Victor Wembanyama Brings Energy to NBA All-Star Game

The French phenom's intensity from the opening tip set the tone for the new All-Star format.

Published on Feb. 16, 2026

Victor Wembanyama brought energy and intensity from the opening tip of the NBA All-Star Game, and it proved contagious. The French phenom's dynamic play helped set the tone for the new format of the annual showcase event.

Why it matters

Wembanyama is one of the most highly touted prospects in recent NBA history, and his participation in the All-Star Game generated significant interest and excitement. The league has also revamped the format of the All-Star Game in recent years to make it more competitive and engaging for fans.

The details

Wembanyama, the 7'4" center who is expected to be the top overall pick in the 2023 NBA Draft, made an immediate impact in the All-Star Game with his aggressive play and highlight-reel dunks. His energy and intensity seemed to inspire his teammates and raise the level of competition on the court.

  • The 2026 NBA All-Star Game took place on February 16, 2026 in Inglewood, California.

The players

Victor Wembanyama

A 7'4" French center who is considered one of the top NBA prospects in recent history.

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What they’re saying

“Victor Wembanyama's energy and intensity from the opening tip really set the tone for the whole game. It was contagious and made the All-Star Game much more competitive and exciting to watch.”

— Beth Harris, Sports Writer (nhregister.com)

The takeaway

Wembanyama's dynamic performance in the 2026 NBA All-Star Game showcased his immense talent and potential, and helped generate even more hype and anticipation around his highly anticipated NBA debut later this year.