Cleveland Cavs’ All-Star forward Evan Mobley and his head coach Kenny Atkinson, who coached Shaq’s OGs, approved the NBA’s new All-Star format, while All-Star guard Darius Garland didn’t share the same view. He wasn’t the only one. The new All-Star format was tough for Cavs’ Donovan Mitchell, as Cleveland was the only team to send three players to the star-studded event, which for its head coach was enjoyable.
Atkinson revealed his take on the NBA’s new tournament-style format for this year’s All-Star Game, per ESPN’s Tim Bontemps.
“I liked it,” Atkinson said. “It’s much better. It wasn’t a layup drill.”
For Evan Mobley, it was his first All-Star Game.
“Honestly, it was pretty fun out there,” Mobley said. “I feel like it was a little more competitive. I feel like if the game was a little closer, it would probably be even more competitive, but it was a different game. But I feel like as it keeps going, I think it’s going to be a good thing for the league.”
However, Garland, who played in his second All-Star Game, prefers the traditional format.
“But who am I to say?” Garland said with a laugh. “I’m a two-time All-Star, so I ain’t got no say in that.”
Darius Garland, sharing his opinion with Miami Heat’s first-time All-Star, Tyler Herro, says it felt like the game was almost over before it even started. After playing in his first All-Star Game, he would also prefer the NBA’s old format.
Donovan Mitchell’s ‘tough’ admission about 2025 All-Star Game
Kyle Terada-Imagn Images
Cavs All-Star Donovan Mitchell was one of three Cavs players in the 2025 All-Star Game. Along with Cavs head coach Kenny Atkinson, the top team in the Eastern Conference was well-represented. However, due to the new All-Star Game format, Mitchell found it tough to find his offensive rhythm.
He explained why this year’s All-Star Game was challenging, especially after the 25-minute break, per Duane Rankin’s X, formerly Twitter.
“It was tough, and I didn’t even make a shot,” Mitchell told reporters after the game. “It was definitely tough. But I applaud the league for trying to find ways to do different things with the fans and make it enjoyable. They’ll figure something out. Maybe East/West. But I definitely think this was tough.”
Shaq’s OGs topped Chuck’s Global Stars 41-25. Mitchell played for the Global Stars and finished with three rebounds and two assists. Spurs center Victor Wembanyama led the team with 11 points and three rebounds, and Warriors’ Stephen Curry finished with 12 points, four rebounds, and one assist. He was crowned MVP.
