loves me. I said I wasn’t going to put on a show for them, but I gave them a show.”

A Day of Dramatic Contests

The day began with a tightly contested matchup between the USA Stars and Team World, ultimately decided in overtime by a Scottie Barnes game-winner. The Stars edged out World 37-35 in that opener. Game 2 saw Team Stripes, featuring veteran stars like LeBron James and Kawhi Leonard, defeat the Stars 42-40 on a game-winning shot by De’Aaron Fox.

Team Stripes continued their success in Game 3, defeating World 48-45, thanks to a dominant performance by Kawhi Leonard, who scored 31 points on an efficient 11-for-13 shooting. Leonard’s performance briefly positioned him as a frontrunner for the MVP award.

However, the Stars found their stride in the championship game, dominating Team Stripes 47-21. The Stripes, having played two games prior to the final, appeared to run out of steam, shooting just 8-for-31 from the field. The Stars’ victory was a testament to their energy and focus.

Wembanyama Makes an Impact

Despite Team World’s losses, Victor Wembanyama of the San Antonio Spurs made a significant impact in his first All-Star Game appearance. He scored a combined 33 points throughout the day, showcasing his unique skillset and establishing himself as a force to be reckoned with. Wembanyama’s presence set a competitive tone early in the day, according to Edwards, who credited him with raising the level of play.

Format Change a Success

The new USA vs. World format was widely praised for its competitive intensity and engaging gameplay. The round-robin structure ensured that every game held significance, and the shorter, 12-minute contests encouraged a faster pace and more aggressive play. The format change was a clear attempt to address criticisms of past All-Star Games, which often lacked defensive effort and competitive fire.

“I think it was pretty good,” Wembanyama said. “We got a guy like Kawhi going for 30, making every shot. No, it was a pretty good display of basketball. Better than last year, in my opinion. It was fun.”

Looking Ahead

The success of the 2026 All-Star Game suggests that the new format is here to stay. The league will likely continue to refine the structure in future years, but the emphasis on competition and international representation appears to be a winning formula. The game provided a glimpse into the future of the NBA, showcasing the league’s rising stars and its growing global appeal.

Game Results

• Game 1: World 35, Team Stars 37
• Game 2: Team Stars 40, Team Stripes 42
• Game 3: Team Stripes 48, World 45
• Championship: Team Stars 47, Team Stripes 21