When it comes to the NBA All-Star Game, Kevin Durant believes less is more — and he’s not holding back about his dislike for the newly announced format.
Speaking to the press recently, KD didn’t mince words when asked about the change. “I hate it. Absolutely hate it,” Durant said. “The All-Star Game format is changing, and all these formats, in my opinion, it’s terrible. We should just go back to East versus West and play a game.”
Durant isn’t alone in his frustration. Many fans and players have called for a return to the classic East vs. West rivalry, arguing that the game doesn’t need extra gimmicks to remain entertaining. However, Durant did acknowledge that the new approach might surprise him. “We’ll see how this works. You never know. I might be wrong.”
What’s Changing?
The NBA revealed that the 2025 All-Star Game will feature a knockout-style competition with four teams of eight players instead of the traditional two-team matchup. Here’s how it works:
- Four Teams, One Champion:
- Three teams will consist of the 24 players selected as All-Stars through fan voting.
- The fourth team will be made up of the winners of the Rising Stars Challenge.
- First-to-40 Games: Teams will face off in quick games where the first to score 40 points wins. The two winning teams will then advance to the championship game.
- Celebrity GMs:
TNT analysts Shaquille O’Neal, Kenny Smith, and Charles Barkley will draft players and act as general managers for three of the four All-Star teams. The Rising Stars team will be managed by Candace Parker.
This revamped format aims to add excitement and a new competitive edge to the All-Star festivities.
When and Where
The 2025 NBA All-Star Game is set for February 16 and promises to be a weekend filled with surprises, whether the new format sticks or flops.
While Durant’s strong reaction echoes the thoughts of many fans, only time will tell if the league’s bold experiment can win over its critics — including KD himself.
