NBA All-Star Weekend Better, But Still Not Everything It Should Be

This year’s NBA All-Star weekend had its bad moments and its fun moments, and that’s an improvement. It used to be just all bad.

That said, the new format of a four-team tournament … well, let’s just say it appeared a little more competitive than recent seasons. Four teams played games to 40. Guys seemed to try a little bit harder this season, especially as they got closer to 40.

But it was a weird setup for most of us. For instance, fans of the Cavaliers and Knicks probably would’ve preferred to see their favorite players stick together. Instead, Donovan Mitchell went head-to-head with Cleveland teammates Evan Mobley and Darius Garland.

And Mitchell’s team beat the one including Mobley and Garland in the first game. Since this was a single-elimination event, Garland and Mobley were done. It felt like we barely got to see them.

Donovan Mitchell with the long 3. In front of Evan Mobley. pic.twitter.com/zAus7PzJWS

— Sam Amico (@AmicoHoops) February 17, 2025

That’s just one very minor example, of course. For most fans, the whole thing was just weird. Go back to East vs. West, people almost immediately said. Give the players an incentive to win (extra money) or perhaps, bigger reasons not to lose (take away some money).

My thoughts? Well, for starters, I enjoyed All-Star Saturday night. I thought the 3-point contest, dunk contest, and skills competition were fun. And that’s what this weekend is all about, right? Fun?

I like seeing and hearing the entertainers, and Charles Barkley, Shaquille O’Neal, Kenny Smith and Ernie Johnson. I even enjoyed the presence of Kevin Hart (though admittedly might be in the minority on that).

But I try not to be a “hater.” I’m too old for that. At least 50 percent of All-Star weekend has always been about bringing basketball and entertainment together. That’s fine.

That said, I think most of us are basketball fans, and we’d like more actual basketball from the best in the NBA.

Of course you could always just dock $50k from players on losing team. We might see our first All-Star flagrants then lol

— Sam Amico (@AmicoHoops) February 17, 2025

How do commissioner Adam Silver and the rest of the NBA fix that? The simple answer is it’s not our job to figure it out. We can try — but it’s the league’s job to do it.

I will give them credit for trying with this format. Overall, though, it flopped.

Before the game, Garland suggested giving $1 million to each player on the winning team. That’s like 100 bucks or so to the rest of us. Anyway, he was asked what might encourage guys to play hard in the All-Star Game, and that was his answer.

I have no problem with it. The NBA, however, may have a more difficult time handing out $12 million for one game. It seemingly has unlimited resources, but that’s a lot of money for a game that doesn’t count.

Look, we all know what the NBA All-Star Game used to be. Or if you’re too young, you’ve heard the rumors or seen clips on YouTube. Even at its best, the first three quarters were pretty easygoing. Then the fourth quarter turned into a war. At least, it’s a war as far as exhibition games go.

Nowadays, if you play a regular 48-minute game, you get a team scoring 200 or more. That’s just a joke and a waste of everyone’s time.

So Silver and his team of basketball guys have more work to do. This was a step in the right direction, but it’s far from the showcase for which the league and its fans long. Despite some suggestions, it’s not time to give it up.

But man, you have to do something. This weekend means too much to too many people who love the game dearly. There are ways to fix it. Now figure it out.

Which best describes your 2025 All-Star Weekend experience:

— Sam Amico (@AmicoHoops) February 17, 2025