NBA All-Star Game 2023
This year’s NBA All-Star Game is set to feature an exciting lineup, once again bringing together basketball giants Stephen Curry, LeBron James, and Kevin Durant as they represent the United States against a World team. The league revealed its All-Star rosters on Tuesday, introducing a fresh format that pits U.S. players against their international counterparts, a change aimed at reigniting fan interest after last season’s mixed reception of the tournament-style event.
Event Details
Scheduled for February 15 at the Clippers’ home arena in Inglewood, California, the game coincides with the Milan Cortina Olympics, which will broadcast on NBC shortly thereafter. NBA Commissioner Adam Silver expressed hope that the patriotic theme would resonate with players and fans alike, enhancing the competitive spirit of the matchup that fans had been anticipating for years.
Roster Highlights
Among the notable developments, Kawhi Leonard of the Los Angeles Clippers has been included in the U.S. roster just before the official announcement, a move that likely influenced New York’s Karl-Anthony Towns to switch to the World team. Towns, who has represented the Dominican Republic internationally, was born in New Jersey and brings a unique identity to the World squad.
In a twist, Giannis Antetokounmpo of the Milwaukee Bucks is expected to miss the game due to injury, which has resulted in the World team having nine players instead of the usual eight, a requirement set by league officials for the new format. The U.S. divisions have been categorized by player age into two squads: USA Stripes for the veterans and USA Stars featuring the younger talent.
Full Rosters
USA Stripes: Jaylen Brown (Boston), Jalen Brunson (New York), Stephen Curry (Golden State), Kevin Durant (Houston), LeBron James (Los Angeles Lakers), Kawhi Leonard (Los Angeles Clippers), Donovan Mitchell (Cleveland), and Norman Powell (Miami). Coach: Mitch Johnson (San Antonio).
USA Stars: Scottie Barnes (Toronto), Devin Booker (Phoenix), Cade Cunningham (Detroit), Jalen Duren (Detroit), Anthony Edwards (Minnesota), Chet Holmgren (Oklahoma City), Jalen Johnson (Atlanta), Tyrese Maxey (Philadelphia). Coach: J.B. Bickerstaff (Detroit).
World: Giannis Antetokounmpo (Milwaukee), Deni Avdija (Portland), Luka Doncic (Los Angeles Lakers), Shai Gilgeous-Alexander (Oklahoma City), Nikola Jokic (Denver), Jamal Murray (Denver), Pascal Siakam (Indiana), Karl-Anthony Towns (New York), Victor Wembanyama (San Antonio). Coach: Darko Rajakovic (Toronto).
Game Format
The games will each last for 12 minutes and follow a round-robin structure to determine the ultimate champion. The schedule includes:
- Game 1: USA Stars versus World
- Game 2: USA Stripes versus the winner of Game 1
- Game 3: USA Stripes versus the loser of Game 1
- Game 4: Championship match between the top two teams.
In the event of a tiebreaker, the first criterion will be point differential across all games. Fans are in for an electrifying experience as these elite players take the court once again to battle it out for glory.
