Anthony Edwards earned the Kobe Bryant Trophy and became the Kia MVP by leading USA Stripes over USA Stars in the NBA All-Star Game 2026.
What we know about Monday night:
We’re still hyped after NBA All-Star Weekend! Led by Kia MVP Anthony Edwards, the USA Stripes defeated USA Stars 47-21 in the final after a tremendous night of action. Keshad Johnson won the AT&T Slam Dunk Contest, while Damian Lillard earned his third victory in the State Farm 3-Point Contest.
The NBA season resumes with 10 games on Thursday.
We’ve got a look at the Southeast Division, Edwards’ chances of following his All-Star success with a ring, classic All-Star moments, winners from this year’s contest and much more below for you. Check it out!
FEBRUARY 17 // 12:10 ET
Celebrating greatness
After Sunday night’s game, which included his game-clinching buzzer-beater, De’Aaron Fox told reporters he would get this framed.
That’s what the All-Star Game can do.
FEBRUARY 16 // 11:15 ET
Winning the All-Star and Finals MVP
Over the last five seasons, Giannis Antetokounmpo (2021), Stephen Curry (2022) and Shai Gilgeous-Alexander (2025) have won the All-Star Game and Finals MVP in the same campaign.
What would it take for Anthony Edwards to join that club?
The Timberwolves have gone to the Western Conference Finals in each of the last two seasons, falling to the Mavericks and Thunder.
The team’s net rating is +4.9 this year — good for seventh in the NBA, but lower than each of the last two seasons.
They don’t pass Phil Jackson’s test of having a top-10 offense and defense — the defense is currently 12th, just below that standard.
But they recently added guard Ayo Dosunmu to add some size and scoring punch in the backcourt, while Bones Hyland has largely supplanted the veteran Mike Conley.
Could more scoring help free up Edwards when it matters most?
He’s dropping a career high 29.3 ppg this season — tied for third-best in the NBA — while shooting a career-best 49.3% from the field.
His average dipped from 27.6 ppg to 25.3 ppg in last year’s Playoffs, including a 23.0 ppg mark against the Thunder, as he faced stiffer defensive competition.
Ant is 24 years old — older than Kobe Bryant when he won his first title, the same age as Dwyane Wade, younger than Michael Jordan.
Shai, his contemporary, has already got one; Jaylen Brown, his rival for the top current star from Atlanta, has one too.
With one more step forward, he could put his name amongst the true luminaries of the NBA.
He was already the best of the best Sunday night.
FEBRUARY 16 // 10:30 ET
Celtics-Lakers on Feb. 22
At 6:30 ET on NBC.
The all-time series stands at Celtics 168, Lakers 135.
It mattered 60 years ago, and it matters today.
Watch Bill Russell take that last drive to the rim for a dunk. Would still play today.
FEBRUARY 16 // 9:45 ET
The All-Star Game returns to Phoenix
The last time it was in the Valley of the Sun, Kobe Bryant and Shaquille O’Neal were reuniting and becoming co-MVPs.
David Stern was commissioner. Nate Rob and Dwight Howard were dueling in the dunk contest. Muhammad Ali was in the locker room, making a memory for all-time greats.
And LeBron James was soaring.
FEBRUARY 16 // 9:15 ET
Who will win the Southeast Division?
The Magic (28-25), Heat (29-27) and Hornets (26-29) are separated by just three games, stationed at 7 through 9 in the Eastern Conference standings.
As the season continues, this may become the tightest race in the NBA.
The Magic have just gotten healthy. Paolo Banchero missed 10 games in November and December; Franz Wagner has played in just over half of Orlando’s games this season; Jalen Suggs has been in-and-out of the lineup. How much will it matter? The Magic are 21-22 with Paolo and 16-12 with Franz.
This team is still looking for its best five. Who gets the ball in the clutch? What is their best pick-and-roll combination, and who spaces the floor?
Goga Bitazde has been their most consistent roll man. Interestingly, both he and Franz Wagner are scoring 1.5 points per possession as the roll man this season. Could Franz operating on the short roll open things up for Orlando?
The Heat have raced their way to competence all season. They’re the fastest team in the league, amassing 104.9 possessions per game and running a league-high 18.6 miles in each contest.
It’s been about getting downhill — they also lead the league with 61.3 drives per game.
Watch how they integrate Tyler Herro. He’s only played in 11 games, but he’s taken a team-high 16.5 FGA during them. If he can effectively spell All-Star Norman Powell, he’ll be a boost for Miami. If he messes with their successful offensive flow toward the rim, he could be a detriment.
The Hornets are having fun with it, taking 10 of their last 11. LaMelo Ball’s never had this much talent around him. Kon Knueppel’s made 183 3-pointers this season — second in the NBA — while Brandon Miller ascends as a shooter and scorer. Grant Williams is back healthy. Moussa Diabaté and Ryan Kalkbrenner have given them two cheap big men in the middle.
Coby White, former Mr. Basketball in North Carolina, could be a big addition in Charlotte. With White, they have more firepower than almost any other team in the league.
Can LaMelo shift to a Jason Kidd-style role, setting up his teammates and getting clutch buckets? If so, Charlotte would be my pick to win the division.
FEBRUARY 16 // 8:45 ET
The sheer smoothness of Damian Lillard
Every stroke is measured and precise.
Like a great putter, he can adjust his form — put more legs into it, tighten the wrist snap — as he feels his body fatigue.
There’s a reason he’s able to make the world around him adjust and settle into Dame Time.
FEBRUARY 16 // 8:15 ET
High-level competition
Enjoy the world’s best in slow motion. Poise and poetry with every shot.
Scottie Barnes’ game-winner in G1.
De’Aaron Fox’s game-winner in G2.
Kawhi Leonard’s game-winning shot in G3.
NBA All-Star 2026? EXCITING FINISHES 💥 pic.twitter.com/N6v9FPqGk1
— NBA (@NBA) February 16, 2026
FEBRUARY 16 // 7:30 ET
The confidence of a legend
“The hired assassin, with the sharp eye.”
Consider this moment of greatness. After missing back-to-back shots with his third 3-Point Contest on the line, Larry Bird took a quick breath with eight seconds left and got one to fall — 14 points, within striking distance.
He then slowed down again, set his shoulders and launched that trebuchet shot — 15.
With the contest on the line, he lined it up, fired and walked away with his finger in the air as the ball settled through the net — 17 points, defeating the underrated Dale Ellis.
“You have to concentrate a little bit more and take your time,” Bird told Craig Sager about regaining his rhythm.
When you’re in a pressure moment, consider Bird’s example.
Take a breath, remember your form and the work you put in, and let it fly with confidence.
FEBRUARY 16 // 7:00 ET
Winners from NBA All-Star 2026
Kawhi Leonard was one of the winners from the NBA All-Star Game, as he reasserted his superstar status on the global stage.
Anthony Edwards: Edwards hit big shot after big shot during the evening, responding to the tone set by Victor Wembanyama and challenges from veterans Kevin Durant and LeBron James. Edwards’ swagger and confidence were evident on the big stage.
Victor Wembanyama: Wemby said he wanted to make the All-Star Game competitive, and he certainly did. He scored the first 7 points for the World team and remained a constant presence throughout the night. The French superstar was eager to back up his words — that can only bode well for the future.
Kawhi Leonard: The Klaw stood up and declared his status as one of the best players in the world by scoring 31 points against World to lift USA Stars into the final game. Leonard crept onto the latest Kia MVP Ladder at No. 10 — if he brings this form into the second half of the season, he’ll rise.
Cade Cunningham: The Pistons star was tireless throughout the evening, finishing second in minutes played to Devin Booker and second in assists to Jamal Murray with 7. When the Stripes lagged, Cunningham was often there to pick up the pace.
LeBron James: The King still had it when the game demanded it. Not bad for 41.
VJ Edgecombe: The Sixers rookie showed a flair for the dramatic in the Castrol Rising Stars, scoring a series of clutch buckets. He’s been big-time all season — Philly has a good one on their hands.
Keshad Johnson: The Heat wing’s only played 257 NBA minutes. But he took home a memory for all-time after winning the AT&T Slam Dunk Contest. Watch him celebrate with his family.
FEBRUARY 16 // 6:30 ET
Jayson Tatum’s working his way back
Before Ant-man, Jayson Tatum was the last player to become All-Star Game MVP at age 24 or younger in 2023, as he scored 55 points on 22-of-31 shooting.
Tatum is recovering from an Achilles tear, with hopes of potentially returning this season.
Kevin Durant and Jalen Brunson spoke about his recovery during NBA All-Star Media Day, with Durant saying he expects JT to get back to All-Star form soon and Brunson calling him “a very dangerous player.”
Tatum will detail his recovery in a documentary airing between Sunday night NBA games on NBC in the coming weeks.
FEBRUARY 16 // 5:45 ET
A duel between young stars
Anthony Edwards (32 pts) and Victor Wembanyama (33 pts) went back-and-forth during the All-Star Game.
If you happened to miss it, check out the highlights.
WEMBY SET THE TONE.
ANT MATCHED HIS ENERGY.
These two young superstars helped make NBA All-Star 2026 an instant classic! pic.twitter.com/Z5RGB5LYzs
— NBA (@NBA) February 16, 2026
Wemby’s impact reminded me of Shaquille O’Neal, who made the first of his 15 All-Star appearances as a rookie in 1993.
FEBRUARY 16 // 5:30 ET
Have a fun night with the NBA
We’ll bring you winners from the NBA All-Star 2026, historic flashbacks and a look at the season ahead tonight, as we take a moment to breathe after an exciting weekend.
Tune in throughout the night for some entertainment and fun. We’ve got you, hardcore fans.