Why did new NBA All-Star Game format work? Victor Wembanyama 'sets tone' and players 'step up'

CBS Sports ^ | February 15, 2026 | Cameron Salerno

[WhiteHatBobby0701]

After the first contest of the 2026 NBA All-Star Game -- which featured a brand new format with two USA teams and one World team -- ended, Timberwolves star Anthony Edwards was asked by the NBC broadcast about wanting the ball on the first possession of overtime. Edwards didn't directly answer the question, but his response was telling.

Edwards admitted that Victor Wembanyama "set the tone," and it was hard not to match his energy. It was a stark contrast to Edwards' comments on the eve of the NBA All-Star Game, when he directly said "no" when asked if the intensity from the Olympics in 2024 could carry over to this format.

Edwards had every reason -- like most NBA fans in attendance and watching at home -- to be skeptical. After all, there have been more lowlights from the actual All-Star Game itself than highlights in recent years. It's clear the players agree the format was a success, and NBA commissioner Adam Silver should be hand-delivering thank-you notes to Wembanyama for helping make it happen.

"He set the tone," Edwards said postgame about Wembanyama. "It was definitely competitive with all three teams. I feel like the old heads played hard, too. They were playing real good defense. But yeah, he set the tone, man. It woke me up for sure."

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TOPICS: Sports
KEYWORDS: allstar; format; nba

[WhiteHatBobby0701]

The idea is good, but I'd change it up further.

FIBA Americas Conference: * Team North America (US, Canada, Mexico) * Team Caribbean/Central/South America (south of Mexico and anything in the Caribbean)

East of Meridian to Date Line: * Team EMEA (Europe, Middle East, Africa) * Team Asia/Oceania (FIBA designates Australia as part of Asia, Oceania is New Zealand and the islands; U. S. Territories may be designated Oceania per FIBA rules)

Four Nations in the NHL changed up how all-star events are made.

One single "world" team is not as good as splitting EMEA and Asia.

[MrRelevant]

Didnt even know it was this weekend…. Mission accomplished

[AnotherUnixGeek]

Nick Wright suggested something that will never be taken up but could actually work these days, thanks to the influx of quality Euro players - black players vs. white players.

[chajin]

円盤山
Every time I hear Wembanyama, my years in Japan kick in and I think it’s a Japanese name, so I finally figured out how to write it in kanji (Sino-Japanese characters). Not that I ever listen to NBA games, though I’m enjoying the Olympic hockey.