NBA All-Star Weekend Delivers Spectacular Performances in San Francisco

The 2026 NBA All-Star Weekend concluded on a high note in San Francisco, delivering three days of basketball excellence that reminded fans why this event remains one of the premier showcases in professional sports.

Friday night set the tone with the Rising Stars Challenge, where rookie sensation Victor Wembanyama led Team G League to a thrilling 155-148 victory over the NBA rookies and sophomores. The 7-foot-4 French phenom recorded 28 points, 12 rebounds, and 6 blocks in a performance that had the Chase Center crowd on its feet throughout the evening.

Saturday brought the traditional skills competitions, highlighted by Damian Lillard successfully defending his Three-Point Contest crown with a finals round score of 31 points. The Portland Trail Blazers guard sank his final money ball to edge out Boston Celtics sharpshooter Jayson Tatum by a single point, capping off one of the most competitive shooting displays in recent memory.

The Slam Dunk Contest saw Miami Heat forward Bam Adebayo claim his first title with a spectacular windmill dunk over a drone, earning perfect 50s from all five judges. The creative use of technology added a modern twist to the classic competition, drawing praise from both fans and fellow players.

Sunday's main event lived up to expectations as Team LeBron defeated Team Giannis 184-175 in a game that featured 14 lead changes and multiple highlight-reel plays. Los Angeles Lakers superstar LeBron James, playing in his 20th All-Star Game, recorded 25 points and 11 assists to earn MVP honors for the fourth time in his career.

Boston Celtics guard Jaylen Brown provided the game's most memorable moment with a coast-to-coast drive that culminated in a thunderous dunk over Milwaukee Bucks forward Giannis Antetokounmpo, sending the crowd into a frenzy and cementing his place among the weekend's standout performers.

The economic impact on the Bay Area was substantial, with local officials estimating over $200 million in revenue generated from the three-day event. Hotels, restaurants, and local businesses all reported record numbers, underscoring the All-Star Weekend's significance beyond just basketball.