Team Stars Win 2026 NBA All-Star Game, Anthony Edwards is MVP

Team Stars won the 2026 NBA All-Star Game. Anthony Edwards was named the Most Valuable Player. The game used a new format that made it more interesting for fans and players.
By Newsroom | NBA, All-Star Game |

The 2026 NBA All-Star Game concluded with Team Stars securing a victory under a new tournament format. Anthony Edwards of the Minnesota Timberwolves was named the Most Valuable Player (MVP) for his performance throughout the event. The shift in format was met with generally positive reception, with many observers suggesting it revitalized a game that had previously struggled with engagement.

Event Overview and New Format

The NBA All-Star Weekend in Inglewood, California, featured several competitions leading up to the main event. This year's All-Star Game marked the 75th anniversary of the event and introduced a round-robin tournament format. The teams comprised Team World, Team Stripes (representing veteran American players), and Team Stars (comprising younger American talent).

Team Stars hoist All-Star trophy, Edwards crowned MVP - 1

  • The weekend began with the Rising Stars game, where Team Vince defeated Team Melo.

  • Saturday's events included the Slam Dunk Contest, won by Keshad Johnson, and the 3-Point Contest, won by Damian Lillard. A Shooting Stars competition saw Team Knicks emerge victorious.

  • The primary All-Star Game itself featured three 12-minute periods, culminating in a championship game.

Game Progression and Key Outcomes

The tournament structure saw Team Stars competing against Team World and Team Stripes.

Read More: Kawhi Leonard Got MVP Votes Even Though He Wasn't Picked to Start

  • In the opening game, Team Stars defeated Team World in overtime, 37-36. Scottie Barnes hit a game-ending three-pointer, after Anthony Edwards forced overtime.

  • Team Stripes then secured a victory against Team Stars, 42-40, with De'Aaron Fox hitting a game-winning shot.

  • Another notable game saw Team Stripes defeat Team World, 48-45, with Kawhi Leonard hitting a tie-breaking three-pointer.

  • The championship game featured Team Stars against Team Stripes. Team Stars ultimately won decisively, 47-21, to claim the All-Star trophy.

Anthony Edwards' MVP Performance

Anthony Edwards was a significant contributor for Team Stars throughout the tournament. His play was instrumental in forcing overtime in the opening game against Team World. He was subsequently awarded the Kobe Bryant Most Valuable Player award, making him the first Minnesota Timberwolves player to achieve this honor.

Team Stars hoist All-Star trophy, Edwards crowned MVP - 2

Edwards' MVP recognition is a signal of his growing stature as a leading player in the league.

Format Reception and Player Engagement

Initial reports suggest the new tournament format was a success, contributing to a more engaging All-Star Game.

Read More: Anthony Edwards is 2026 NBA All-Star Game MVP

Team Stars hoist All-Star trophy, Edwards crowned MVP - 3

  • Several sources indicated that players, including Victor Wembanyama, seemed to take the competition more seriously.

  • The introduction of distinct teams like Team World, Team Stripes, and Team Stars was intended to add a competitive element.

  • Despite the generally positive reception of the format, one report noted that the final championship game was less competitive than the preceding round-robin matches, with Team Stars dominating Team Stripes.

Notable Player Performances

Beyond Edwards' MVP performance, several other players were highlighted for their contributions:

  • Kawhi Leonard had a strong showing, particularly in the game against Team World, where he reportedly dominated a single period.

  • Scottie Barnes was recognized for his clutch performance in the opening game, hitting a game-winning shot.

  • De'Aaron Fox made a decisive play in the game between Team Stripes and Team Stars.

  • Tyrese Maxey was the leading scorer for Team Stars in the final game with nine points. Chet Holmgren and Anthony Edwards each contributed eight points in that final.

  • Victor Wembanyama was mentioned for his vocal encouragement of his fellow All-Stars to compete seriously.

  • Luka Dončić played in the initial game for Team World before being substituted out.

  • James Harden participated in his 21st All-Star appearance, scoring eight points in one game.

Analysis and Implications

The 2026 NBA All-Star Game appears to have achieved a notable increase in competitive interest due to the revised format. The success of Team Stars, comprised of younger American talent, over veteran teams like Team Stripes and Team World, may suggest a shifting landscape in the league.

Read More: Keshad Johnson Wins 2026 NBA Slam Dunk Contest

Team Stars hoist All-Star trophy, Edwards crowned MVP - 4

The "USA vs. World" dynamic, now integrated into a tournament, seems to have provided a more compelling narrative than previous exhibition game structures.

The MVP award for Anthony Edwards further solidifies his position as a key player. His performance in leading Team Stars to victory under the new format highlights his impact.

The overall reception indicates that the NBA may have found a way to address prior concerns about the All-Star Game's relevance and player engagement. However, the contrast in competitiveness between the round-robin stages and the final game warrants further observation in future events.

Sources

Frequently Asked Questions

Q: Who won the 2026 NBA All-Star Game?
Team Stars won the game. They played against Team Stripes and Team World.
Q: Who was the MVP of the game?
Anthony Edwards won the MVP award. He plays for the Minnesota Timberwolves.
Q: Was the game format new this year?
Yes, the game had a new tournament format. This made the game more exciting to watch.
Q: What other games were part of the All-Star weekend?
There was also a Rising Stars game, a Slam Dunk Contest, and a 3-Point Contest.