Team Stars didn’t just survive the new All-Star format. They leaned into it.
Barely.
Team Stars edged Team World, 37–35, in overtime of the opening matchup Sunday night, with Scottie Barnes drilling the walk-off three to end it. Under the rules, overtime was first to five points. Barnes made sure it didn’t take long.
The game itself was tight, choppy, and oddly competitive — which, given the recent history of All-Star efforts, already felt like progress. Neither side led by more than a few possessions, and defense actually showed up in spurts.
Anthony Edwards paced Team Stars with 13 points, attacking early and often. Devin Booker added five, while Barnes finished with three — all coming when it mattered most. Cade Cunningham and Tyrese Maxey helped steady the Stars during a sluggish stretch late in regulation.
Team World was led by Victor Wembanyama, who scored 14 points and altered and swatted several shots at the rim. Karl-Anthony Towns chipped in 10, and Deni Avdija added five as World briefly looked like the fresher group down the stretch.
Both teams finished under 50 percent shooting, and the game turned scrappy late — exactly what the league was hoping for.
One game in, the format had tension, urgency, and an actual ending.
That alone felt like a win.
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