All-Star Game 2025: Familiar Faces, Fresh Format as San Francisco Hosts NBA’s Biggest Stars
The 2025 NBA All-Star Game is bringing a brand-new format to San Francisco, replacing the traditional 48-minute showdown with a mini-tournament featuring four teams battling for supremacy.
Damian Lillard’s Homecoming & Busy Weekend
For Milwaukee Bucks star Damian Lillard, this year’s All-Star Weekend holds extra significance. The Oakland native is making his ninth All-Star appearance, while also competing in the Three-Point Contest and revisiting his alma mater, Oakland High School.
Reflecting on his journey, Lillard shared,
“They knew I was good at basketball, but none of this was expected… The moments in the journey give me chills about how it all happened.”
New Format: Mini-Tournament & Target Score
Rather than a single game, the 24 NBA All-Stars have been divided into three squads captained by TNT studio analysts Charles Barkley, Shaquille O’Neal, and Kenny Smith. A fourth team, composed of Rising Stars standouts, earned their spot by winning a separate tournament.
- The two semifinal games will determine the finalists.
- Each game is played to a target score of 40 points—a fast-paced, high-intensity format.
All-Star Teams Breakdown
🏀 Team Shaq
🔹 LeBron James (Lakers)
🔹 Stephen Curry (Warriors)
🔹 Kevin Durant (Suns)
🔹 Kyrie Irving (Mavericks) (replacing injured Anthony Davis)
🏀 Team Chuck
🔹 Nikola Jokic (Nuggets)
🔹 Shai Gilgeous-Alexander (Thunder)
🔹 Victor Wembanyama (Spurs) (first-time All-Star)
🔹 Trae Young (Hawks) (replacing injured Giannis Antetokounmpo)
🏀 Team Kenny
🔹 Anthony Edwards (Timberwolves)
🔹 Jalen Brunson (Knicks)
🔹 Jaren Jackson Jr. (Grizzlies)
🏀 Team Candace (Rising Stars Winner)
🔹 Led by former WNBA star Candace Parker, this team earned their place by winning the NBA Rising Stars event.
Rising Stars Recap: Stephon Castle Leads Team C to Victory
The NBA Rising Stars event saw San Antonio Spurs rookie Stephon Castle lead Team C to a 25-14 championship win over Team G League.
Castle delivered 12 points, 3 rebounds, and 2 assists, while Keyonte George’s clutch three-pointer sealed the victory. Team C will now compete against Team Shaq in the All-Star semifinals.
NBA Legends Weigh in on the New Format
With the All-Star Game’s energy dwindling in recent years, Stephen Curry is optimistic about the fresh format:
“It’s OK to change and try new things. The All-Star Game needed a shake-up.”
Meanwhile, Kevin Durant, returning to the Bay Area, reflected on his Warriors legacy:
“This is always going to be a part of my DNA… Since I left, it’s always felt like home.”
What’s Next?
🚀 All-Star Tournament Semifinals (February 16, 2025):
✅ Team Chuck vs. Team Kenny
✅ Team Shaq vs. Team Candace
Will LeBron, Curry, and Durant dominate? Or will Wembanyama and the Rising Stars steal the show?
🔥 Drop your predictions in the comments!
