Kevin Durant Defends NBA All-Star Game Amid Criticism

Rockets star says event is about celebrating basketball, not playoff-level intensity

Published on Feb. 15, 2026

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Houston Rockets superstar Kevin Durant pushed back against criticism of the NBA All-Star Game, saying fans and media focus too much on competitiveness. He emphasized that All-Star Weekend is about celebrating basketball and bringing the league together, not playoff-level intensity.

Why it matters

The NBA has experimented with various format changes over the years to try to spark more intensity in the All-Star Game, but the debate about effort level and defense in the exhibition game continues every season. Durant's comments provide a player's perspective on the purpose and significance of the All-Star Weekend.

The details

Durant made it clear he believes the criticism of the All-Star Game's competitiveness is overblown. "I just feel like fans and media need something to complain about, and the All-Star Game don't make them feel like it made them feel back when they were kids, so they need something to complain about," the 37-year-old said. He views the All-Star Weekend as a celebration of the sport, not a platform for who plays the hardest or locks in defensively.

  • The 2026 NBA All-Star Game took place on February 15, 2026.

The players

Kevin Durant

A 37-year-old superstar player for the Houston Rockets.

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What they’re saying

“I just feel like fans and media need something to complain about, and the All-Star Game don't make them feel like it made them feel back when they were kids, so they need something to complain about.”

— Kevin Durant, Houston Rockets Superstar (The Athletic)

“People at home complaining about the game and the intensity of it, I don't think we'll ever get past that. I just think it's way bigger than that this weekend. We can talk about who plays harder, the U.S. team vs. the World team, all that stuff doesn't matter. I just really feel like this is a great weekend, and it brings so many people together and helps push the game forward.”

— Kevin Durant, Houston Rockets Superstar (The Athletic)

The takeaway

Durant's perspective highlights how the NBA All-Star Game has evolved from a highly competitive exhibition to more of a celebratory event focused on bringing the league together and promoting the sport of basketball. While some fans may long for the intensity of past All-Star Games, Durant believes the current format serves an important purpose in honoring the game and its players.