Edwards and Wembanyama Set Competitive Tone in Revamped NBA All-Star Game

Anthony Edwards exploded for 32 points to capture MVP honors as the NBA's revamped All-Star Game format delivered the competitive intensity that had been missing from the league's midseason showcase in recent years.

The Minnesota Timberwolves guard credited two key factors for Sunday's improved product at the Intuit Dome in Inglewood: the new three-team format and Victor Wembanyama's infectious competitive spirit that set the tone for the entire event.

"Wembanyama set the tone, and it was definitely competitive with all three teams," Edwards said. "He set the tone, man. And it woke me up, for sure."

Rather than the traditional Eastern Conference versus Western Conference matchup that had devolved into a showcase of halfhearted offense, players were divided into three distinct groups: Team Stars, comprising young American standouts like Edwards; Team Stripes, featuring veteran American talent; and Team World, anchored by international stars including the towering San Antonio Spurs center Wembanyama.

Edwards dominated the competition with an efficient 13-of-22 shooting performance that included nine rebounds and three assists. He narrowly edged out Kawhi Leonard, who put together a strong MVP bid while playing in his home arena with the Los Angeles Clippers.

The format change appeared to accomplish exactly what NBA Commissioner Adam Silver and league officials had hoped for: restoring genuine competition to an event that had become criticized for its lack of defensive effort and game-like intensity. Players seemed genuinely invested in the outcome, with Wembanyama's early defensive energy and highlight-reel plays serving as a catalyst for increased effort across all three teams.

"The format's change" was one of the two primary reasons Edwards cited for the improved quality, along with Wembanyama's leadership. The young French phenom has quickly established himself as one of the league's most compelling personalities, and his approach to the All-Star Game reflected the same intensity he brings to regular season competition.

The three-team structure created multiple storylines and matchups throughout the evening, preventing the traditional East-West dynamic that often led to predictable rotations and lackadaisical play. Instead, players had to remain engaged as the format created shifting alliances and maintained competitive balance.

For Edwards, the MVP performance continues his ascension as one of the NBA's brightest young stars. The 22-year-old guard has emerged as the face of a Timberwolves franchise experiencing renewed success, and his All-Star Weekend dominance further solidified his status among the league's elite players.

The success of the new format could signal a permanent shift in how the NBA approaches its All-Star Game moving forward. If Sunday's competitive product becomes the new standard, it would represent a significant victory for league officials who have spent years trying to restore meaning to the midseason celebration.

Wembanyama's impact extended beyond just setting a competitive tone, as the 7-foot-4 center showcased the unique skill set that has made him one of the most captivating players in basketball. His combination of size, athleticism, and basketball IQ was on full display, providing fans with exactly the type of memorable moments that make All-Star Weekend special.