Allan Houston Joins Brunson, Towns on Knicks Squad for Shooting Stars Revival
The Shooting Stars competition makes its return to All-Star Saturday Night and the Knicks will be represented by a trio that blends current star power with franchise history: Jalen Brunson, Karl-Anthony Towns and team executive and former All-Star Allan Houston. The event returns after a decade-long absence and will play out Saturday night (ET) at Intuit Dome in Inglewood, Calif.
What the Shooting Stars format looks like
The revived Shooting Stars competition will pit four teams against one another. Each squad is built from two current NBA players and one league "legend. " Competitors attempt shots from seven locations around the court, each spot carrying different difficulty levels and point values. The top two teams from the opening round move on to a head-to-head championship round, where accuracy and pace combine to decide the winner.
Knicks’ roster blends present and past
The Knicks entry pairs longtime contributor Allan Houston with current All-Stars Jalen Brunson and Karl-Anthony Towns. Brunson and Towns bring the scoring and star recognition, while Houston adds a veteran presence and prior success in the event—he was part of an all-New York unit that captured the title in 2012. The trio gives the Knicks a mix of rhythm shooting, midrange touch and interior passing that could play well across the multiple-shot format.
Field highlights and notable team lineups
Alongside the Knicks, three other teams will compete. One features current All-Star wing Scottie Barnes, young center Chet Holmgren and Pistons legend Richard Hamilton. Another group unites former Duke standouts Jalen Johnson and a recent college star with veteran Corey Maggette. A family-themed team brings father-and-son chemistry with Ron Harper Sr. paired with Ron Harper Jr. and Dylan Harper. Each grouping presents a different strategic mix — quick catch-and-shoot specialists, interior finishers and experienced clutch shooters.
Knicks’ All-Star presence beyond Shooting Stars
Although the Knicks do not have participants in the Slam Dunk or 3-Point contests this All-Star weekend, their presence in the Shooting Stars contest keeps the franchise visible on Saturday night. Brunson had been a two-time participant in the 3-point competition in recent seasons, but he will shift focus to the team-oriented Shooting Stars format this year.
Context within All-Star Weekend and season notes
The Shooting Stars return is one of several tweaks to the All-Star lineup this season. The Slam Dunk Contest will proceed with a fresh field of entrants, while the All-Star Game itself will employ a new three-team format that splits players into two American rosters and a World squad. Notably, Karl-Anthony Towns will be assigned to the World team due to his international representation, illustrating how national ties now play a larger role in event assignments.
With the Shooting Stars back on the slate, fans will get a compact, fast-paced shooting showcase that rewards teamwork and multi-range accuracy. The Knicks’ blend of current All-Star talent and a familiar club legend gives them a compelling shot at advancing to the championship round Saturday (ET).
