NBA All Star Game: Team Stars wins, new format makes (almost) everyone happy

The’NBA All Star Game 2026, with a decidedly revolutionary new format, was won by Team Stars. Instead of the traditional Eastern Conference vs. Western Conference rosters, the stars “summoned” were divided into three groups: the Team Stars, composed of young American talent; the Team Stripes, composed of American veterans; and the World Team, composed of players from around the world.

Fabrizio Ponciroli

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Unlike the recent past, with matches without competitive charge, this time there was fun. In total, four “mini matches” of 12 minutes each’were played. A three-way bracket and, the best two, then faced each other in the grand final. Final that featured Team Stars and Team Stripes on the field. Victory went to the young stars: 47-21 the final, with Edwards the undisputed star and, consequently, MVP of the 2026 All Star Game.

The attitude of so many stars on the court was “true competition”. In particular, Wembanyama, Team World all-star, played to win, never backing down and forcing teammates and opponents to adjust so as not to make a bad impression: “It is a sport we love, a sport I personally appreciate, so being competitive is the least one can do” Wembanyama” Wembanyama”s words as reported by ESPN.

The attitude of the team was not the same as that of the other stars.

There are also those who have not, so to speak, completely laced up their shoes, such as Jokic and Doncic (the latter not in the best of physical condition) who merely made a presence. No matter, the format worked great, reviving an event that seemed destined to disappear.

“Wembanyama put in great effort and, thus, there were competitive matches with all three teams. He raised the bar, man. And it definitely woke me up”, the comment from Edwards, MVP of the NBA Stars night with 32 points, nine rebounds and three assists on the scoreboard.