Team Shaq Wins First NBA All-Star Tournament, As Format Faces Backlash

Summary:

• Team Shaq won the first 2025 NBA All-Star tournament with wins against Team Candace (semifinals) and Team Chuck (final).
• Stephen Curry received the All-Star MVP award with 12 points in the final and a stellar performance throughout the tournament.
• The tournament faced backlash for its format and broadcast distractions, including Kevin Hart’s commentary.

Team Shaq came out with flying colors on Sunday in a much-awaited yet highly controversial NBA All-Star tournament, claiming the title amid heavy format criticism and plenty of broadcast distractions.

The four-team mini-tournament saw Team Shaq, made up of seasoned All-Star veterans, defeat Team Candace’s squad of non-All-Stars in the semifinals.

They then cruised to a dominant 41-25 victory over Team Chuck’s roster of international players in the final, securing their status as the 2025 All-Star champions.

Each player from Team Shaq took home a $125,000 prize for their win. Team Chuck, as the runner-up, earned $50,000 per player, while those who fell in the semifinals still walked away with $25,000 each.

Team Chuck Statement, Team Shaq Semifinal Scare

In the night’s first semifinal, Team Chuck, featuring international stars, made an early statement. Led by Shai Gilgeous-Alexander and defensive efforts from Victor Wembanyama, they rolled past Team Kenny’s young stars 42-31. Gilgeous-Alexander was the top scorer with 12 points, clinching the win with a two-handed dunk after beating Jaren Jackson Jr. off the dribble.

Though the ease of his final basket highlighted the ongoing lack of defense in All-Star games, Wembanyama brought some energy, recording six points, four rebounds, a steal, and a block on Cade Cunningham.

In the other semifinal Team Shaq missing an injured LeBron James, narrowly escaped an upset against Team Candace. Led by Damian Lillard’s nine points, they secured a 42-35 win over the Rising Stars.

The game was tied at 28 before Team Shaq pulled ahead with a 14-7 run. However, they struggled to close it out, repeatedly missing potential game-winning three-pointers at 37 points.

Officials then ignored a clear foul on Kevin Durant, seemingly avoiding ending the game on free throws. Eventually, Lillard sealed the victory with a deep three.

Team Shaq’s Fast Start Sealed the Win

Following a competitive semifinal against Team Candace’s Rising Stars, Team Shaq wasted no time asserting their dominance in the final.

They stormed out to an 11-0 lead, with Jayson Tatum setting the tone early, scoring eight quick points. Team Chuck was unable to mount a challenge, allowing Team Shaq to cruise to a 16-point victory.

Tatum finished as the game’s leading scorer with 15 points, capping off the win with a game-ending dunk in the first-to-40 format. Stephen Curry contributed 12 points in front of his home crowd in San Francisco. In the final, he shot 4-of-8 from three-point range, finishing with 12 points, four rebounds, two assists, and a steal.

In the semifinal, he scored eight points, provided six assists, grabbed one rebound, and stole another. For his stellar performance, the 36-year-old was named All-Star MVP, his second award of this kind.

Fans Expressed Criticism Over Social Media

Despite the action on the court, the tourney was served a big plate of scrutiny aimed at its structure and presentation.

Kevin Hart’s in-game commentary and extended banter were heavily criticized for detracting from the basketball, with special emphasis on the lengthy tribute brought to TNT’s broadcast team that interrupted the game.

“It’s almost 11 pm on a Sunday night. What are you doing @NBA?” read another comment,

Draymond Green was among the most outspoken critics, voicing his dissatisfaction with the tournament format on TNT’s broadcast.