Contributed to by Samara Battle.
The 2025 NBA All-Star Weekend took place from February 14 to 16 in San Francisco, California, at the Chase Center. This was the first time the city hosted the event since 2000. There are many reasons why NBA fans enjoy the all star weekend; like watching the celebrity game, the rising stars’ game, the performance tasks, and the all star game. This weekend also gives NBA basketball fans a chance to enjoy the games without caring who wins or losses. The weekend kicked off on Friday with the Celebrity Game and the Rising Stars Challenge. The Rising Stars Challenge featured a four-team tournament, with Team Chris emerging victorious.
To start off the all star weekend, the selected celebrities; like Kai Cenat, Rome Flynn, Druski, Shaboozey, and many more got the opportunity to compete against each other in a game with friendly competition. Team Bonds, which was coached by Barry Bonds and 2 Chainz, took the win against Team Rice, with Rome Flynn winning the MVP of the game.
Right after the celebrity game, the rising stars, the NBA’s top rookies and some G league players, took to the court to battle for the chance to play at the all star game on Sunday. Candance’s Rising Stars team was able to pull away with the win, clinching their spot to Sunday’s game, with Stephon Castle winning MVP of the game.
Saturday night was packed with events like the Skills Challenge, 3-Point Contest, and Slam Dunk Contest. The Skills Challenge showcased players' versatility, the 3-Point Contest highlighted sharpshooting skills, and the Slam Dunk Contest featured some amazing dunks.
The main event, the NBA All-Star Game, took place on Sunday, February 16. This year, the game adopted a new format, a four-team single-elimination tournament. The teams were drafted by NBA on TNT analysts: Shaquille O'Neal, Kenny Smith, and Charles Barkley, with Candace Parker managing the winning team from the Rising Stars Challenge. In the championship game, Shaq's OGs faced off against Chuck's Global Stars. Shaq's OGs clinched the victory with a score of 41-25. Stephen Curry was named the All-Star Game MVP, contributing 12 points, including three from half-court. Throughout the weekend, fans were treated to various entertainment performances.
The halftime show featured DJ Cassidy, E-40, Too Short, Saweetie, and En Vogue with former member Maxine Jones. Additionally, R&B singer Raphael Saadiq performed during the player introductions.
Ending the all star weekend; Sunday, the NBA’s current stars took to the court together in a mini-tournament. Shaq’s OG’s were able to escape with the win, with Stephen Curry winning MVP of the night. In between each game, Mr. Beast held his own contest; a lucky fan had a chance to win $100,000 if he beat NBA player, Damian Lillard, in a logo shot challenge. The fan had to only make one logo shot, while Lillard, who is known for his long distance shots, had to make 3. Damien already made his 2 logo shots, definitely created suspense; especially since he needed one more shot to win the challenge. The fan was able to shoot and make the shot before Damian made his 3, so he received the $100,000. Happy for the lucky fan, people in attendance cheered, while the mascots from the NBA team crowded around him; it was definitely wholesome to watch, given the fact that he said the money will help for college.
Overall, the 2025 NBA All-Star Weekend in San Francisco was a memorable event, blending basketball excellence with vibrant entertainment.
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