Houston Rockets forward Kevin Durant pushed back Saturday against the belief that past NBA All-Star Games were played with greater intensity. Speaking one day before making his 16th appearance in the exhibition, Durant said he has watched “the first quarter of every All-Star Game from the ’70s up until the late ’90s” and found no discernible difference in effort.
Television ratings have slid sharply—the 2025 game dropped 13% from 2024—but Durant argued players are being made scapegoats for declining interest. “Fans and media need something to complain about,” he said. “The All-Star Game, the All-Star Weekend, it’s here to celebrate the game of basketball.”
Kyrie Irving targets update after All-Star break
On a recent Twitch stream, Dallas Mavericks guard Kyrie Irving said he will share details about his ACL rehabilitation and a possible return this season once the All-Star break ends. The veteran guard, who underwent surgery earlier this season, called recovery “mentally, spiritually, [and] physically” challenging and admitted frustration at being unable to push himself to exhaustion during workouts.
Players propose tweaks to All-Star festivities
Grizzlies players surveyed by the Memphis Commercial Appeal suggested higher stakes and new events to revive All-Star Weekend interest. Ideas included recruiting top stars for the Slam Dunk Contest and adding a one-on-one tournament to Saturday’s schedule. Rookie guard Jahmai Mashack praised the newly introduced USA vs. World format, saying it could raise competitiveness if participants “treat it like a real game.”
NBPA adds two vice presidents
Memphis forward Santi Aldama and New Orleans Pelicans wing Trey Murphy III have been elected vice presidents to the National Basketball Players Association executive committee, the union announced.
Source: Hoops Rumors
