All-Star Weekend: A Blend of Celebration and Criticism in the NBA
The NBA All-Star Weekend is often hailed as the bonus level of the season. However, it’s a time when the league’s most vocal critics become even more prominent. In the Bay Area, while some enjoyed the festivities, the dissatisfaction was louder.
I think it’s more fun to complain about the nba than to actually watch it. Crazy, cancel all star weekend and let’s just give everybody a break since we’re so miserable around this time…
— Kevin Durant (@KDTrey5) February 17,2025
NBA Commissioner Adam Silver acknowledged the constant calls for reform might be validation of problems that don’t require fixing. Instead of overhauling aspects of the game, he stated, “I am happy with the state of the game right now.” This weekend was an opportunity for the league to reflect through its All-Star events.
Power Ranking Adjustments Post-All-Star Weekend
For this edition of Power Rankings, the focus is on the All-Star break. Every team was represented, with this celebration also serving as an opportunity to assess the standings. The rankings will feature five tiers:
- Top Contenders: These are the top five teams leading the league.
- In a Good Place: Ranging from one to several teams, these are on a positive trajectory.
- The Bubble: The middle tier, with teams navigating their positions.
- Not the Tier to Fear: Teams needing significant improvement.
- Basement Floor: The bottom of the standings.
Tier 1: Top Contenders
1. Oklahoma City Thunder (44-10)
The Thunder maintained their top spot last week, losing to Minnesota but winning against Miami. Their defensive prowess is unparalleled, leading the league. During All-Star Weekend, Shai Gilgeous-Alexander showcased his defensive capabilities during a block attempt in the All-Star semifinal.
2. Cleveland Cavaliers (44-10)
Staying at the second position, the Cavaliers dominated Toronto and continued their strong offensive output, leading the league. All three All-Stars, Darius Garland, Donovan Mitchell, and Evan Mobley, participated in All-Star Saturday Night, with Garland making the 3-point shootout final.
3. Boston Celtics (39-16)
Rounding out the top three, the Celtics beat San Antonio. Stephen Curry was crowned the MVP of the All-Star Game, while Jayson Tatum set a remarkable 55-point record.
4. New York Knicks (36-18)
The Knicks gained ground, winning against Indiana and Atlanta. Jalen Brunson faced a tough competitor, Karl-Anthony Towns, in the 3-point contest during All-Star Saturday Night, but Towns emerged victorious.
5. Memphis Grizzlies (36-18)
Hard on the heels of the Knicks, the Grizzlies lost to Los Angeles Lakers but had a standout performance by Jaren Jackson Jr. in the Rising Stars Challenge.
Tier 2: In a Good Place
6. Denver Nuggets (36-19)
The Nuggets continued their impressive winning streak with a victory against Portland. Nikola Jokić showcased his all-around game, averaging a 30-point triple-double in these games.
7. Houston Rockets (34-21)
The Rockets won against Phoenix but dropped a game to Golden State. Amen Thompson highlighted his skills in the G League Up Next game and Alperen Şengün made a brief entry in the standings despite health concerns.
8. Los Angeles Lakers (32-20)
Los Angeles slumped with a loss to Utah. LeBron James pulled out of the All-Star Game due to ankle and foot discomfort, increasing speculation about his next move.
9. Indiana Pacers (30-23)
The Pacers maintained their ranking, losing to New York but securing a win over Washington. Pascal Siakam’s participation in the Rising Stars Challenge was cut short.
10. Los Angeles Clippers (31-23)
The Clippers demonstrated consistency with victories over Memphis and Utah. Norman Powell earned a spot in the 3-point contest, while James Harden’s attendance underscored his commitment to the team.
11. Milwaukee Bucks (29-24)
Giannis Antetokounmpo missed the All-Star Game due to his children playing with his phone. Despite this, Damian Lillard had a memorable performance, hitting a game-winning shot in the semifinals.
12. Detroit Pistons (29-26)
The Pistons made strides with wins against Chicago and continued their winning streak. Cade Cunningham made his All-Star debut, and Ausar Thompson’s struggles on the free-throw line were a stark contrast.
Tier 3: The Bubble
13. Minnesota Timberwolves (31-25)
The Timberwolves lost to Milwaukee but won against Oklahoma City. Anthony Edwards’ absence was surprising considering his fitness record this season.
14. Sacramento Kings (28-27)
The Kings stayed aloof from All-Star events, despite being just a few games away from playoff contention. Oscar Robertson’s esteemed presence was noticeable, criticizing Draymond Green’s commentary.
15. Dallas Mavericks (30-26)
The Mavericks needed Kyrie Irving’s contributions significantly with Anthony Davis still out indefinitely. His performance alongside Buddy Hield gave hope.
16. Golden State Warriors (28-27)
Stephen Curry led Golden State to a significant victory, becoming the first player in eight years to win All-Star MVP when representing the host team. The Warriors showed prowess in various events.
Tier 4: Not the Tier to Fear
17. Atlanta Hawks (26-29)
The Hawks lost to New York, and Trae Young participated in the All-Star Game. Zaccharie Risacher had a disappointing All-Star Weekend debut.
18. Orlando Magic (27-29)
The Magic retained their spot with a win against Charlotte. Mac McClung’s hilarious dunk attempts and fourth-place finish in the slam dunk contest were highlights.
19. Miami Heat (25-28)
The Heat lost against Oklahoma City and Dallas, with Tyler Herro making his All-Star debut and adding another accomplishment to his 3-point contest victories.
20. San Antonio Spurs (23-29)
The Spurs lost to Boston. Chris Paul’s mischievous attempts and Victor Wembanyama’s antics in the skills challenge provided entertaining moments.
21. Phoenix Suns (26-28)
The Suns lost games against Memphis and Houston. Kevin Durant was highly competitive in the All-Star semifinals, expressing dissatisfaction with officiating.
22. Brooklyn Nets (20-34)
The Nets won against Philadelphia, extending their win streak. Cameron Johnson’s appearance in the 3-point contest was a highlight.
23. Philadelphia 76ers (20-34)
Joel Embiid’s absence and Tyrese Maxey’s drop in effectiveness impacted Philadelphia’s All-Star selection process. Jared McCain’s selection was marred by his unfortunate injury.
24. Chicago Bulls (22-33)
Chicago suffered consecutive losses against Detroit. Matas Buzelis’s participation in All-Star events was noteworthy.
25. Portland Trail Blazers (23-32)
The Blazers lost against Denver. Julian Strawther’s Rising Stars performance was celebrated.
Tier 5: Basement Floor
26. Toronto Raptors (17-38)
The Raptors lost to Cleveland after a win against Philadelphia. Gradey Dick’s performance in the Rising Stars Challenge was Commended.
27. Charlotte Hornets (13-39)
The Hornets lost to Orlando. Brandon Miller’s selection to the Rising Stars team despite his injury added another layer to the weekend’s events.
28. Utah Jazz (13-41)
The Jazz lost to Houston after winning against Los Angeles. Keyonte George’s participation in the Rising Stars Challenge was a standout.
29. New Orleans Pelicans (13-42)
The Pelicans lost to Sacramento after winning their previous game. Yves Missi’s knee injury cost him participation in All-Star events.
30. Washington Wizards (9-45)
The Wizards lost against Indiana, facing yet another losing stretch. Bilal Coulibaly and Bub Carrington’s team was eliminated in the Rising Stars Challenge.
New York Knicks teammates Jalen Brunson and Karl Anthony-Towns were opponents during All-Star weekend. (Cary Edmondson / Imagn Images)
All-Star Moments to Remember
Throughout the weekend, several moments stood out:
- Stephen Curry: The MVP of the All-Star Game, leading the Golden State Warriors with a dominant showing.
- Jayson Tatum: Leading all scorers with an impressive 55-point game in the 2023 contest.
- Mac McClung: Achieving a perfect score at the slam dunk contest, providing a memorable performance.
- Karl