The 2025 NBA All-Star Weekend introduced a fresh format, featuring a four-team tournament instead of the traditional East vs. West matchup. After an action-packed weekend, Team Shaq emerged as the ultimate winner, defeating Team Chuck 41-25 in the championship game. Each player on Team Shaq earned a $125,000 prize, while Team Chuck players received $50,000.
Jayson Tatum set the tone early in the final, scoring eight points as Team Shaq jumped out to an 11-0 lead. Team Chuck, made up of international All-Stars, struggled to respond. Tatum eventually sealed the victory with a game-ending dunk, finishing with 15 points, while Stephen Curry added 12 points in front of his home crowd in San Francisco.
Stephen Curry’s performance throughout the tournament earned him the All-Star MVP award, marking his second time receiving the honor. In the championship game, he contributed 12 points, four rebounds, two assists, and a steal while shooting 4-of-8 from beyond the arc. Earlier in the semifinals, he added eight points and six assists to help Team Shaq defeat Team Candace.
Team Shaq’s journey to the title was not without a challenge. In the semifinals, they faced Team Candace, a squad of rising stars who earned their spot by winning the Rising Stars Challenge on Friday. The young players kept the game close at 28-28 before Team Shaq pulled away. Damian Lillard led the way with nine points, ultimately sealing a 42-35 victory with a deep three-pointer.
In the other semifinal, Team Chuck advanced by beating Team Kenny 42-31. Shai Gilgeous-Alexander led all scorers with 12 points, including the game-clinching dunk. Meanwhile, Victor Wembanyama played strong defense, blocking shots and making his presence felt in his All-Star debut.
The slam dunk contest once again belonged to Mac McClung, who made history by becoming the first player to win the event three consecutive times. Each of his dunks earned a perfect 50, solidifying his reputation as one of the best dunkers ever. His performance wowed the crowd and left little doubt about who deserved the trophy.
Miami Heat guard Tyler Herro took home the three-point contest trophy after an impressive shooting display. He outpaced the competition in a tightly contested final round, proving his status as one of the league’s premier long-range shooters.
The Skills Challenge saw Team Cavs claim victory, showcasing their ability to dribble, pass, and shoot efficiently through the obstacle course.
The Celebrity Game saw Team Bonds come out on top, securing a 66-55 win over their opponents in a contest featuring actors, musicians, and former athletes.
On Friday, Team C won the Rising Stars Challenge, allowing them to participate in Sunday’s All-Star tournament as Team Candace.
A fan took home $100,000 after sinking a half-court shot before Damian Lillard could make three logo-range attempts. The contest, hosted by YouTube star MrBeast, provided one of the weekend’s most thrilling moments.
While the new All-Star tournament format received mixed reviews, the energy and competition made for an entertaining weekend. The NBA continues to explore ways to make its midseason event more engaging, and this new structure could see further refinements in the future.
For now, Team Shaq and Stephen Curry walk away as the weekend’s biggest winners, while Mac McClung, Tyler Herro, and others added new accomplishments to their careers in an event filled with standout performances.
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