With the NBA All-Star Game coming to San Francisco, basketball fans across the Bay Area are buzzing with excitement. The game, featuring the league’s top players, has introduced a new format this year, making the event even more anticipated by students and local sports enthusiasts alike.
“I’m pretty excited for the NBA All-Star Game because I’ve been following basketball ever since I was five years old. Seeing Curry play against the best is going to be amazing,” said Sai Kata (‘26).
Unique Format
This year’s All-Star format has sparked conversations about whether the changes improve or take away from the competitiveness. Traditionally, the event featured an East vs. West matchup, but the NBA has opted for four teams led by captains, altering the dynamic of the game.
“Well, personally, I think it should be changed back to the old format. When it was Team Giannis vs. Team LeBron, they were playing seriously for charity, and I think that made it a lot more competitive,” said Nathan Hsu (‘26).
Fan Favorites
One of the biggest debates leading up to the game is whether or not the selected players deserved the spot. Several students pointed out potential snubs, specifically mentioning Charlotte Hornets star LaMelo Ball.
“LaMelo Ball definitely got snubbed. He’s averaging 30 points per game, and even though his team isn’t great, he still deserved a spot,” said Karthik Maheshwaran (‘26).
Despite these controversies, fans are eager to see their favorite players take the court. Many students named LeBron James and Stephen Curry as the players they are most looking forward to watching.
“My favorite player is Steph Curry because he’s been the GOAT of the Warriors for the longest time. Even though he’s getting older, he’s still playing at an elite level, and that’s really cool to see,” said Aarav Shah (‘26).
All Star Weekend
While the game itself is the highlight of the weekend, many students also look forward to the skills competitions, such as the three-point contest and the dunk contest.
“I used to love watching the dunk contest, but in the past few years, it hasn’t been as exciting. Now, I think the All-Star Game itself is the best part,” said Kata.
With all eyes on the Bay Area for All-Star Weekend, students are eager to see how the new format plays out. Excitement is at an all time high hoping for a successful weekend.
