Victor Wembanyama's competitive spirit transforms NBA All-Star Game

The 7-foot-4 French phenom forced the world's best players to compete at a higher level

Published on Feb. 16, 2026

Got story updates? Submit your updates here. ›

The 2026 NBA All-Star Game was transformed by the competitive spirit and play of 22-year-old French star Victor Wembanyama. Wembanyama set the tone early with an emphatic dunk and continued to push his teammates and opponents to compete at a higher level throughout the game. His intensity and desire to win helped make the revised 'U.S. vs. World' format a success, with the first three games decided by a combined seven points and the first contest going to overtime.

Why it matters

The NBA All-Star Game has faced criticism in recent years for lacking competitive play, but Wembanyama's performance proved he can be the steward of competition that the event needs. His reputation for intense play preceded him, and he was able to motivate other stars like Anthony Edwards, Jamal Murray, and Kawhi Leonard to raise their games as well.

The details

Wembanyama swatted the opening tip and sprinted to the rim, sealing off Cade Cunningham and demanding the ball for a forceful dunk just six seconds into the game. He continued to play with a relentless competitive spirit, even getting visibly upset after a defensive rotation error led to the game-winning 3-pointer in overtime of the first contest. Wembanyama's intensity rubbed off on other stars, with Edwards scoring 32 points across three games, Murray dishing 8 assists, and Leonard erupting for 31 points in a single 12-minute quarter.

  • The 2026 NBA All-Star Game took place on February 15, 2026.
  • Wembanyama made his second All-Star appearance in his third NBA season.

The players

Victor Wembanyama

A 7-foot-4 French phenom who is one of the elite players in the world and is about to become a fixture in NBA All-Star Games.

Anthony Edwards

The eventual All-Star Most Valuable Player, who was 'woken up' by Wembanyama's competitive spirit.

Jamal Murray

The Nuggets guard who dished out 8 assists in two All-Star Game contests.

Kawhi Leonard

The Clippers star who erupted for a historic 31 points in a single 12-minute quarter of the All-Star Game.

Scottie Barnes

The Raptors forward who hit the game-winning 3-pointer in overtime of the first All-Star Game contest.

Got photos? Submit your photos here. ›

What they’re saying

“He set the tone, man, and it woke me up.”

— Anthony Edwards, Timberwolves guard (Yahoo Sports)

“We had already conceded a 3 when we should have stayed home. What we were saying was 'No 3s, no 3s,' because that's what they needed twice in the game. So it's disappointing.”

— Victor Wembanyama (Yahoo Sports)

What’s next

The NBA will look to build on the success of the 2026 All-Star Game format and Wembanyama's competitive spirit in future editions of the event.

The takeaway

Victor Wembanyama's relentless competitive drive and intensity transformed the 2026 NBA All-Star Game, forcing the world's best players to raise their level of play. His performance proved he can be the steward of competition the event needs to remain relevant and engaging for fans.