NBA All-Star Weekend 2025 delivered exciting competition, entertainment, and history-making moments. Held in the San Francisco Bay Area, the event saw Stephen Curry shine, a potential dunk contest revival, and a farewell to TNT’s iconic “Inside the NBA.”
Here are the five biggest takeaways from the weekend:
A new format brings fresh energy
The NBA continues to tweak its All-Star Game, and this year’s changes showed progress. Four teams competed in a tournament-style format for the first time, adding a sense of urgency and competitiveness.
With a first-to-40-points rule in place for each game, players had to bring their defensive A-game. The new structure made for a more exciting and intense contest compared to past years.
Stephen Curry, the weekend’s biggest star, took home the Kobe Bryant All-Star MVP Award, stepping up after LeBron James was ruled out due to injury. The league also balanced basketball with entertainment, featuring comedian Kevin Hart throughout the event.
While opinions on the new format may vary, the NBA is committed to fine-tuning the All-Star experience.
A dunk contest revival?
Mac McClung claimed his third straight AT&T Slam Dunk Contest title, but the real buzz came from potential challengers hinting at joining next year’s event. Ja Morant, Giannis Antetokounmpo, and others took to social media, suggesting they might participate in 2026.
In recent years, the dunk contest has struggled to attract the league’s top dunkers, but if names like Morant, Giannis, Zach LaVine, and Aaron Gordon step up, it could become must-watch television again.
McClung, a G-League standout, hinted that he might retire from the contest unless the NBA makes it worth his while—possibly setting the stage for a dream showdown next year.
Stephon Castle steals the show
San Antonio Spurs rookie Stephon Castle made the biggest impression among the league’s young rising stars. He reached the final round of the dunk contest, helped his team advance in the Castrol Rising Stars game, and showcased his star potential throughout the weekend.
Castle’s performance raises an intriguing question for the Spurs: Will they give him a more significant role down the stretch? The team recently acquired De’Aaron Fox, and with veteran Chris Paul in the mix, Castle’s minutes could be limited. However, his standout showing in the All-Star festivities might push San Antonio to accelerate his development.
A bittersweet farewell to “Inside the NBA”
For nearly 40 years, TNT’s “Inside the NBA” has been a staple of All-Star Weekend, but with the league’s media rights shifting to NBC next season, this was their final midseason broadcast.
The legendary crew—Ernie Johnson Jr., Kenny Smith, Charles Barkley, and Shaquille O’Neal—received a heartfelt sendoff, complete with autographed jerseys and touching farewell messages.
Johnson, known for his emotional tributes at the NBA Legends Brunch, delivered a final poem thanking the players, fans, and production crew for four decades of unforgettable moments. Meanwhile, Smith, famous for his dunk contest commentary, joked that McClung should’ve been allowed five dunks in a row with music playing in the background.
The fan who cashed on at half-court
One of the most unforgettable moments of the weekend belonged to Jaren Barajas, a lucky fan who made a half-court shot in the MrBeast Challenge and won $100,000. As the ball swished through the net, Shaq and Kenny Smith tackled him in celebration.
It was a fitting end to an All-Star Weekend full of excitement, surprises, and farewell tributes. Curry got the MVP trophy, McClung defended his dunk title, Castle announced his arrival, and Barajas walked away with a life-changing payday.
With the NBA committed to refining its All-Star format and a potential star-studded dunk contest next year, the 2026 edition already has plenty of hype.