2026 NBA ALL-STAR WEEKEND: A NEW ERA UNFOLDS

The 2026 NBA All-Star Weekend wasn’t just another midseason showcase — it was a rebirth of excitement, competition, and fan-first basketball. Played at the cutting-edge Intuit Dome, this year’s festivities blended star power, elite skill, and fresh innovations designed to bring real intensity back to the All-Star stage.

From fan-favorite competitions to a bold new game format, every moment was defined by energy, entertainment, and high drama.

THE 3-POINT CONTEST: LEGACY AND CLUTCH PERFORMANCE

All-Star Saturday began with an event that has become a defining rite of the weekend — the 3-Point Contest. Eight sharpshooters stepped to the line with a chance to etch their names into history, but one performance stood above the rest.

Damian Lillard delivered a masterclass in long-range precision. Although sidelined for the entire season while rehabbing a torn Achilles, Lillard showed no signs of rust, drilling shots with rhythm and confidence as he powered his way through the field and defeated Devin Booker in the final round. His victory marked his third career 3-Point Contest title, tying him with legends like Larry Bird and Craig Hodges — a testament to his enduring greatness from beyond the arc.

Fans at the Intuit Dome and viewers around the world watched intently as Lillard’s “Dame Time” mentality turned a weekend event into a legacy moment — proof that elite shooters never lose their touch, even when the regular season keeps them off the court.

CELEBRITY GAME: CULTURE TAKES CENTER STAGE

Friday night kicked off with high-profile flair in the Celebrity All-Star Game, where entertainers, athletes from other sports, and cultural icons showcased their basketball skills in a competitive but fun environment. The game offered fans a unique blend of basketball action and star power, with standout moments and memorable highlights.

While celebrities took center stage, the level of competition was real. One team’s clutch plays and late-game execution secured the victory, proving once again that All-Star Weekend blurs the lines between sport and entertainment in ways no other event can.

SLAM DUNK CONTEST: HIGH FLYERS ANSWER THE CALL

Saturday night’s Slam Dunk Contest brought the crowd to its feet with creativity and athleticism. Four competitors — including Keshad Johnson of the Miami Heat and Carter Bryant of the Spurs — turned the rim into their canvas, delivering jaw-dropping slams that earned applause and gasps.

Johnson emerged victorious after a series of inventive dunks, wowing the judges and outpacing Bryant in a finale that had fans buzzing long after the last score was tallied. While some critics argued the overall star power wasn’t as deep as in years past, the contest delivered memorable highlights and high-energy moments that set the tone for the night.

A BOLD NEW ALL-STAR GAME FORMAT: USA VS. WORLD

The headline of the weekend was the new All-Star Game format, a fresh twist designed to bring real competition and intensity back to the league’s signature showcase event. Instead of the traditional East vs. West, the NBA introduced a three-team round-robin tournament featuring Team USA Stars, Team USA Stripes (veteran U.S. players), and Team World (top international talent).

Here’s how it worked:

• Three teams each played two 12-minute games in the round-robin stage.

• The two teams with the best records advanced to a championship final.

• If all three teams finished 1–1, point differential served as the tiebreaker. 

That format brought genuine stakes and strategic play to Sunday’s showcase. Anthony Edwards and Tyrese Maxey powered Team USA Stars, ultimately prevailing in the final and earning Edwards the All-Star MVP honors. Across multiple games, fans witnessed competitive defense, clutch baskets, and game-changing plays — a stark contrast to recent years when the All-Star Game felt more like a laid-back exhibition.

The presence of international stars like Victor Wembanyama and Luka Dončić elevated the World Team and underscored the league’s global reach, pushing the game beyond a simple showcase into something resembling meaningful competition.

WHAT IT ALL MEANS

The 2026 NBA All-Star Weekend succeeded on every level — from sharpening competitive fire to delivering unforgettable performances across multiple events. The 3-Point Contest reminded fans that elite shooters remain elite. The Celebrity Game proved basketball’s universal appeal. The Dunk Contest delivered moments of high artistry. And the new All-Star Game format injected urgency and competitive drama back into the weekend.

After years of fans clamoring for a more engaging All-Star experience, the league delivered — restoring excitement and making this year’s celebration one that will be talked about for years.