The 2025 NBA All-Star Weekend had everything—from flashy dunks and buzzer beaters to a few head-scratching moments. Whether you were in the arena or watching from the couch, it was hard to look away. Let’s break down who came out on top, who didn’t, and how a group of students in San Francisco got the best lesson of all during “Shooting for Peace.”
Who Stole the Spotlight
Shaq’s OGs
Team Shaq’s OGs, featuring Stephen Curry, Kevin Durant, and Jayson Tatum, looked like they were out there just having fun—but don’t let that fool you. These guys put on a clinic. Their chemistry was on point, and they pulled off the win in the All-Star Game like it was second nature.
Stephon Castle
Castle made his name known. Not only did he grab MVP honors in the Rising Stars Challenge, but he also had some serious bounce in the dunk contest. This weekend felt like a launchpad for him.
Victor Wembanyama
Wemby showed everyone why the hype is real. He didn’t just show up—he showed out. His defensive instincts and hunger to win really stood out. The future of the league is in good hands.
Chris Paul
Still got it. CP3 took the Skills Challenge seriously, and you could see younger players feeding off his energy. He was like the big brother everyone listened to.
Who Missed the Mark
LeBron and Ant-Man
Fans were hoping to see LeBron James and Anthony Edwards lace up, but both sat out due to injuries. Tough break for the weekend energy and the teams they were supposed to lead.
Too Many Props, Not Enough Dunks
The dunk contest got too caught up in showbiz. Mac McClung leaned heavy on props, and while some were cool, it felt like the actual dunks took a backseat. Sometimes, less is more.
The Skills Challenge That Nobody Remembered
Honestly, if you blinked, you probably missed it. The Kia Skills Challenge didn’t leave much of an impact this year. It’s time to rethink that format or bring something fresh.
That Awkward Game Format
The All-Star Game format didn’t land well this year. Between the long breaks and what looked like low effort on defense, fans were calling for changes before the final buzzer even sounded.
Shooting for Peace Hits the Court—and the Heart
Before the All-Star hype even kicked off, something powerful happened in San Francisco. The “Shooting for Peace” initiative teamed up with NBA legends and financial experts to visit Thurgood Marshall High School. The goal? Help students get ahead in life, both mentally and financially.
A Conversation That Mattered
Jerome “Junkyard” Williams kicked things off with a real talk session with members of the school’s Black Student Union. They covered the kind of stuff you don’t always learn in class—money habits, handling stress, and staying mentally strong.
From Questions to Knowledge
After the fireside chat, students got to sit in on a Q&A with NBA legends and financial experts. You could feel the curiosity in the room. These kids were soaking it up, asking the kind of questions that showed they’re already thinking about their futures.
A Game to Remember
Then came the real fun—a students vs. staff basketball game with a few legends joining in. It wasn’t just about who won. It was about everyone coming together, having a good time, and celebrating the power of sports to bring people closer.
More Than Just a Program
Shooting for Peace isn’t a one-off thing. It’s part of a bigger movement that combines basketball with life lessons that stick. These kids walked away with more than autographs—they left inspired, motivated, and ready to chase their dreams with a clearer vision of what success really looks like.
Follow the Movement
If you want to see highlights or learn more about how Shooting for Peace is changing lives, check out:
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Jerome “Junkyard Dog” Williams – @junkyarddogjw
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Shooting for Peace – @legendshootingforpeace
Final Thoughts (Without Saying ‘Final Thoughts’)
From half-court buzzer beaters to life-changing conversations in a high school gym, the 2025 NBA All-Star Weekend had its moments. Some players leveled up, some events missed the mark—but the biggest win of all may have come from a room full of students learning how to shoot for something greater than just a basket.
Author
Bryan B