Team USA Wins 75th NBA All-Star Game: Highlights & Photos from 2026

INGLEWOOD, California – Sunday, the Intuit Dome in Inglewood hosted the inaugural USA versus the World format for the NBA All-Star Game, culminating in a decisive victory for the USA Stars over the USA Stripes with a final score of 47-21. The game marked the end of All-Star Weekend and a shift in the league’s approach to the annual exhibition, aiming to increase competitiveness.

While the weekend featured several compelling moments – including a game-winning shot by De’Aaron Fox and a standout 31-point performance from Kawhi Leonard – the championship game proved to be largely one-sided. The USA Stars, led by Anthony Edwards, secured the win, with Edwards later being awarded the Kobe Bryant MVP award.

The new format involved three teams – two representing the United States and one comprised of international players – competing in a round-robin tournament of four 12-minute games. The initial games saw more closely contested matchups. In the opening game, the USA Stars defeated the World team in overtime, thanks to a buzzer-beating three-pointer from Scottie Barnes. The USA Stripes then edged out the USA Stars in another tight contest, with Fox’s last-second shot proving decisive.

Game three saw the USA Stripes face the World team, providing a platform for Leonard to shine in front of his hometown crowd. Leonard’s performance, which included a series of impressive plays that drew praise even from LeBron James, resulted in 25 points. Victor Wembanyama, the highly touted international rookie, also made his presence felt, demonstrating both offensive and defensive capabilities. James, after initially struggling, contributed a late layup.

The championship game, a rematch between the USA Stars and USA Stripes, proved to be the most lopsided of the weekend. The USA Stripes struggled to find offensive rhythm, allowing the USA Stars to dominate and secure a comfortable victory. The final score of 47-21 reflects the stark contrast in performance between the two American teams.

Anthony Edwards’ performance throughout the three games earned him the MVP honor. He scored a total of 32 points, contributing significantly to the USA Stars’ success. The award recognizes his impact on the team and his overall performance during the All-Star Weekend.

The introduction of the USA versus the World format appears to have been a success, at least in terms of generating interest and competitive play during the early rounds. The presence of prominent international players like Wembanyama and Jamal Murray added a new dimension to the All-Star Game, attracting attention from a global audience. The format also allowed for more opportunities for players to showcase their skills in a competitive environment.

The event also drew notable attendees, including former President Barack Obama and former First Lady Michelle Obama, adding a layer of prestige to the proceedings. Their presence underscored the cultural significance of the NBA and its All-Star Weekend.

The shift towards a more competitive All-Star Game reflects a broader trend within the NBA to address concerns about the event’s entertainment value. In recent years, the All-Star Game has been criticized for lacking intensity and defensive effort. The new format, with its emphasis on team competition and a clear objective, appears to be an attempt to address these criticisms and revitalize the annual showcase.

The USA Stars’ victory, coupled with Edwards’ MVP performance, marks a successful debut for the new All-Star Game format. While the championship game itself lacked the drama of the earlier rounds, the overall weekend provided a compelling blend of skill, competition, and entertainment, signaling a potential new era for the NBA All-Star Game.