Did the new All-Star Game format miss the mark? NBA players weigh in

The NBA introduced a brand new format to the All-Star Game this year in an attempt to keep the game competitive and both the fans and players interested. Rather than the traditional East vs West game, this year, the league held a four-team, single-elimination tournament. Each round was won by the team that reached or exceeded 40 points first.

The 40-point score limit is a direct result of complaints from last year, when the East vs West game resulted in a 397-point affair that garnered lots of criticism. But the tweaking looks to continue as this year’s new format does not seem to have been the answer either.

NBA players complain about “too many breaks” in 2025 All-Star Game

The four teams were coached by NBA analysts Charles Barkley (Chuck’s Global Stars), Kenny Smith (Kenny’s Young Stars), and Shaquille O’Neal (Shaq’s OGs), plus a team comprised of the winners of the Rising Stars competition from Friday night, coached by Candace Parker (Candace’s Rising Stars) - also a new addition this year.

Team Shaq, featuring veteran stars Stephen Curry, Jayson Tatum and Kevin Durant defeated Team Candace and Team Chuck to take the title.

Several of the All-Star players complained that there were too many breaks during the game, throwing off the flow, and actually taking away from the competitiveness. During the stoppages at Chase Center, actor/comedian Kevin Hart entertained the crowd.

“I didn’t like it at all to be honest,” said Trae Young. “I didn’t like the breaks. The games were so short. Obviously, we can score. So, they’re trying to, I feel like, trying to extend the game, extend the TV time with the breaks and things like that.”

At one point during the championship game between Shaq’s OGs and Chuck’s Global Stars, there was a nearly 20-minute break to give a tribute to the TNT broadcast crew for its final year of All-Star game coverage.

“I would say it’s not ideal to stop like that if you want guys to be physical,” said Jaylen Brown. “I think guys were still out there having fun. All the OGs, team old knees and old backs, we came out on top, so I don’t think anyone else should have had any excuses. It’s definitely not ideal.”

Stephen Curry, who won the MVP award after scoring 12 points in their 41-25 victory, said he contributed to the conversation on changing the game this year, saying that it needed “new life, new juice”.

The addition of the Rising Stars to the All-Star game wasn’t well-received by everyone either. This is the first year the NBA has done that. Typically, the Rising Stars - comprised of the league’s top first-and-second-year players - have their own competition, and don’t compete with the veteran All-Stars.

“I had to work so hard to play on Sunday night of All-Star Weekend,” said Draymond Green. “And because ratings are down, because the game’s bad, we’re bringing in Rising Stars? I never played in the Rising Stars game. My first two years, I didn’t touch that game. And these guys get to touch the All-Star floor? On Sunday night?”

Though the long stoppages seemed to be a unanimous complaint amongst the players, some did say they saw improvements in the new format.

“I would rather play without breaks,” said Shai Gilgeous-Alexander. “But I had fun, nonetheless. I feel like it was a little bit more towards the competitive side tonight, which is a good feeling, a step in the right direction. I guess it’s up to the guys that handle all that stuff to figure out what’s next and how to keep making it more and more interesting. Hopefully, we get there one day.”

Surely the NBA will continue to make changes as they test what works and what doesn’t, and will take feedback from players into account. Next year, we will likely see something completely new again.

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