In the revamped NBA All-Star Game, Golden State Warriors’ Stephen Curry once again proved why he’s the game’s greatest shooter, and one of the most electrifying players. The sharpshooting guard was awarded the coveted Kobe Bryant Trophy as the All-Star MVP after leading Team OGs to a 41-25 victory over the Global Stars in a dramatic, first-to-40-point finale on Sunday.
With Team OGs already up 23-15 in the championship game, Curry delivered a jaw-dropping half-court shot that put his team ahead by double digits, sending the Chase Center crowd into a frenzy. The moment was a game-changer, and as the MVP race became more apparent, Curry’s teammates encouraged him to keep shooting, resulting in two more 3-pointers and a commanding 39-21 lead. Jayson Tatum sealed the victory with a dunk, capping off a 15-point performance and helping Team OGs clinch the win.
“It was one of those little flurries, just having fun,” Curry reflected on his 3-point barrage. “The half-court shot, I was going to take one at some point. [Nikola] Jokic was picking me up at half court, which was hilarious.”
In a game where standout performances can sometimes be overshadowed by the format, Curry’s explosive shooting and thrilling half-court shot became the defining moments of the contest. With no clear MVP until that pivotal sequence, Curry’s barrage of three-pointers ignited the crowd, showcasing his unparalleled range and skill.
This year’s All-Star Game format, which replaced the traditional team structure with a round-robin style competition, has been hailed as a step toward revitalizing the event after years of lackluster performances. The 12 Eastern and 12 Western Conference All-Stars were split into teams of eight, facing off against a fourth team made up of the winners of Friday’s Rising Stars game.
Curry, who received 12 of 14 MVP votes, earned his second career All-Star MVP. The first came in Cleveland in 2022 when he scored 50 points, including a remarkable 16-for-27 shooting from beyond the arc. Despite the new format making it difficult to pinpoint a standout player, Curry’s spectacular performance—and the electrifying crowd energy—made him an undeniable choice.
While Curry was a clear MVP candidate, others had strong showings throughout the weekend. Shai Gilgeous-Alexander was a top contender for the Global Stars, finishing with 12 points in the semifinals, and Damian Lillard, who led the OGs to a semifinal win, was another prominent figure in the MVP race. Lillard acknowledged the evolving nature of the MVP award, noting the changing dynamics of the format.
“Anytime you’re going to look at the MVP, you want to look at what jumped out,” Lillard said. “In this type of format, nobody is going to have 50 points… but you look at what jumps out, and when was the crowd the loudest? What jumped off the floor? And that’s probably who your MVP is going to be.”
Kyrie Irving, a member of Team OGs, also praised Curry for his pivotal role. “It’s easy to feed the hot guy,” Irving said. “Once he hit his first 3, basically every time we were looking for him. When he’s in his hometown and playing in front of his home crowd, we all know what that means as an NBA player, as his peer.”
Curry’s victory marks another milestone in his illustrious career, as he became the 15th player in NBA history to win the All-Star MVP more than once and the 17th to do so while the host city’s team was involved. Reflecting on the experience of hosting the All-Star Game in the Bay Area, Curry expressed his gratitude.
“The hosting experience was unbelievable,” Curry said. “This is an honor and a blessing to be able to celebrate and share this beautiful Bay Area that’s been a part of my life for the last 16 years… the basketball history and culture that’s here and the amazing fans.”
As the festivities wrapped up, the new format appeared to reinvigorate the All-Star Game, moving it closer to a competitive and entertaining showcase. Though many traditionalists did not like it at all. Either way, Curry’s performance, alongside the enthusiasm of the home crowd, will be remembered as a pivotal moment in the event’s evolution. We were reminded, that whenever the “Chef” is cooking, the meal will never disappoint.