The NBA All-Star Game unveiled its revamped USA vs. World format in thrilling fashion as Team USA Stars dominated USA Stripes, 47-21, in the championship round Monday (Feb. 16, Manila time) at the Intuit Dome in Los Angeles.

Leading the charge was Minnesota standout Anthony Edwards, who earned All-Star MVP honors after tallying eight points in the title game and finishing with 32 total points across the four-game mini tournament.

New Format Delivers Intensity

The 2026 edition introduced a fast-paced setup featuring three teams — USA Stars (younger American All-Stars), USA Stripes (established American veterans), and Team World — competing in four 12-minute games. The first three contests followed a round-robin format before the top two teams advanced to the championship.

The opening three games were tightly contested:

• Game 1: USA Stars 37, Team World 35 (OT)

• Game 2: USA Stripes 42, USA Stars 40

• Game 3: USA Stripes 48, Team World 45 (Team World eliminated)

• Game 4 (Championship): USA Stars 47, USA Stripes 21

USA Stars edged Team World in overtime in the opener, highlighted by a clutch triple from Scottie Barnes. In Game 2, De'Aaron Fox buried a buzzer-beating three to lift USA Stripes over the younger squad.

Game 3 saw Kawhi Leonard put on a show in front of the Los Angeles crowd, erupting for 31 points — including 11 straight during a decisive stretch — to eliminate Team World. Spurs phenom Victor Wembanyama had a chance to force overtime but missed a potential tying three at the buzzer.

Stars Shine Bright in Finale

After falling short against the veterans in the elimination round, USA Stars flipped the script in the championship. Edwards spearheaded a dominant defensive effort that held USA Stripes to just 21 points in the final 12-minute showdown.

The high-flying guard credited Wembanyama for setting a competitive tone early in the tournament, but it was Edwards who ultimately stole the spotlight. With his explosive scoring and leadership, the 24-year-old capped off the night by hoisting the MVP trophy as the face of the league’s next generation.

The new format, marked by game-winning shots and playoff-like intensity, injected fresh energy into All-Star weekend — and if Monday’s action was any indication, the USA vs. World rivalry may be here to stay.