75th NBA All-Star Game tips off today with U.S. vs. World format
The 75th NBA All-Star Game arrives Sunday at 5 p. m. ET with a revamped structure and plenty of Saturday drama still buzzing. The midseason showcase debuts a U. S. vs. World setup featuring three teams — USA Stars, USA Stripes and Team World — and arrives on a packed weekend that included a headline-making 3-Point Contest and a high-flying dunk competition.
New format: three teams, round-robin, winner-take-all final
This edition of the All-Star Game shifts away from the familiar East vs. West or draft-style matchups. The day will begin with a round-robin slate of 12-minute games in which each of the three teams plays at least two matchups. The two teams with the best records — or, if necessary, the best point differential in the case of a tie — will meet in a championship game that serves as the winner-take-all finale.
USA Stars leans on youthful explosiveness and perimeter play, with seven players 25 or younger and a veteran like Devin Booker providing scoring punch. USA Stripes pairs experienced American talents to balance the day. Team World brings international size and versatility, headlined by two of the game's most unique big men, Nikola Jokić and Victor Wembanyama. Expect matchups that emphasize contrast — speed and athleticism against length and craft.
A notable scheduling change: tip-off is set for 5 p. m. ET, earlier than in many recent years, a timing choice that influenced the weekend calendar and viewing window.
Saturday’s moments set the tone — Dame, dunks and surprises
Saturday’s slate served as a microcosm of the weekend: pageantry, spectacle and a few emotional threads. Damian Lillard, sidelined for the season with a torn Achilles, made headlines by winning his third 3-Point Contest, tying the modern record for career titles in the event. Lillard’s performance added a poignant note to the competition, underscoring his long-range pedigree even while he recovers.
The 3-Point Contest format remained familiar — five racks, a 70-second clock, a special all-money-ball rack and two deeper logo-style shots worth extra points — with the top three scorers advancing to a final round. Lillard’s smooth shooting and competitive instinct played well to that setup.
The slam dunk showcase produced a breakthrough moment from Keshad Johnson, who electrified the arena with several highlight-reel attempts and ultimately soared to a victory that turned many heads. A returning Shooting Stars event replaced the long-standing skills showcase; its three-player, timed format combined current players with alumni and added variety to the All-Star Saturday lineup.
What to watch tonight
Beyond the in-game action, All-Star weekend usually centers around a handful of narrative beats: veteran leaders managing minutes, young stars staking their claim, and a few exhibition moments that go viral. A scheduled player media session will take place at 2: 30 p. m. ET, offering late bulletin-board material and a final look at how teams will approach rotations and competitive edge for the short games.
Defensively, Team World’s length could be a disruptive factor across the short quarters, while USA Stars’ quick guards will look to push pace and create early mismatches. Coaching strategy will be compressed — with four 12-minute contests to navigate, bench usage and fast-game adjustments may determine who reaches the title game.
In a season notable for marquee storylines and the league’s global growth, the 75th All-Star Game aims to honor tradition while experimenting with a fresh competitive template. Expect a blend of showmanship and competitive moments that reflect both an exhibition and a genuine short-form tournament.
Tip-off is at 5 p. m. ET; the festivities and narrative threads that began Saturday will carry straight through to the winner-take-all conclusion.
