The 2026 All-Star Game, featuring a new format, is thought to be more competitive compared to the previous editions. ASG MVP Anthony Edwards thought this change is what raised the level of commitment from players.
Three of the four games held were decided by just one possession. The final game, which was between Team Stars and Team Stripes, ended with a 47-21 victor for the former.
Edwards gave the new format a positive grade.
“I know they ain’t gon’ really take in what I’m saying, but I like this format. I think it makes us compete, ‘cause it’s only 12 minutes. There different teams, you separate the guys. I think it was really good.”
His evaluation of the ASG is different from what the ‘old heads’ said. Kawhi Leonard went off in the 2026 All-Star Game, scoring 31 points in 12 minutes. He had fun and he played hard.
However, he would rather see the ASG format go back to the old one.
“I thought it was good but I still think going back to east/west will be great and I think guys will compete still,” he told reporters.
Anthony Edwards redeems self
The Timberwolves star was criticized last year for not taking the ASG seriously. They thought him attempting three-point shots with his left hand reflected his energy for the game.
It was a totally different Edwards that showed up on Sunday. He willed his team to the victory over Team World and and the ‘old heads’ of Team Stripes.
He scored 13 points in the win over Team World and then 11 in the loss to Team Stripes. He was eventually named the All-Star Game MVP after they got back on Team Stripes.
He later on said that he came with a mission to put on a show and he credits Victor Wembanyama for having such mentality.
“We chose to compete today, and we came out on top,” Edwards said. “I ain’t gonna lie, Wemby set the tone. He came out playing hard and we had to follow that. We had to pick it up as the red team, and we did that.”
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