The 2025 NBA All-Star Game in San Francisco was a basketball extravaganza that wowed fans across the globe and reimagined the essence of All-Star Weekend. Held at the Chase Center on February 16, this year’s event introduced a unique mini-tournament format, featuring four teams captained by NBA legends and aimed at bringing a competitive edge to the midseason showcase. While the games themselves were exhilarating, the weekend wasn’t just about the action on the court. Pier 48 offered fans an immersive experience with activities such as mascot meetups, arcade games, and Q&A sessions with basketball icons. Stephen Curry, playing in front of his hometown supporters, delivered a performance for the ages, winning MVP honors. With unforgettable moments and fan-first innovations, the weekend celebrated everything great about basketball.

A New Era of Competition

This year’s All-Star festivities featured a fresh format. Instead of the traditional East vs. West matchup, the NBA introduced a four-team mini-tournament. Each team was led by a legendary captain, including Shaquille O'Neal's "Shaq's OGs," Charles Barkley's "Chuck's Global Stars," Kenny Smith's "Kenny's Young Stars," and Candace Parker's "Candace’s Rising Stars." The games were played to a target score of 40 rather than a timed format, ensuring fast-paced and high-energy basketball.

Shaq's OGs dominated the final, defeating Chuck's Global Stars 41-25. The mix of veteran experience and clutch plays made the OGs a tough team to beat in this innovative competition, which added a new dynamic to the traditional All-Star weekend.

Curry Steals the Show in Front of the Home Crowd

Stephen Curry’s performance was the pinnacle of the weekend. Playing in front of a hometown crowd, the Golden State Warriors star delivered a show for the ages. Across two games, Curry scored a total of 20 points, grabbed 10 rebounds, and dished out three assists, earning him the prestigious Kobe Bryant MVP Trophy.

Curry’s standout moments included his signature long-range shots. He nailed a jaw-dropping half-court three-pointer during the final, bringing the crowd to its feet. He was flawless from beyond the arc in the championship match, hitting four of his attempts and scoring 12 points to lead his team to victory. Fans at the Chase Center, thrilled by his performance, erupted into chants of “M-V-P!” as Curry hoisted the trophy.

Tatum's Dominance in the Final

Jayson Tatum was another key contributor to Shaq's OGs’ success. With an impressive 15-point performance in the final game, he showcased his versatility on offense. Tatum opened the game with a series of three-pointers and strong drives to the hoop, creating a commanding early lead for his team. His powerful dunk in the second half was the exclamation point of a stellar outing. It was clear why Tatum is widely regarded as one of the league’s top scorers.

Lillard's Semifinal Heroics

Damian Lillard, known for his clutch gene, delivered in the tournament’s semifinal. Shaq’s OGs faced off against Candace's Rising Stars in a competitive matchup that saw the lead change multiple times. Lillard drilled a game-winning three-pointer to secure his team’s spot in the final with a 42-35 victory. His ability to thrive in critical moments once again cemented his status as one of the NBA’s best under pressure.

Memorable Highlights from the Tournament

The All-Star Game is always a platform for basketball’s biggest stars to showcase their skills, and this year was no exception. Fans were treated to a series of thrilling plays and unforgettable moments that added to the weekend's excitement:

  • Curry's Half-Court Shot: His iconic three-pointer from the halfway line in the championship game was one for the history books.
  • Tatum’s Balanced Performance: Scoring efficiently from all parts of the court, Tatum left defenders scrambling in the final.
  • Lillard’s Game-Winner: His deep three-pointer in the semifinal had everyone talking about "Dame Time."

The new format also injected more energy into each game. Teams played with more urgency, and the absence of a game clock kept the matchups suspenseful and engaging throughout.

Fan-Centric Experiences at Pier 48

Although the action on the court was the highlight, the NBA also went all out to enhance the weekend for fans. Pier 48 hosted a range of activities and events that provided memorable experiences for visitors of all ages.

Mascot Breakfast and Arcade Fun

Younger fans got a chance to interact with beloved NBA mascots like Slamson, Hugo, and Clutch the Bear at the Mascot Breakfast. From dribbling competitions to mascot dance-offs, it was a lighthearted start to the day. Nearby, the NBA Champions Club offered fans a chance to test their skills at arcade games like Pop-A-Shot and NBA 2K while mingling with legends such as Tim Hardaway and Mitch Richmond.

Exclusive Access and Q&As

Lunch with NBA greats Gary Payton and Muggsy Bogues was another weekend highlight. Fans in attendance enjoyed candid Q&A sessions where the legends shared stories about their time in the league, often filled with humor and inspiration. Hosted by Ahmad Rashad, the event brought basketball enthusiasts closer to the game’s history.

Premium Experiences at Chase Center

At the Chase Center, fans were welcomed with premium amenities and once-in-a-lifetime opportunities to engage with the All-Star Game environment.

On-Court Photo Sessions

A lucky group of fans had the chance to step onto the very same hardwood where All-Star magic unfolded. This bucket-list experience was made even more special as retired stars like Chris Mullin and Jason Richardson joined for photo opportunities.

Practice with Joakim Noah

Joakim Noah hosted a unique shootaround session for fans on the Golden State Warriors’ practice court. Participants got direct tips from the two-time All-Star and felt what it was like to be an NBA player, even for just a day.

Why 2025 Was One for the Books

The 2025 NBA All-Star Weekend breathed new life into the event, offering a festival-like atmosphere while delivering competitive basketball. The mini-tournament format was an exciting departure from the traditional game, encouraging tighter defense and livelier competition. The combination of fan interaction, engaging gameplay, and star performances, particularly Curry’s MVP run, created an unforgettable experience for everyone involved.

With the bar raised high, all eyes are on Los Angeles, which is set to host the 2026 All-Star Weekend. The success of this year’s tournament will undoubtedly influence future events, and fans can expect even more creativity and innovation. Until then, basketball enthusiasts will cherish their memories of San Francisco, from Curry’s breathtaking half-court shot to Tatum’s impressive dominance in the final.