Recap: NBA All Star Weekend 2025 Events - Highlights, Surprises, and Memorable Moments

Steph Curry proudly holds the NBA All-Star Game MVP trophy, celebrating his outstanding performance on the court.

The NBA’s All-Star Weekend has long been a celebration of talent, showmanship, and unforgettable moments. This year, the league introduced fresh formats across multiple events, aiming to reinvigorate the competition and bring a new level of excitement to the festivities. From the revamped All-Star Game structure to the Skills Challenge shake-up, there was no shortage of intrigue heading into the weekend.

But did these changes actually improve the experience, or did they fall flat? While some events delivered electric performances, others left fans questioning whether the league is headed in the right direction. With that in mind, let’s break down each event and see how All-Star Weekend played out.

All-Star Game Recap

Team Shaq’s “OG’s” took home the All-Star Game title, with Steph Curry winning MVP in his home arena. The new format created an interesting dynamic and may have pushed players to play harder, but it still lacked true competition. Team Chuck defeated Team Kenny, while Team Shaq beat the Rising Stars in Round One. In the championship, Team OG’s overpowered Team Global Stars, as the veteran players proved to be too much to handle. Whether this format is better than the old East vs. West setup remains uncertain, but it brought excitement and a fresh twist. It will be interesting to see how the league continues to develop it.

Skills Challenge Recap

Chris Paul and Victor Wembanyama’s performance in the Skills Challenge turned into an embarrassment, as their attempt to game the system backfired, leading to their disqualification. Their approach disrespected the competition and made a mockery of the new format, leaving the Spurs with an unnecessary blemish. The rest of the event, however, was entertaining, with the Cavs duo of Evan Mobley and Donovan Mitchell taking home the win. They performed at a high level, earning a well-deserved victory for Cleveland.

Dunk Contest Recap

The Dunk Contest once again stood out as the highlight of All-Star Weekend, delivering jaw-dropping moments and incredible athletic feats. Mac McClung and Stephon Castle set the tone early, showcasing creative and high-difficulty dunks. McClung stole the show with a stunning first-round dunk, clearing the middle of a Kia for a reverse slam. Castle impressed the crowd by catching the ball as it fell through the hoop and executing a 180-degree between-the-legs slam.

Matas Buzelis and Andre Jackson Jr. failed to match the intensity, as their lackluster performances led to early eliminations. This set up a thrilling dunk-off between McClung and Castle. McClung’s ability to incorporate props, creativity, and showmanship—combined with his elite athleticism—cemented his place in history, as he secured his third consecutive Dunk Contest title. A well-earned victory for McClung, further proving his dominance in the event.

3-Point Contest Recap

Tyler Herro emerged victorious in the Three-Point Contest, preventing Damian Lillard from completing a historic three-peat. The competition remained tight throughout, with players battling to find their rhythm and consistency. Darius Garland delivered an impressive performance, staying in contention until the final round, while Cade Cunningham and Cam Johnson struggled to keep pace. In the end, Herro’s accuracy and clutch shooting secured him the title, adding another accolade to his resume.

Final Thoughts

All-Star Weekend introduced fresh formats and matchups, injecting new energy into the event. While some moments lacked true competitiveness, the showcase still provided excitement for fans. The Dunk Contest once again delivered, while the Skills Challenge and Three-Point Contest had their share of drama. If players continue to buy in and treat these events seriously, future All-Star Weekends could regain the level of intensity and entertainment that fans crave.