INGLEWOOD, CA – The 2026 NBA All-Star Game is underway, featuring a revamped format with three teams – USA Stars, USA Stripes, and Team World – competing in a round-robin tournament. Toronto Raptors fans have multiple reasons to tune in, with Scottie Barnes and Brandon Ingram suiting up for the USA teams, and Raptors head coach Darko Rajakovic leading Team World. The latest structure, designed to inject more competitiveness into the exhibition game, has already delivered some exciting moments, including a game-winning shot from De’Aaron Fox of Team Stripes.
The shift from the traditional East vs. West format follows a largely unsuccessful attempt at a four-team tournament last year, according to reports. This year’s iteration aims to create higher stakes with the USA versus the World dynamic. Each game in the tournament is a quick 12-minute affair, culminating in a championship game between the top two teams. The selection process involved a mix of fan, media, and player votes for starters, with coaches selecting the reserves, though adjustments were made by Adam Silver to balance the rosters.
The action kicked off with a thrilling contest between USA Stars and Team World, ultimately decided by a buzzer-beater from Scottie Barnes. Barnes finished with an impressive stat line of 3 points, 5 rebounds, 2 assists, one steal, and one block. The game went to overtime tied at 32-32, with the first team to five points claiming victory. Barnes’ clutch shot secured the win for the USA Stars. Earlier in the game, Barnes also showcased his defensive prowess with a key block on Canadian Jamal Murray, demonstrating his all-around impact.
Game Highlights and Key Performances
De’Aaron Fox of Team Stripes followed up Barnes’ heroics with a game-winning three-pointer of his own, securing a victory for his team. Prior to Fox’s winning shot, the USA Stripes held a 19-15 lead five minutes into the game. Throughout the first matchup, Barnes and Ingram faced off, with Ingram reportedly being “locked up” defensively by Cade Cunningham on multiple possessions. Barnes also ran a baseline dribble handoff with Cunningham, resulting in a three-point attempt.
Team World, coached by Rajakovic, mounted a 14-2 run fueled by Karl-Anthony Towns’ deep three-point shooting. Victor Wembanyama also made an immediate impact for Team World, scoring all seven of his team’s initial points. Scottie Barnes checked into the game for the USA Stars and contributed a rebound, while also demonstrating his defensive capabilities.
Roster Breakdown and Notable Absences
The USA Stars roster includes Barnes, alongside Devin Booker, Cade Cunningham, Jalen Duren, Anthony Edwards, Chet Holmgren, Jalen Johnson, and Tyrese Maxey, coached by J.B. Bickerstaff. The USA Stripes features Ingram, Jaylen Brown, Jalen Brunson, the injured Stephen Curry, Kevin Durant, De’Aaron Fox, LeBron James, Kawhi Leonard, and Donovan Mitchell, under the guidance of Mitch Johnson. Team World boasts Giannis Antetokounmpo (injured), Deni Avdija, Luka Dončić, Shai Gilgeous-Alexander (injured), Nikola Jokić, Jamal Murray, Norman Powell, Alperen Şengün, Pascal Siakam, Karl-Anthony Towns, and Victor Wembanyama.
Several key players are sidelined due to injury, including Stephen Curry for Team Stripes, Giannis Antetokounmpo and Shai Gilgeous-Alexander for Team World. De’Aaron Fox was initially selected as an injury replacement for Antetokounmpo but will play for Team Stripes due to Curry’s injury, highlighting the complexities of the roster adjustments this year. Alperen Şengün was chosen as an injury replacement for Shai Gilgeous-Alexander on Team World, as reported by Fansided.
What’s Next in the All-Star Tournament
Following the USA Stripes’ victory, the next matchup will pit Team Stripes against Team World. The tournament schedule continues with USA Stripes facing the loser of the first game, and a championship game between the top two teams. Raptors fans will be closely watching both Barnes and Ingram as they compete throughout the tournament, and will undoubtedly be cheering on Coach Darko as he leads Team World.
The 2026 NBA All-Star Game format represents a significant change to the traditional event, and the early games have already provided exciting moments. The remainder of the tournament promises to deliver more competitive basketball and showcase the league’s brightest stars. Share your thoughts on the new format and the Raptors’ representation in the comments below!
