Steph Curry Shines as ‘Original Gangsters’ Win NBA All-Star Tournament; LeBron James Misses First Game in 20 Years
The 2025 NBA All-Star Weekend delivered a fresh twist with a new tournament-style format, where four teams battled for supremacy instead of the traditional single All-Star Game. In a historic showdown, Shaquille O’Neal’s team, the “Original Gangsters,” emerged victorious over Charles Barkley’s “Global Stars” in the final, with Steph Curry taking home the MVP honors.
The spectacle saw Curry dazzle with his signature deep three-pointers, helping his team to a dominant 41-25 win. While Jayson Tatum was the top scorer with 15 points, it was Curry’s show-stopping shots and playmaking that earned him the MVP award. Meanwhile, Victor Wembanyama led Barkley’s squad with 11 points in a losing effort.
A New Look for the NBA All-Star Game
This year’s NBA All-Star event introduced a bold new format, replacing the usual East vs. West battle with a four-team tournament. The teams were selected by NBA and WNBA legends:
- Shaquille O’Neal’s “Original Gangsters”
- Charles Barkley’s “Global Stars”
- Kenny Smith’s “Young Stars”
- Candace Parker’s “Rising Stars”
The two semifinal games determined the finalists, with O’Neal and Barkley’s teams advancing to the championship round. This innovative structure brought fresh energy to the competition and kept fans engaged throughout the night.
Curry’s MVP Performance Steals the Show
Steph Curry, widely regarded as the best shooter in NBA history, once again proved why he is one of the most electrifying players to watch. His ability to sink near-impossible shots left the crowd in awe, and his leadership helped guide the “Original Gangsters” to victory.
IT WAS STEPH CURRY’S SHOW IN THE BAY
20 PTS
10 REB
6 3PM
WHe takes home his 2nd Kobe Bryant Trophy as he wins the #KiaAllStarMVP at 2025 #NBAAllStar! pic.twitter.com/62ArXQffSB
— NBA (@NBA) February 17, 2025
Although Tatum led all scorers, Curry’s overall impact on the game was undeniable. From no-look threes to deep-range buckets, he put on a masterclass, earning him the coveted MVP award.
This marks another impressive milestone in Curry’s career, as he continues to cement his legacy as one of the game’s greats.
Prize Money for All-Star Participants
The revamped All-Star Game wasn’t just about entertainment—it also came with financial rewards for the players. Each member of Shaq’s championship-winning squad received $125,000, while the runners-up from Barkley’s team walked away with $50,000 each.
These incentives added a competitive edge to the game, ensuring that players gave their best efforts despite the exhibition nature of the event.
Mac McClung Makes History in Dunk Contest
The excitement wasn’t limited to the All-Star Game. The Slam Dunk Contest saw Orlando Magic’s Mac McClung win for the third consecutive year, further solidifying his reputation as one of the best dunkers in the league.
McClung’s incredible aerial displays electrified the crowd, with jaw-dropping slams that left both fans and judges in disbelief. His dominance in the contest has sparked discussions about whether he could become one of the greatest dunkers in NBA history.
Other NBA All-Star Weekend Highlights
The All-Star Weekend also featured several thrilling side events:
- Skills Challenge: Cleveland Cavaliers duo Donovan Mitchell and Evan Mobley took home the trophy.
- Three-Point Contest: Miami Heat’s Tyler Herro showcased his sharpshooting skills to claim victory.
- Rising Stars Challenge: A showcase of young talent that provided a glimpse into the future of the NBA.
These events added to the excitement, keeping fans entertained leading up to the highly anticipated All-Star Game.
LeBron James Misses First All-Star Game in 20 Years
A major storyline of the night was LeBron James missing his first All-Star Game in two decades. The Los Angeles Lakers superstar, who has been a fixture in the event since 2005, withdrew from the game just an hour before tipoff due to ankle and foot issues.
LeBron’s absence was felt, as he has been one of the key faces of the NBA All-Star Game for years. While fans were disappointed, it was a necessary move to ensure his health for the remainder of the season.
Despite missing the game, LeBron remains a central figure in the NBA landscape, and his presence will undoubtedly be missed if he continues to battle injuries in the latter stages of his career.
A New Era for the NBA All-Star Game?
The introduction of the four-team tournament format has sparked debate over whether this is the future of the All-Star Game. Many fans and analysts praised the innovation, as it provided a fresh take on the exhibition event and made the competition more engaging.
With the success of this year’s format, the NBA may consider making further adjustments to ensure that the All-Star Game remains an exciting and must-watch event for years to come.
This year’s game may have lacked LeBron James, but it certainly didn’t lack entertainment. With Steph Curry’s unforgettable MVP performance and the new tournament structure proving to be a hit, the 2025 NBA All-Star Weekend was one to remember.
READ NEXT:
