NBA All-Star Game, Anthony Edwards Wins MVP: “Credit to Wembanyama”

In Inglewood, California, the NBA All-Star Game changed its identity and rediscovered competitiveness. No more classic East vs. West matchup: the league opted for a three-team format with 12-minute mini-games, turning the event into a fast-paced, high-tension tournament. The result? Higher intensity, real defense, and stars who took the night seriously.

According to Anthony Edwards, two key factors drove the change: the new format and Victor Wembanyama’s attitude.

Anthony Edwards Wins MVP

The face of the night was Anthony Edwards, guard for the Minnesota Timberwolves, who finished with 32 points (13-of-22 shooting), 9 rebounds and 3 assists. A performance that earned him 10 of 14 votes for the MVP award, edging out strong support for Kawhi Leonard in front of the home crowd.

Edwards made it clear who set the tone:

Wembanyama set the tone. He was competitive from the start. He woke me up, for sure.

Anthony Edwards

In the tournament’s opening matchup against Team World, Edwards went shot for shot with the French big man, knocking down the tying three that sent the game into overtime. In the extra period – decided by the first team to reach five points – it was Scottie Barnes who hit the three that sealed a 37-35 win for Team Stars.

For Edwards, though, the most meaningful victory wasn’t the final one.

They say they’re the best players in the world. Beating them is the best feeling there is.

Anthony Edwards

Victor Wembanyama Ignites the Competition

The San Antonio Spurs center, Victor Wembanyama, finished the first game with 14 points, 6 rebounds and 3 blocks, making it clear from the outset that this wouldn’t be a low-intensity exhibition for him.

After giving up the decisive three late, he returned to the bench visibly frustrated, as if it were a regular-season game – a reaction rarely seen in recent All-Star editions.

It’s a game I love and consider special. Being competitive is the least I can do.

Victor Wembanyama

His approach raised the bar for everyone.

Kawhi Leonard Show at Intuit Dome: 31 Points in 12 Minutes

In the third matchup, Kawhi Leonard took over, leading Team Stripes to a 48-45 win over Team World with an unreal performance: 31 points in 12 minutes, 11-of-13 from the field, 6-of-7 from three.

The crowd at Intuit Dome – home of the Los Angeles Clippers – erupted for its leader, who was added to the roster as an injury replacement.

I’m happy Adam Silver gave me this opportunity. The crowd wanted to see this.

Kawhi Leonard

Even opponents were impressed. Scottie Barnes admitted he watched him “in awe,” while Edwards jokingly told him before the final, “You need to calm down.”

One-Sided Final: Young Americans Dominate

The final between Team Stars and Team Stripes was one-sided: 47-21 for the young American squad. Edwards added 8 more points, while Leonard had a far quieter outing.

The new format – three teams (young USA, veteran USA, rest of the world) and 12-minute games – appears to have achieved its goal: raising intensity.

Kevin Durant also endorsed the experiment:

It was a step forward in competitiveness compared to last year. Kawhi was incredible, Ant too. We did what the fans wanted.

Kevin Durant

NBA All-Star Game: Does the New Format Really Work?

Now the question is simple: stick with this model or return to the traditional East vs. West?

Edwards said he would run it back next year in Phoenix, convinced that shorter games and a three-team split fuel individual pride.

Leonard, on the other hand, is open to going back:

If the players have shown they can compete, East-West would work too. The key is capturing the fans’ attention.

Kawhi Leonard

After years of criticism over no-defense games and inflated scores, this edition delivered something different: more energy, more tension, more desire to win.

And maybe that was the night’s true success.