Golden State Warriors icon Stephen Curry put on a masterclass in front of his home fans, leading Shaq’s OGs to victory in the inaugural NBA All-Star mini-tournament on Sunday night. His stellar performance earned him the coveted MVP honors, capping off an electrifying weekend at the Chase Center.
Curry’s leadership propelled Team Shaq, a squad filled with seasoned stars like Kevin Durant and Jayson Tatum, to a dominant 42-25 win over Chuck’s Global Stars, featuring international standouts such as Nikola Jokic and Victor Wembanyama. The tournament’s fast-paced format, where the first team to reach 40 points secured the win, ensured intense action from the start.
With LeBron James sidelined due to injury, Curry wasted no time making an impact, opening the championship game with a signature running three-pointer that ignited an 11-0 run. The crowd roared as the Warriors’ sharpshooter set the tone early.
Despite falling behind, Team Chuck fought back, closing the gap to 23-15 after a powerful dunk from Wembanyama. However, Curry quickly reclaimed momentum, drilling a 39-foot three-pointer from half-court to deflate any hopes of a comeback. Drawing inspiration from his Olympic gold medal performance in Paris, the four-time NBA champion followed up with consecutive deep threes, pushing Team Shaq to a commanding 39-21 lead. Tatum sealed the victory with a thunderous dunk.
Tatum finished with 15 points, while Curry contributed 12, securing his second career All-Star Game MVP award.
LeBron James Sits Out Due to Injury
For the first time in two decades, LeBron James was absent from the All-Star Game, citing lingering discomfort in his left foot and ankle. The NBA’s all-time leading scorer, despite being named a starter for the 21st consecutive year, opted out of the contest to prioritize his health for the Lakers’ playoff push.
“I was hoping it would feel better, but it’s not where I want it to be,” James stated. “We have 30 games left, and I need to focus on staying ready for the battle ahead.”
The Lakers are set to return to action on Wednesday against the Charlotte Hornets, making up for a game postponed due to wildfires in Los Angeles.
Players Weigh In on New All-Star Format
This year’s All-Star Weekend introduced a revamped format, featuring a three-game mini-tournament with teams selected by Inside the NBA analysts Shaquille O’Neal, Charles Barkley, Kenny Smith, and Candace Parker.
Curry praised the new structure, calling it “a step in the right direction” for revitalizing the event. “Basketball has evolved, and so has the way people engage with the game. This format made it exciting,” he remarked.
While some players expressed concerns over extended breaks, Kyrie Irving acknowledged the league’s efforts to balance entertainment and competition. “They did the best they could while keeping it competitive,” he said.
Oklahoma City Thunder’s Shai Gilgeous-Alexander echoed similar sentiments. “I’d rather play without breaks, but it was more competitive, which is a great step forward,” he stated.
As part of the new structure, Candace Parker’s Rising Stars squad, composed of first- and second-year players, earned a spot in the midseason showcase after a strong showing on Friday. Kevin Durant applauded the move, emphasizing how it provides young players with valuable exposure.
“It’s great for these guys to get a taste of All-Star Weekend,” Durant said. “Some of them will be regulars in the years to come.”
The revamped All-Star format brought a fresh energy to the annual event, with Curry’s brilliance ensuring an unforgettable weekend. With ongoing tweaks and improvements, the NBA aims to strike the perfect balance between competition and entertainment for years to come.
