NBA All-Star Game 2024: U.S. Vs. World Format Debuts

Damian Lillard, Keshad Johnson shine in 3-Point and Dunk Contests

Feb. 15, 2026 at 7:55pm

Got story updates? Submit your updates here. ›

The 75th NBA All-Star Game featured a groundbreaking U.S. Vs. World format, showcasing a unique blend of talent and competition. Damian Lillard tied a record with his third 3-Point Contest victory, while Keshad Johnson of the Miami Heat won the Dunk Contest with his high-flying athleticism. The event also highlighted rising stars and provided a platform for players to connect with fans.

Why it matters

The new U.S. Vs. World format aimed to increase competitiveness and showcase the global reach of the NBA, marking a significant shift in the league's mid-season celebration. The standout performances of players like Lillard and Johnson also demonstrated the continued evolution and excitement of the All-Star Weekend events.

The details

The 75th NBA All-Star Game featured three teams - USA Stars, USA Stripes, and Team World - competing in a round-robin tournament. The USA Stars, comprised of younger American All-Stars, faced off against Team World, featuring international stars like Nikola Jokić and Victor Wembanyama. The USA Stripes, consisting of veteran American players like LeBron James and Kevin Durant, awaited the winners of the first matchup. In the 3-Point Contest, Damian Lillard tied Larry Bird and Craig Hodges with his third victory, while Keshad Johnson of the Miami Heat emerged victorious in the Dunk Contest with his high-flying athleticism.

  • The 75th NBA All-Star Game tipped off on February 15, 2026.
  • Damian Lillard won his third 3-Point Contest title on All-Star Saturday.
  • Keshad Johnson of the Miami Heat won the Dunk Contest on All-Star Saturday.

The players

Damian Lillard

An NBA player who tied Larry Bird and Craig Hodges for the most 3-Point Contest victories with his third win.

Keshad Johnson

A Miami Heat player who won the Dunk Contest with his high-flying athleticism and creative dunks.

Nikola Jokić

An international star who competed for Team World in the U.S. Vs. World format.

Victor Wembanyama

An international star who competed for Team World in the U.S. Vs. World format.

LeBron James

A veteran American player who competed for the USA Stripes team.

Kevin Durant

A veteran American player who competed for the USA Stripes team.

Got photos? Submit your photos here. ›

What they’re saying

“The new U.S. Vs. World format added a fresh layer of intrigue to the All-Star Game. It was exciting to see the global talent on display.”

— Nikola Jokić

“Winning the 3-Point Contest for the third time is a dream come true. I'm grateful to be in the company of legends like Larry Bird and Craig Hodges.”

— Damian Lillard

“The Dunk Contest was a chance to showcase my athleticism and creativity. I'm honored to be the champion this year.”

— Keshad Johnson

What’s next

The U.S. Vs. World format is expected to continue in future NBA All-Star Games, providing a new level of competition and showcasing the league's global reach.

The takeaway

The 2026 NBA All-Star Game marked a significant shift in the league's mid-season celebration, with the introduction of the U.S. Vs. World format. The standout performances of players like Damian Lillard and Keshad Johnson, along with the platform for players to connect with fans, demonstrated the continued evolution and excitement of the All-Star Weekend events.