The 2025 NBA All-Star Game introduced a groundbreaking format, featuring four separate teams battling for supremacy in a tournament-style event. In the end, it was Shaq’s OGs, a squad loaded with NBA veterans like James Harden, Damian Lillard, and Stephen Curry, that emerged victorious against Chuck’s Global Stars.
A recent report indicates that the NBA is considering introducing a 1v1 tournament during next season’s All-Star weekend. In a recent interview, sports journalist Rachel Nichols asked several All-Stars about the idea of adding a one-on-one tournament to next year’s festivities, and the response was overwhelmingly positive.
“I mean, it would be fire,” Harden said without hesitation.
Minnesota Timberwolves star Anthony Edwards echoed the sentiment with his signature confidence. “Hell yeah,” he replied.
Giannis Antetokounmpo was also on board, adding, “Yeah, for sure. If I had the chance to play one-on-one with anybody, I would love to do it. I’m open to it.”
“Hell Yeah” – Anthony Edwards.
— Rachel Nichols (@Rachel__Nichols) February 17, 2025
On Open Run, I asked a bunch of NBA All Stars what they thought of doing a 1-on-1 tourney at next year’s event – and a LOT of them said they’re in. Let’s go… pic.twitter.com/k5ppQCCRyp
For Kyrie Irving, a one-on-one contest would offer something deeper than just flashy moves and highlight plays. “Yeah, when there’s smoke, there’s fire. Then they fire in one-on-one. I just think that there has to be an appreciation there first of what you do. Because you’ve got to commentate it a little bit differently than you do five-on-five. So maybe if we create that, I’m with that,” Irving said.
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Cleveland Cavaliers guard Donovan Mitchell also embraced the idea. He referenced past legends who thrived in isolation battles. “They definitely paved the way. There was fire too; I’m not going to lie. I mean, I think it’d be dope,” he said.
Another Bucks star, Damian Lillard, highlighted the competitive aspect of a one-on-one tournament. “Anytime you could do something like that, put something on the line, I think all the true competitors would be open to doing it,” he said.
James Harden Reflects On Playoff Battles At Oracle Arena During All-Star Weekend
The city of San Francisco hosted the NBA All-Star Weekend in the iconic Oracle Arena. For James Harden, stepping into the historic venue brought back a flood of memories. Speaking about his experiences at Oracle, Harden didn’t hold back on how challenging it was to face the dynastic Golden State Warriors in their prime.
“Being in this arena gives me nightmares because I had to go against them. It was like a real battle. We literally created teams just to beat the Warriors, and somehow, someway, they always ended up in the Finals,” Harden said.
The most heartbreaking moment came in 2018 when Houston took Golden State to Game 7 of the Western Conference Finals. However, Harden’s Rockets team suffered a crushing defeat and allowed the Warriors to advance and eventually win another championship against the Cleveland Cavaliers.
Also Read: “Too Many Breaks”- Hawks Star Trae Young Sounds Off On The New NBA All-Star Format
