INGLEWOOD, Calif. – The NBA All-Star Weekend delivered a flurry of excitement and historic moments in Los Angeles, culminating in the 75th annual All-Star Game played on at the new Intuit Dome in Inglewood. The weekend, which began , showcased the league’s brightest stars and celebrated the game’s rich history.
The All-Star Game itself featured a unique format this year, pitting two teams of U.S. Players against a World team in a round-robin tournament. Four 12-minute games determined the championship matchup, with each team boasting a minimum of eight players. The USA Stars ultimately defeated the USA Stripes in the final game.
The festivities kicked off with the NBA All-Star Celebrity Game at the Kia Forum, setting a lively tone for the weekend. Following that, the Rising Stars competition saw Team Vince emerge victorious over Team Melo in a closely contested championship game at Intuit Dome. The weekend also included the HBCU Classic, featuring a matchup between Hampton and North Carolina A&T, further highlighting the NBA’s commitment to diversity and community engagement.
Saturday night was a showcase of individual brilliance. Keshad Johnson of the Miami Heat captivated the crowd with his performance in the Slam Dunk Contest, ultimately defeating San Antonio Spurs rookie Carter Bryant. Bryant had initially impressed the judges with a perfect score on his first attempt, but Johnson’s consistency and final dunk proved to be the difference. Johnson’s victory was particularly notable given Bryant’s strong showing, demonstrating the rising talent in the league.
Damian Lillard of the Milwaukee Bucks etched his name in All-Star history by winning the 3-Point Contest, edging out Devin Booker. This marks Lillard’s third career 3-Point Contest title, a remarkable achievement especially considering his recent recovery from an Achilles injury. His performance underscored his resilience and shooting prowess.
The Shooting Stars competition saw Team Knicks triumph over Team Cameron, adding another layer of competitive spirit to the evening. The event highlighted the skills of players across generations, and teams.
The L.A. Area’s hosting of the All-Star Game marks a record seventh time for the region, with the last event held there in 2018. The return to Los Angeles underscores the city’s enduring appeal as a premier destination for NBA events.
Beyond the on-court action, the weekend featured appearances by prominent figures like former President Barack Obama, who joined the All-Star Game broadcast, adding a unique perspective to the event. NBA Commissioner Adam Silver also participated in “The Association,” offering insights into the league’s current state and future direction.
The weekend also provided a platform to recognize emerging talent, with a spotlight on six first-time All-Stars. This recognition highlights the league’s depth and the continuous influx of new stars.
The 2026 NBA All-Star Weekend wasn’t just about the games. it was a celebration of basketball culture, community, and the league’s 75-year legacy. From the high-flying dunks to the clutch three-pointers, the weekend provided memorable moments for fans and players alike, setting the stage for the remainder of the NBA season.
The USA Stars’ victory in the All-Star Game, fueled by a combined 17 points from Anthony Edwards and Tyrese Maxey, capped off a weekend of thrilling competition and unforgettable performances. The new format, with its round-robin tournament, proved to be a compelling alternative to the traditional All-Star Game structure, adding an extra layer of intensity and excitement.
