Published by: Valdemar Carnegie
Updated: 10:37 PM EST, February 17, 2025
Original Photo: Kyle Terada, Imagn Images
Shaq’s OGs took home the 2025 All-Star Game trophy, defeating Chuck’s Global Stars 41-25 in the tournament final. However, the main talking point hasn’t been about the game itself. Instead, the focus has been on the new format and whether it was a success. Fans and analysts are debating whether the NBA should return to the original format—Eastern Conference vs. Western Conference—or stick with the new four-team tournament, where each game ends at 40 points. A major change this year was the inclusion of Rising Stars, who played against actual All-Stars and seasoned veterans.
This new format has received mixed reviews from fans, current players, and former players. Draymond Green, a four-time All-Star, shared his thoughts and is not a fan. “To be playing in the All-Star Game and not have made the All-Star team is absurd,” Green said, referring to Rising Stars competing against selected All-Stars. He added, “They worked all year to be an All-Star, and you get to play up to 40 points, then you’re done. When you talk about chasing the points record, they don’t get the opportunity to do that.” Green explained that players who put in effort won’t have a chance to break scoring records because the game ends at 40 points.
Hall of Famer Charles Barkley, coach of Chuck’s Global Stars, disagreed with Green’s take. “I’m going to disagree with Draymond a lot,” Barkley said. “When your kids mess up the house and you make them clean it up, they complain.” Barkley suggested that Green’s generation of players ruined All-Star Weekend with their lack of effort and defense, making the event less exciting. Now, the league is making changes to encourage more competitive play.
My Take: While I understand both perspectives, I agree with Charles Barkley. The lack of effort in recent All-Star Games likely pushed the NBA to try this new format. On the other hand, I understand Draymond Green’s point about players who put in effort not having a chance to break scoring records due to the 40-point limit. Players should feel challenged by having to compete against the Rising Stars team. While those young players may become future stars, they haven’t earned the right to play against the selected All-Stars yet
Despite the debate over the format, the tournament brought excitement and entertainment. Stephen Curry had a standout performance, leading Shaq’s OGs to victory. Curry was named the first-ever NBA All-Star Game Tournament MVP, scoring 20 points in the series, including six three-pointers. It was clear that players gave their all, especially in the final moments of the championship round.
Sidenote: Maybe the Rising Stars helped by playing hard, which pushed the OGs to show more effort.
NBA All-Star Weekend has always been prestigious and iconic, but the lack of effort in recent years left fans complaining and unentertained. With TV ratings declining, bringing excitement back to All-Star Weekend might be the first step toward winning viewers back.
What do you think about the changes? Should the NBA return to East vs. West, or keep the new format?
Completely agree with you. These nba vets who are all-stars should definitely be challenged by going against these younger players. NBA definitely has a lot of options going into next year.
Facts!