Starting 5: 75th NBA All-Star Game tips at 5 ET with first-ever U.S. vs. World format
The midseason showcase returns Sunday at 5 PM ET with a revamped structure that pits three teams—USA Stars, USA Stripes and Team World—against each other in a round-robin tournament culminating in a winner-take-all final. Build-up from Saturday’s festivities included a historic 3-Point Contest win by Damian Lillard and a high-flying performance in the dunk competition.
New U. S. vs. World format reshapes the All-Star landscape
The 75th All-Star Game debuts a format never used in the event’s history: three teams instead of two and a clear international-versus-American framing. USA Stars and USA Stripes represent American players across two distinct rosters, while Team World gathers the league’s top international talents. The day will consist of a round-robin of four 12-minute games so each team plays at least twice; the two teams with the best records advance to a fourth 12-minute championship game. If teams finish tied in the round-robin, point differential will determine which squads move on.
That setup places a premium on short bursts of intensity and lineup construction. USA Stars lean into youthful quickness and explosive guards, with a core of players 25 or younger alongside veteran scorers to anchor the group. Team World counters with length and unique skill sets, led by two of the sport’s most distinctive big men. USA Stripes blend veteran savvy and two-way versatility. Expect coaches to tinker rapidly — matchups and momentum swings will be decisive in a format that rewards hot starts and defensive bursts.
Saturday highlights set the tone: Lillard’s history and aerial show
Saturday’s evening showcase offered a preview of what fans can expect Sunday: star power, spectacle and individual milestones. Damian Lillard tied an event record by capturing a third 3-Point Contest title, a notable achievement given he has missed time this season. Lillard’s performance was a reminder of his long-distance accuracy and competitive pulse even when regular-season minutes are limited.
The dunk competition produced one of the weekend’s most memorable highlights, with Keshad Johnson delivering a series of athletic feats that helped him seize the crown. The dunk contest remains a moment for fresh faces and established names to define their aerial identities, and Johnson seized that spotlight with runs that energized both the arena and the fan base.
Other Saturday scenes mixed levity and intensity: veterans hit clutch shots in front of a celebratory crowd, and younger players flashed the quickness and flair that made their All-Star selections. Media day interactions gave glimpses into team chemistry and competitive mindsets that could matter in short-window All-Star play.
What to watch Sunday: schedule, pressers and stakes
Game day officially begins with media availability that could influence narratives; one marquee player is scheduled for a 2: 30 PM ET press conference ahead of tip-off. Earlier festivities included a league-wide commissioner press conference, setting the tone for the 75th anniversary celebrations. On the court, the global matchup opens the day by pitching USA Stars’ athleticism against Team World’s size and skill.
Key questions to track during play: Which team can control tempo in 12-minute bursts? How effectively will coaches manage minutes and rotations across three short games? Which two teams will survive to the winner-take-all final? Defensive intensity, bench scoring and transition play will likely decide the day, as point spreads are compressed in the abbreviated format.
Beyond the competition, the weekend underscores the league’s global reach and its willingness to experiment with formats to elevate the event. With the championship game crowning the 75th All-Star winner, this edition blends history and innovation — and promises to deliver fast-paced, highlight-rich basketball from tip to final buzzer.
