NBA All-Star 2026: Lillard’s Historic Hat-Trick and the New "USA vs. World" Era
The NBA All-Star Weekend in Los Angeles has reached its fever pitch. As the festivities moved to the brand-new Intuit Dome, the 2026 edition has already delivered historic milestones and a complete reinvention of the game’s format, proving that the league's midseason classic is more vibrant than ever.
Damian Lillard Joins the Legends
The highlight of All-Star Saturday Night was undoubtedly Damian Lillard. The veteran sharpshooter secured his third State Farm 3-Point Contest title, a feat that places him in the elite company of legends Larry Bird and Craig Hodges. Despite recovering from a previous Achilles injury, Lillard’s "Dame Time" precision was on full display as he narrowly defeated Devin Booker in a thrilling final round.
A New Generation of High-Flyers
In the AT&T Slam Dunk Contest, Keshad Johnson of the Miami Heat took home the 2026 Julius “Dr. J” Erving Trophy. The 24-year-old’s creativity, including a spectacular leap over artist E-40, earned him the crown over rookie Carter Bryant. Meanwhile, Team Knicks—led by Jalen Brunson and Karl-Anthony Towns—revived the Shooting Stars competition by defeating Team Cameron with a record-setting 47 points.
The Main Event: USA vs. The World
Tonight, the 75th NBA All-Star Game debuts a highly anticipated round-robin format. For the first time, the league has moved away from the traditional East vs. West or Captain-led drafts to a "USA vs. World" showdown.
Three teams—Team USA Stars, Team USA Stripes, and Team World—will compete in a tournament-style battle. Team World, headlined by global superstars Nikola Jokić, Luka Dončić, and Victor Wembanyama, enters as the betting favorite. They face a divided but deep American roster featuring icons like LeBron James and Kevin Durant alongside rising stars like Anthony Edwards.
As Los Angeles hosts its record seventh All-Star event, the focus isn't just on the spectacle, but on the shifting landscape of a league that is now truly global.