Anthony Edwards has been named the Most Valuable Player of the 2026 NBA All-Star Game. The Minnesota Timberwolves guard earned the Kobe Bryant Trophy after leading Team Stars to a championship victory over Team Stripes in a newly formatted All-Star competition that also saw Team Stars defeat the World team in earlier rounds.
Edwards’ performance was particularly crucial in the win against the World team, answering the challenge presented by Victor Wembanyama and guiding his team to a victory that proved pivotal in their advancement to the final. He finished as his team’s leading scorer in that contest with 13 points, including a clutch three-pointer that forced overtime, ultimately securing the win for Team Stars.
ANT TIES THE GAME AT 32.
WE ARE HEADED TO OVERTIME IN USA STARS/WORLD! pic.twitter.com/mKHt7ACFdu
— NBA (@NBA) February 15, 2026
Edwards also delivered a key moment in the second game, hitting a three-pointer with 20 seconds remaining to put his team ahead, though a buzzer-beater by De’Aaron Fox ultimately secured a win for Team Stripes in that matchup. In the championship final, Edwards and Team Stars enjoyed a more comfortable victory over Team Stripes, solidifying their overall triumph.
Across the entire event, Edwards accumulated 32 points, 9 rebounds, and 3 assists in 26 minutes of play, contributing to several of the tournament’s most memorable moments. This performance, combined with his team’s championship win, made him a deserving MVP, despite strong performances from players like Kawhi Leonard and Victor Wembanyama throughout the night.
The 2026 All-Star Game featured a new format, dividing players into two American teams – Stars and Stripes – and a team representing the rest of the world. This change aimed to inject more competitiveness into the mid-season showcase, particularly with an Olympic year on the horizon. The format proved successful, with all three round-robin games going down to the wire before the final.
“I like this format,” Edwards said. “I think it makes us compete because it’s only 12 minutes, and the three different teams separate the guys. I think it was really good.”
The league’s decision to move away from the traditional East vs. West format appears to have resonated with players and fans alike. The increased competitiveness and exciting finishes suggest the NBA may have found a formula to revitalize the All-Star Game, addressing long-standing concerns about the event’s entertainment value.
While Kawhi Leonard put forth a strong case for MVP with a 31-point performance against the World team, and Victor Wembanyama generated significant buzz with his matchup against Edwards, it was Edwards’ consistent impact across multiple games that ultimately swayed the media voting panel. The panel was tasked with evaluating player production and impact across several 12-minute contests, rather than simply focusing on a single game’s scoring leader.
The victory for Team Stars and the individual accolade for Edwards represent a rising tide for the younger generation of NBA stars. Players like Tyrese Maxey and Chet Holmgren also played key roles in the team’s success, signaling a potential shift in the league’s power dynamic. The new format allowed these emerging talents to showcase their skills on a national stage, further solidifying their place among the league’s elite.
Edwards’ MVP award is a significant milestone in his young career. At 24 years old, he is quickly establishing himself as one of the league’s premier players, and this recognition at the All-Star Game is a testament to his talent, and potential. The Minnesota Timberwolves star acknowledged the support of his home fans, stating, “It means a lot. 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.”
The Kobe Bryant Trophy, named in honor of the late Lakers legend, adds further significance to Edwards’ achievement. Bryant was a four-time All-Star Game MVP himself, and the trophy serves as a reminder of his impact on the game. Edwards’ performance on Sunday night ensured his name would be etched alongside Bryant’s in All-Star Game history.
In the final game, Team Stars secured a decisive 47-21 victory over Team Stripes. Tyrese Maxey led the way with nine points, while Edwards and Chet Holmgren each contributed eight points. The dominant performance capped off a successful All-Star weekend for Team Stars and cemented Edwards’ status as the league’s newest star.
