NBA All-Star Game 2026: Youth prevails in all-U.S. final as Team Stars wins in thrilling USA vs. World format

Well, that was easy. The Stars rolled to a dominant 47-21 win over the Stripes to win the All-Star Game under the new three-team format.

Barack and Michelle Obama are at the Intuit Dome this afternoon watching the festivities.

A LeBron James dunk and a logo 3-pointer count as the first two made field goals for the Stripes. Jalen Brunson drilled a 3-pointer, too. But the Stars are up 23-9 now, and still in full control.

Well, this one may be over already. The Stars are off to a 12-1 start after LeBron James’ Stripes have missed their first eight field goal attempts.

Tyrese Maxey just came up with a steal and an easy 3-pointer to force a timeout, too. It looks far too easy for the Stars.

Team Stars and Team Stripes have tipped, and the final game is officially underway. We’ll see who comes out on top.

Kawhi Leonard was unreal in Game 3. The late add to the All-Star roster put on a show with 31 Game 3 points to lead Team Stripes to a 48-45 win over Team World.

Leonard shot 9 of 11 from the field and 6 of 7 from 3 including the go-ahead 3 for Team Stripes’ final margin of victory. Victor Wembanyama had a look at a game-tying 3 on the other end, but it bounced off the rim and out.

And remember, these are 12-minute games. Leonard’s put on a show in his home gym and is line for All-Star MVP.

Team World is eliminated. Team Stars will take on Team Stripes in the final.

No so fast, Victor Wembanyama. Kawhi Leonard is making his own MVP case and now has 19 of Team Stripes’ 31 points as the U.S. team has jumped out to a 31-29 advantage with 4:51 remaining in Game 3.

He’s 7 of 7 from the field, including 5 made 3 pointers. This one’s shaping up to be another thriller.

Team World needs a win here or it’s eliminated. It has a 27-20 edge at a timeout with 6:45 remaining with Victor Wembanyama leading the way (11 points, 4 of 5 from the field).

Wemby’s got a real shot at MVP today, but he presumably has to lead Team World to victory in order earn it. If Team World wins here, each team will have secured a win in round-robin play, and it will come down to point differential.

Through two quarters, the new All-Star format is a rousing success. Both games have been competitive, and the second was a thriller.

Nobody’s putting on a defensive clinic, but teams are competing and making an effort on both ends of the court. With games only lasting 12 minutes, players appear willing and motivated to compete.

We’ll see how it plays out for the remaining two games.

Anthony Edwards put Team Stars up 40-39 late with 5 straight points in the final minute including a 3 with 19.5 seconds remaining.

But the former Clutch Player of the Year had an answer. De’Aaron Fox got open with a pump fake on the other end, then pulled for for a game-winning 3 that beat the buzzer to secure a 42-40 fictory for Team Stripes.

Team Stripes and Team Stars both have wins, and Team Stripes will take on Team World in the final round-robin game.

Team Stripes remains in control with a 33-27 lead and 2:37 remaining. Jaylen Brown is leading the way with 11 points.

LeBron James and Kawhi Leonard hit back-to-back 3s early, and Team Stripes has a 19-15 lead over Team Stars at a timeout with 7:08 remaining.

The all-U.S. matchup is underway. Team Stars holds court after a Game 1 win and takes on a Team Stripes lineup featuring LeBron James, Kevin Durant and Kawhi Leonard.

Team World appeared to be in control with a 26-17 lead. But Team Stars rallied to force overtime and was the first to 5 points in overtime in a format where the first team to 5 points wins.

Scottie Barnes’ 3 secured the 37-35 win for Team Stars. With the win, Team Stars holds court and will take on Team Stripes in the second of three round-robin games. Each game is scheduled for a 12-minute quarter, and the top two teams after round-robin play will face off in a final.

We’ve got overtime in Game 1 after Team World and Team Stars played to a 32-32 tie in regulation. The first to 5 points in the extra session wins.

And here’s Victor Wembanyama’s third block of the game, pinning a soft Cade Cunningham layup against the backboard, leading to Kart-Anthony Towns slam on the other end. He’s here to compete.

Team Stars was up early, but Team World reeled of a 14-2 run to take a 26-17 advantage. Victor Wembanyama leads the way so far with 7 points and 3 rebounds. And he’s injecting some defense into the game with 2 blocks as he tries to swat any shot in his vicinity.

With President Barack Obama sitting courtside, Suns All-Star Devin Booker took advantage of the opportunity and dapped up the first basketball fan during a break in the action.

Former President Barack Obama and First Lady Michelle Obama are in the house.

They, of course, have good seats. And Barack Obama got in on the action early.

Victor Wembanyama’s presence is expected to amp up the competitive nature of this game. So far so good. Wemby is playing aggressive off the opening tip has Team World’s first seven points.