HOUSTON — Kevin Durant dismissed concerns over how seriously the United States Stripes roster will approach Sunday’s NBA All-Star Game, instead challenging the World team’s commitment in the league’s first U.S.-versus-World round-robin tournament.
“You should ask the Europeans and the World team if they’re going to compete,” the 37-year-old Houston Rockets forward said Wednesday, laughing. “Look at Luka Doncic and Nikola Jokic in past All-Star Games. They’re out there lying on the floor and shooting from half court, but everyone questions the ‘old heads’ in America.”
Durant will line up with fellow veterans LeBron James, Kawhi Leonard and the injured Stephen Curry on a squad he jokingly labeled an “old head” team. The new format, announced last week, splits 25 players into three units for a round-robin event at the LA Clippers’ arena in Inglewood, California.
Commissioner Adam Silver has said the concept is designed to spark national pride and revive intensity in the midseason showcase. Durant, however, remains skeptical. “Who knows what’s going to happen? This format might change the game, but we’ll see,” he said.
San Antonio Spurs center Victor Wembanyama told reporters Tuesday he plans “maximum effort,” insisting he never steps on the court expecting to lose. When informed of the 7-foot-4 rookie’s pledge, Durant responded, “We’ll see. He said that last year, too, and people called it the worst All-Star Game they’d watched.”
The 2026 All-Star festivities tip off Sunday in Southern California, where the USA Stripes, USA Stars and World Stars are scheduled to meet in three 24-minute contests to determine an overall winner.
Source: ESPN
