2026 NBA All Star Weekend Recap: Encouraging, Competitive, Nostalgic

 
NBA All Star 2026

NBA All Star 2026

By: Joshua Martin

The 2026 NBA All Star Weekend delivered a blend of competition, nostalgia, culture and entertainment that kept fans locked in from Friday through Sunday in Los Angeles, CA. From buzzer beaters to historic moments, the midseason break once again lived up to the hype. Even if a few parts landed better than others.

Sunday’s All Star Game showcased what fans have been craving, real competition with stakes and pride on the line. With the league rolling out a revamped USA Stars vs. USA Stripes vs. World round robin format, superstars left it all on the hardwood. 

Anthony Edwards emerged as the weekend’s brightest star, capturing All Star MVP honors after leading the Stars to a dominating championship game performance, punctuating his weekend with electric plays and a message that summed up his performance perfectly.

We came here to compete, not just to play pretty.
— Anthony Edwards

Saturday night brought its own thrills. Damian Lillard, fresh off an Achilles rehab, reminded the league it’s still Dame Time, winning the 3 Point Contest for the third time with a cold blooded sharpshooting display. 

That’s all I do it for, keep adding to my legacy.
— Damian Lillard via NBC

The Slam Dunk Contest, however, was a mixed bag. Keshad Johnson threw down enough creativity and swag to claim the title, though many fans felt the overall field lacked the star power of yesteryear and the event didn’t quite hit premium status. Underwhelming but with moments that still drew cheers.  

In summation, the vibes of the weekend earned a solid B+, leaving most fans satisfied and already hungry for Phoenix in 2027.


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