Contrary to the discourse that always surrounds the NBA All-Star Weekend, I genuinely enjoyed the weekend, and even more so, the All-Star Game.
No, for real. All love here.
Although the Dunk Contest really is on its last legs. That was tough to watch.
Nonetheless, I'm keeping it all good vibes on this one as a fan. Just a quick Pondering 10 on my favorite things from the 2026 NBA All-Star Weekend.
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Big Knicks homer moment here. If you frequent these parts, you already know that. Watching the Captain go at KAT brought a moment of joy for all of us in Knicks fandom. Neither one came away with anything. I'm just glad they're in perfect health as we head toward the second half of the season with the Playoffs looming.
9. VJ Edgecomb Wins Rising Stars MVP
It's a tough admit for me. Because, I already enjoy Tyrese Maxey's game so much. Now, another 76er makes their way into my fandom inner circle. Yes, I enjoy watch VJ Edgecomb play...ugh, such a tough admit.
8. Knicks Win Shootout
More Knicks, baby! Besides the obvious of us taking it home, it was a joy to watch Allan Houston hoist up a few jumpers.
7. NBC Broadcast
It's been a growing narrative all year, especially as the NBA looks to change the constant negative discourse around the league (ahem...TNT Sports). So far this season, NBC has crushed it. And this weekend was the same.
6. Clutch Moments
Whether it was USA Stars guarding Wembanyama like it was the NBA Playoffs, Scottie Barnes knocking down a game-winning three, USA Stripes, swinging the ball unselfishly to find an open De'Aaron Fox for the win, or simply Wembanyama trying to carry The World team with a verocity (more on that in a bit), so many clutch moments made Sunday fun.
They played. That's all we ever asked.
5. Damian Lillard Returns
It felt like a WWE moment.
Lillard was back in Trailblazer black, white, and red. And he wins the 3-Point Contest as an inactive player for the season. Great to have Dame back.
4. Early Start Times
I'm old now. While I can't confirm, I'm confident both nights were at 5pm due to the Winter Olympics. I'm not mad at ya! Make it a 5pm start time, all the time. Please!
Those TNT broadcasts went well into the night...
3. Kawhi's Heater in Game 3
31 points. That was fun. So much fun to watch.
Kawhi Leonard's career is one of the most complex, ever.
2. Anthony Edwards
There is a lot of discourse about "who is next" with LeBron, KD, and Steph on their way out soon. If you're going to have that discussion, this man MUST be a part of that discourse.
He was a joy to watch tonight.
1. Victory Wembanyama
He clearly wanted to win. He played hard, and as Anthony Edwards mentioned in his MVP-speech, "Wemby set the tone".
Thank you, sir. Thank you for caring. Thank you for competing. Even without a win tonight, you were the biggest winner in making this concept not feel like a lost cause.