Kawhi Leonard gives his thoughts on the new All-Star game format now that the dust has settled.
The NBA debuted a new All-Star format this year, switching from a fantasy draft for teams into USA vs. The World.
There were two USA teams, one comprised of older players and more established stars, and the other comprised of younger stars on the rise. The World team featured players from Canada and Europe.
The three teams played in a Round Robin format, and the best two teams played in one final game to decide a champion. In total, there were four games, each played in 12-minute quarters.
Many were skeptical of the format, but the games turned out to be the most competitive All-Star games in years, with the first game going to overtime, the second game being won on a buzzer beater, and the third game being won in the final seconds on a three-pointer by Kawhi Leonard.
Kawhi Leonard Addresses The Format
Los Angeles Clippers star Kawhi Leonard made the All-Star team for the seventh time. From how the teams are selected to switching how the games are scored, Leonard has seen all the changes made in the past decade.
Speaking after the game, Leonard said about the new format, "I thought it was good but I still think going back to East/West will be great and I think guys will compete still."
The NBA switched away from the West vs. East format in 2018 after the West had won six of seven All-Star games. They moved to a fantasy draft format in part to balance out the rosters.
The West vs. East format returned in 2024, where the East won a game where no defense was played as the two teams combined for the highest point total in All-Star game history.
Kawhi In The All-Star Game
San Antonio Spurs star Victor Wembanyama immediately set the tone in the USA Stars vs. Team World game, not allowing easy buckets and staying aggressive on both ends. Anthony Edwards, playing for USA Stars, followed suit.
With the first game going to OT, the USA Stripes team matched the intensity in the second game as they played the USA Stripes.
The third game was perhaps the most competitive, and Leonard put on a show for the hometown Clippers. He played all twelve minutes, finishing with 31 points. He shot 11-13 from the field and 6-7 from three, including the game-winning bucket.
Unfortunately for the Stars, they ran out of gas in the fourth and final game against the Stripes, losing 47-21. Kawhi once again played all 12 minutes, but scored just one point.