The NBA’s All-Star Game saw a dramatic shift in format this year, moving from a traditional game to a three-game mini-tournament, and the result was a much lower-scoring affair. Shaq’s OGs emerged as champions on Sunday night, defeating Chuck’s Global Stars 41-25 in the final at Gainbridge Fieldhouse in Indianapolis.
Unlike last year’s high-scoring contest, which ended 211-186, the new format aimed to increase competitiveness by reducing playing time and setting a first-to-40 target score for each game.
Shaq’s OGs Dominate Title Game
- Final Score: Shaq’s OGs 41, Chuck’s Global Stars 25
- MVP-Level Performance: Jayson Tatum led with 15 points, including a dunk that sealed the win.
- Key Contributors: Stephen Curry (12 points), Shai Gilgeous-Alexander (12 points in semifinals), Damian Lillard (9 points, game-winning three-pointer in semifinals).
Chuck’s Global Stars struggled early, starting the game 0-for-10 from the field and 0-for-6 from three-point range, quickly falling behind 11-0. The OGs took control early and never looked back.
Tournament Recap: How Shaq’s OGs Won
This year’s All-Star Weekend featured a four-team, three-game mini-tournament, replacing the traditional format.
Semifinal 1: Chuck’s Global Stars vs. Kenny’s Young Stars
- Global Stars won behind Victor Wembanyama (11 points) and Karl-Anthony Towns (6 points).
- Shai Gilgeous-Alexander sealed the win with the clinching basket.
- Anthony Edwards was a late scratch due to a groin injury.
Semifinal 2: Shaq’s OGs vs. Candace’s Rising Stars
- The OGs won a competitive game, 40-37.
- Damian Lillard hit a game-winning three-pointer.
- Kevin Durant’s late layup pulled his team within one, but they couldn’t close it out.
- The OGs played without LeBron James, who sat out due to left foot and ankle discomfort.
Final: Shaq’s OGs vs. Chuck’s Global Stars
- Jayson Tatum led the way with 15 points.
- Stephen Curry added 12 points.
- Global Stars struggled early and never recovered.
Why the Format Changed
The NBA introduced the mini-tournament format after years of criticism over the lack of defense and competitiveness in the All-Star Game.
- Last year’s 211-186 score set multiple scoring records, prompting league officials to find ways to increase effort and intensity.
- The new first-to-40 format aimed to encourage players to take the games more seriously.
- Some defense was played, though moments of lighthearted play, like half-court lobs and Kevin Hart’s on-court antics, remained.
Despite the changes, the game still lacked playoff-level intensity, and it remains to be seen whether the league will continue tweaking the format in the future.
What’s Next?
- Next NBA All-Star Weekend: February 13-15, 2026
- Location: Intuit Dome, Los Angeles Clippers’ new arena in Inglewood, California
With the first All-Star mini-tournament completed, the NBA will evaluate its success and determine if further adjustments are needed for next year’s event.
