The NBA brought its annual midseason showcase to Inglewood, California from February 13 through 15, 2026, with the Intuit Dome serving as the central stage for the league’s 75th All Star Game. The weekend blended tradition with experimentation, introducing a new game structure while still featuring fan favorite events that celebrate the league’s talent, personality, and global reach.
The biggest change came on Sunday night, when the NBA moved away from the single exhibition format and instead staged a multi game competition involving three squads. Two groups made up primarily of American players were joined by a roster representing international talent. Rather than one long contest, the teams faced off in a sequence of shorter matchups, with the two strongest performances advancing to a final to decide the winner.
In the championship round, USA Stars came out on top against USA Stripes to secure the 2026 All Star title. Anthony Edwards of the Minnesota Timberwolves earned Most Valuable Player honors thanks to his strong scoring and high energy play throughout the night. His ability to take over key stretches helped his team gain separation in the deciding game and added another milestone to his rapidly growing career. The updated approach to the All Star Game was designed to create more urgency and competition, and it sparked considerable conversation among fans and analysts about the future of the event.
Saturday night remained the focal point of the weekend’s entertainment. The Slam Dunk Contest produced a new winner as Keshad Johnson delivered a collection of powerful and imaginative finishes that captured the attention of the crowd. His performance combined athleticism with creativity and helped bring fresh life to one of the NBA’s most iconic showcases. The victory marked a shift after several years in which familiar names had dominated the competition.
The Three Point Contest offered another standout moment. Damian Lillard continued to build on his reputation as one of the league’s most dangerous perimeter shooters by winning the event once again. In the final round, he outshot Devin Booker to secure his third career title in the competition. Lillard’s smooth shooting rhythm and consistency in pressure moments set him apart and added another chapter to his long history of success from beyond the arc.
In place of the traditional Skills Challenge, the Shooting Stars competition returned for 2026. The event placed an emphasis on coordination and shooting touch, featuring teams made up of players connected to the same franchise. Team Knicks captured the win with an efficient and composed performance in the closing round, providing a different style of excitement compared with the individual based contests.
Earlier in the weekend, the Rising Stars event once again provided a national stage for the league’s youngest players. The game highlighted rookies and second year athletes looking to establish themselves and gave fans a closer look at the future of the NBA. Many participants used the opportunity to showcase their skills in front of a large audience and gain valuable experience.
The Celebrity Game helped open the festivities, bringing together well known entertainers, former athletes, and public figures for a lighthearted but competitive matchup. The event has long served as an accessible entry point for casual fans and continued that role in 2026 by blending basketball with entertainment and community engagement.
Off the court, the Los Angeles area played an important role in shaping the atmosphere of the weekend. Fan events, youth clinics, and community outreach programs were held throughout the region, giving supporters multiple ways to connect with the sport beyond the games themselves. Hosting the celebration at the Intuit Dome for the first time added an extra sense of occasion, as the new arena served as a showcase for the league’s evolving presentation.
As the regular season resumed, the 2026 All Star Weekend stood as a significant milestone tied to the 75th edition of the game. The combination of a new competitive structure, standout individual performances, and strong fan participation created a memorable few days. With the playoff race approaching, the event served as both a celebration of the league’s present and a preview of the stars who will shape its future.
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