NBA All-Star highlights: from the All-Star fashion show to Kevin Hart's controversial tackle

 

If expectations are the root of frustration, then anyone who hoped the NBA All-Star Game—or the entire weekend, for that matter—to be anything more than a complete waste of time deserved to be disappointed. The event has been criticized for years for its lack of competitiveness and genuine excitement, and this year was no exception. The players don’t seem interested, the fans are losing interest, and even those of us who are paid to watch and analyze basketball struggle to find reasons to engage with it.

The All-Star Game itself was a perfect example of the event’s decline. The "presentation" on Sunday dragged on for nearly three hours, yet only about 30 minutes of actual basketball were played. The on-court action, despite a few brief flashes of effort, was as lackluster as expected. Ironically, the rest of the night was so painfully bad that viewers found themselves wishing for more of the underwhelming basketball.

Kevin Hart, who served as the on-court emcee, became a focal point of the night—but not for the right reasons. Known for his over-the-top humor, Hart’s performance was cringe-worthy, leaving many to wonder how he became such a prominent figure in entertainment. His presence highlighted the event’s larger issue: an attempt to manufacture excitement that simply wasn’t there.

The real irony lies in the fact that an event defined by the lack of effort from incredibly talented superstars was overshadowed by someone trying way too hard to entertain. The entire three-hour spectacle was a tough watch, leaving fans to question who the NBA All-Star Game is even for. While the answer is clearly money—sponsorships and TV deals drive the event—it’s hard to ignore how poor the product has become.

Thankfully, there were a few bright spots. Mac McClung’s performance in the Slam Dunk Contest on Saturday night gave fans something worth tuning in for. The Three-Point Contest, usually a fan favorite, fell flat this year, but McClung’s creativity and athleticism provided a much-needed highlight. Even Stephen Curry, who won the All-Star Game MVP, seemed to treat the game as a casual jog, with his half-court shot being one of the few memorable moments on Sunday. However, the most unforgettable shot came from a fan named Jaren, who hit a logo three-pointer to win $100,000—a moment that overshadowed much of the professional action.

The All-Star Game used to be special. There was a time when the best players in the world cared enough to compete, at least in the final quarter or during individual matchups. But those days are clearly gone. In the past, the event also offered fans a rare chance to see superstars they might not otherwise get to watch. Now, with League Pass and national broadcasts, fans can see their favorite players anytime. Watching Jayson Tatum or Donovan Mitchell launch threes during the All-Star Game feels no different than watching them on a random Tuesday night.

The truth is, no one really needs this weekend—not the fans, and certainly not the players. They deserve a break, and so do we. And for the love of all things holy, let’s give everyone a break from Kevin Hart.

Notable Moments Off the Court

While the basketball was underwhelming, the weekend wasn’t without its meaningful moments. Kevin Hart, despite his polarizing performance, managed to steal the spotlight as a non-player. Meanwhile, the NBA and its players made significant contributions off the court:

The NBA donated 

50,000 to student scholarships through the Damian Lillard program and another 50,000 to Boys & Girls Clubs of Oakland and San Francisco.

Mac McClung, the Slam Dunk Contest winner, donated the car he used during one of his dunks to a foundation in his hometown of Gate City, Virginia.

Jaren, the fan who won $100,000 with his logo three-pointer, plans to use the money for his education and to support his family.

In the end, the 2025 NBA All-Star Weekend was a mix of disappointment and fleeting highlights. While the event struggles to find its identity in the modern era, moments like McClung’s dunks and Jaren’s shot remind us why we still tune in—even if it’s just for a brief escape from the monotony.