The 2025 NBA All-Star Weekend is in full swing in San Francisco, with the Golden State Warriors hosting the event for the first time in over two decades. Amidst the excitement, this year’s All-Star Game has taken a unique turn, featuring a mini-tournament with four teams, including three comprised of pre-drafted NBA All-Stars and Team Chris Mullin, the victor of the Rising Stars Challenge.
While the All-Star Game format has been revamped, All-Star Saturday Night remains a fan favorite, showcasing the Skills Challenge, 3-Point Contest, and Slam Dunk Contest. Although fans won’t witness a rematch between Stephen Curry and Sabrina Ionescu, there’s still plenty of anticipation surrounding the event.
### Skills Challenge
The Skills Challenge, a dynamic and fast-paced competition, has seen some changes this year. The format modifications include an increase in the number of teams from three to four and a decrease in the number of players on each team from three to two. The talented teams vying for the Skills Challenge title are as follows:
– Team Cavs: Donovan Mitchell and Evan Mobley
– Team Rooks: Zaccharie Risacher and Alex Sarr
– Team Spurs: Chris Paul and Victor Wembanyama
– Team Warriors: Draymond Green and Moses Moody
### 3-Point Contest
The iconic 3-Point Contest, a staple of the All-Star Weekend since 1986, remains a highlight of the event. This year’s contest will feature a familiar format with five racks spread around the arc, each containing five balls. Players will have 70 seconds to complete their shots, with the top three scorers advancing to the championship round.
The eight talented marksmen competing in the 3-Point Contest are:
– Jalen Brunson, New York Knicks
– Cade Cunningham, Detroit Pistons
– Darius Garland, Cleveland Cavaliers
– Tyler Herro, Miami Heat
– Buddy Hield, Golden State Warriors
– Cameron Johnson, Brooklyn Nets
– Damian Lillard, Milwaukee Bucks
– Norman Powell, Los Angeles Clippers
In particular, Damian Lillard aims to join the elite company of Larry Bird and Craig Hodges as the only players to secure three consecutive 3-Point Contest victories.
### Slam Dunk Contest
The Slam Dunk Contest, a fan-favorite event that has faced criticism in recent years, is expected to deliver high-flying excitement. The contest format remains similar to previous editions, with competitors showcasing their creativity and athleticism.
The talented group of dunkers competing in this year’s contest includes:
– Matas Buzelis, Chicago Bulls
– Stephon Castle, San Antonio Spurs
– Andre Jackson Jr., Milwaukee Bucks
– Mac McClung, Osceola Magic (G League)
Mac McClung, in particular, aims to make history by securing his third consecutive Slam Dunk Contest title. Notably, this year’s judges include basketball legends Baron Davis, Kevin Garnett, Tracy McGrady, Jason Richardson, and Jesser, a renowned basketball creator representing the fans. Fans will have a unique opportunity to submit scores for each dunk, with the average of all fan submissions contributing to the official score.
As the 2025 NBA All-Star Weekend unfolds, basketball enthusiasts anticipate thrilling performances from the league’s top athletes in the Skills Challenge, 3-Point Contest, and Slam Dunk Contest. Stay tuned for an unforgettable weekend of basketball excellence and entertainment.
