Team Shaq Wins NBA All-Star Tournament

Team Shaq Wins NBA All-Star Game as Stephen Curry Shines in San Francisco.

Stephen Curry and Jayson Tatum combined for 27 points as Shaquille O’Neal’s “Team Shaq” cruised to victory in the revamped NBA All-Star Game on Sunday.

Playing on his home court at the Golden State Warriors’ Chase Center, Curry delivered a vintage performance, draining multiple three-pointers to guide his star-studded squad to a 41-25 win over Charles Barkley’s “Team Chuck.”

Curry and Tatum Shine in Star-Studded Lineup

Boston Celtics star Jayson Tatum led the game with 15 points, dominating alongside Curry, Kevin Durant, Damian Lillard, and James Harden in the starting lineup.

Despite a setback before tipoff when LeBron James withdrew due to lingering foot and ankle issues, Team Shaq remained in complete control. Nikola Jokić, Shai Gilgeous-Alexander, and Donovan Mitchell led Team Chuck, but they struggled to keep pace.

Curry’s outstanding performance earned him the MVP award, marking the second time he has won the honor after his 2022 All-Star Game triumph.

“It’s a celebration of a lot of great things — to be able to play with these guys for as long as we have,” Curry said after receiving the award. “It’s our responsibility to put on a show, and I thank my teammates for helping me do that.”

New Format Sparks Mixed Reactions

The NBA introduced a four-team mini-tournament this year, replacing the traditional Eastern vs. Western Conference matchup. Led by O’Neal, Barkley, Kenny Smith, and Candace Parker, each team played under a first-to-40 scoring system, instead of the conventional four-quarter format.

While some players appreciated the competitive approach, Golden State’s Draymond Green wasn’t impressed.

“You work all year to be an All-Star, and you get to play up to 40 and then you’re done. This is ridiculous,” Green criticized during the broadcast. “This sucks. It ain’t basketball.”

However, Damian Lillard supported the format, stating, “They were looking for a more competitive game, and I think tonight was a step in the right direction.”

LeBron James Misses His 21st All-Star Appearance

LeBron James, originally selected for his record 21st All-Star Game, pulled out just hours before tipoff due to ankle and foot discomfort.

“Unfortunately, I will not be playing tonight,” James announced before the game. “I hate that, but I have to prioritize my health.”

The 40-year-old Lakers star has played 48 games this season, averaging 24.3 points, 9 assists, and 7.7 rebounds, missing only four games due to injuries or illness.

Despite James’ absence, Curry and Team Shaq delivered an electrifying performance, proving why they remain among the league’s biggest stars.