For the first time ever, the NBA packed events that typically take place over two nights of All-Star Weekend into one night of action in Atlanta. Our analyst Kevin Pelton graded all the competitors in the skills challenge, 3-point and slam dunk contests as well as the main event, the 70th All-Star Game.
As a concession to the difficulty of maintaining a bubble to protect players amid the COVID-19 pandemic, the events typically held on Saturday night were held before Sunday's game and scaled back slightly with six participants each instead of the usual eight in the skills challenge and 3-point contest. The dunk contest was held during halftime with three competitors instead of the usual four.
The All-Star Game itself was played with the new "target score" format introduced in 2020 that injected more intensity for a thrilling conclusion.
In conjunction with the All-Star Game, the NBA will provide more than $3 million in support to fund scholarships at historically Black colleges and universities (HBCUs) through the Thurgood Marshall College Fund (TMCF), the United Negro College Fund (UNCF) and Direct Relief's Fund for Health Equity.
As always, competitors were graded on their performance, their effort level and their ability to bring creative flair to a night designed for fans watching at home.
All-Star Game
Team LeBron
Giannis Antetokounmpo
Milwaukee Bucks
Forward | Grade: A
Stats
35 PTS | 7 REB | 16-16 FG
Analysis
It was a perfect night for the deserving choice for the Kobe Bryant MVP award, who doubled Hal Greer's record of field goals without a miss in the All-Star Game by going 16-for-16 en route to a game-high 35 points. Naturally, most of Antetokounmpo's attempts were at the rim, including nine dunks, but he also put the shooting percentage on the line by stepping out to 3-point range for three makes. He hit one from the left corner, with TNT analyst Reggie Miller observing that Giannis "surprised himself on that," and then banked in a 3 after halftime to preserve perfection. As a result, Antetokounmpo can add an All-Star MVP trophy to the pair of MVPs he has won in the past two regular seasons.
Jaylen Brown
Boston Celtics
Guard | Grade: A-
Stats
22 PTS | 5 REB | 5-7 3-PT FG
Analysis
In his All-Star debut, Brown showed he belonged on the NBA's biggest individual stage, scoring 22 points on 8-of-12 shooting, including five 3-pointers. Most crucial was a 4-point play during the fourth quarter when he knocked down a 3 while getting pushed out of bounds by defender Zach LaVine. Getting in the All-Star spirit, Brown also completed an alley-oop to himself off the glass.
Stephen Curry
Golden State Warriors
Guard | Grade: A
Stats
28 PTS | 4 AST | 8-16 3-PT FG
Analysis
For a player of his ability, Curry's All-Star track record is decidedly mixed. In his past two All-Star appearances, Curry had shot a combined 10-of-37. But he brought it from the start Sunday, dominating the first half with six 3-pointers and 22 points. In particular, Curry showcased his deep-shooting ability, hitting an early 3 from the "A" in "Star" as part of the All-Star logo (officially listed at 33 feet) and a step-back officially from 34. That was just a prelude to Curry hitting from half court just before halftime. Not solely a shooter, Curry both assisted on and completed back-to-back alley-oops with Chris Paul. Per ESPN Stats & Information research, neither Curry nor Paul had ever completed an alley-oop dunk in a game before. (And, according to StatHead.com, Curry's last in-game dunk came over two years ago.)
Luka Doncic
Dallas Mavericks
Guard | Grade: B
Stats
8 PTS | 3 REB | 8 AST
Analysis
It was a relatively quiet night for Doncic, who was content to primarily play setup man. He handed out eight assists, most for any Team LeBron starter and more than he had field goal attempts (7). Doncic did throw down a relatively rare dunk and knocked down a 3 from the logo among his three field goals.
Paul George
LA Clippers
Guard | Grade: A-
Stats
17 PTS | 2 REB | 5-7 3-PT FG
Analysis
After scoring just two points in the first half, George got going from beyond the arc following halftime. He had 15 points, all on threes, in the second half.
Rudy Gobert
Utah Jazz
Center | Grade: B+
Stats
10 PTS | 7 REB | 1 AST
Analysis
The skills that have made Gobert a two-time Defensive Player of the Year don't really translate in an All-Star setting, though his ability to finish above-the-rim is valuable. Four of Gobert's five field goals were dunks with the other one a layup. Most impressive among them was a powerful two-hand finish in transition.
LeBron James
Los Angeles Lakers
Forward | Grade: B
Stats
4 PTS | 2 REB | 4 AST
Analysis
After missing the Lakers' final game before the All-Star break with left ankle soreness, James took it easy Sunday, playing less than 13 minutes total, with none coming after halftime. While he was out there, James delivered some highlights, including a reverse dunk in transition and a hard bounce pass alley-oop to Rudy Gobert. But his best work probably came putting his team together as GM. He was one of three players on Team LeBron with negative on-court plus-minus, meaning his teammates were plus-23 without him.
Nikola Jokic
Denver Nuggets
Center | Grade: B
Stats
6 PTS | 7 REB | 5 AST
Analysis
Happier to set up teammates than score himself, Jokic attempted just four shots but handed out five assists. Twice his unselfish extra passes set up Antetokounmpo at the rim. Jokic did get a little goofy by pulling out a running, circus hook shot that he couldn't bank in.
Damian Lillard
Portland Trail Blazers
Guard | Grade: A
Stats
32 PTS | 2 REB | 8-16 3-PT FG
Analysis
Turns out the All-Star Game has "Dame Time" too. Lillard capped his strongest All-Star performance by knocking down the 3-pointer that got Team LeBron to the target score of 170 points. Lillard wasn't shy, firing up 16 3-pointers, many of them from near half court. He made his second of two such attempts late in the first half, then started the second half in place of James. Lillard finished with eight triples and 32 points, second only to Antetokounmpo.
Chris Paul
Phoenix Suns
Guard | Grade: A
Stats
6 PTS | 8 REB | 16 AST
Analysis
Paul ran his All-Star career record to 8-2 with a vintage performance, handing out 16 assists to surpass Magic Johnson (127) as the all-time leader with 128 in All-Star play. Team LeBron pulled away in the second quarter with Paul on the court; his plus-26 plus-minus was the game's best. In addition to all the dimes, Paul delivered some memorable highlights by beating Mike Conley for an undersized jump ball to start the second quarter and running down former teammate James Harden from behind for a steal.
Domantas Sabonis
Indiana Pacers
Forward | Grade: C
Stats
2 PTS | 1 REB | 1 AST
Analysis
The All-Star format isn't an ideal setting for Sabonis. That was clear when he slowly backed down in the post before missing a turnaround shortly after checking in at the start of the second quarter. That was one of just two shot attempts for Sabonis, who also contributed a rebound and an assist.
Team Durant
Bradley Beal
Washington Wizards
Guard | Grade: A-
Stats
26 PTS | 4 AST | 6-12 3-PT FG
Analysis
The NBA's leading scorer led his team with 26 points, including six 3-pointers. Three of those came in a two-minute span just after halftime as Beal kept Team Durant in the game. He also capped a series of pretty passes with a 3 from the corner in the second quarter. The only blemish on Beal's night was an air ball on a pull-up 3 early in the game.
Mike Conley
Utah Jazz
Guard | Grade: C
Stats
3 PTS | 1 REB | 2 AST
Analysis
Conley's long-awaited All-Star debut was unmemorable for his play. He missed five of his six shot attempts. Conley's pair of assists were more impressive, as he linked up with Jayson Tatum for an alley-oop from nearly midcourt and set up teammate Donovan Mitchell for a dunk.
James Harden
Brooklyn Nets
Guard | Grade: A
Stats
21 PTS | 4 AST | 7-13 3-PT FG
Analysis
Similar to his shift in play this season since joining the Brooklyn Nets, Harden was content to operate primarily outside the arc. Of his 14 shot attempts, 13 were 3-pointers, and Harden made seven of them. He also made one of the night's better extra passes, swinging the ball to Zach LaVine for an open corner 3.
Kyrie Irving
Brooklyn Nets
Guard | Grade: A
Stats
24 PTS | 5 REB | 12 AST
Analysis
In the early stages, it looked like Irving was making a run at his second All-Star MVP award. He scored or assisted on seven of his team's first nine field goals, including a 3-pointer to open the scoring. Irving's scoring pace slowed after halftime, though he still finished with the night's only double-double: 24 points and a team-high 12 assists.
Zach LaVine
Chicago Bulls
Guard | Grade: B
Stats
13 PTS | 4 REB | 3 AST
Analysis
Playing a key role off the bench, LaVine finished with 13 points in his All-Star debut. A nice play to finish an off-target alley-oop from Harden with a layup instead of the intended dunk highlighted his five field goals. LaVine also added three steals.
Kawhi Leonard
LA Clippers
Forward | Grade: B
Stats
8 PTS | 9 REB | 8 AST
Analysis
The 2020 All-Star MVP wasn't nearly as impactful this time around, though he did threaten a triple-double with eight points, nine rebounds and eight assists. Leonard's low-key outing included a silky-smooth play on which he glided through traffic for a left-handed layup.
Donovan Mitchell
Utah Jazz
Guard | Grade: B
Stats
15 PTS | 4 REB | 4 AST
Analysis
Mitchell was aggressive from downtown, firing up nine 3-pointers and making three of them. He also handed out four assists, including a half-court alley-oop to LaVine.
Julius Randle
New York Knicks
Forward | Grade: B
Stats
4 PTS | 2 REB | 2 AST
Analysis
In 13 minutes of action off the bench, Randle made both of his shot attempts and set up Mitchell with an alley-oop for one of his two assists. Still, his biggest assist was probably letting teammate Obi Toppin dunk over him in the dunk contest at halftime.
Jayson Tatum
Boston Celtics
Forward | Grade: A-
Stats
21 PTS | 4 REB | 7 AST
Analysis
The active Tatum showed his improvement as a playmaker by handing out seven assists to go along with his 21 points. Taking defense seriously at times, Tatum also finished with a game-high four steals, including one when he denied a backdoor cut early in the game.
Nikola Vucevic
Orlando Magic
Center | Grade: C+
Stats
5 PTS | 7 REB | 1 AST
Analysis
For the most part, Vucevic hung out beyond the arc to create space for his teammates. Five of Vucevic's six shot attempts were 3s, and he made just one of them. Vucevic did pull down seven rebounds in his limited action.
Zion Williamson
New Orleans Pelicans
Forward | Grade: B-
Stats
10 PTS | 1 REB | 5-9 FG
Analysis
With Joel Embiid ruled out because of the league's health and safety protocols earlier on Sunday, Williamson got the surprise start as the youngest All-Star on the court. During the first quarter, he trended on Twitter for his missed dunks -- four in all, including a missed 360 and a lob off the backboard from Irving he couldn't complete. But Williamson rallied for back-to-back alley-oop finishes in the second quarter.
Dunk contest
Anfernee Simons
Portland Trail Blazers
Guard | Grade: A-
Results
Winner
Analysis
In a split decision, Simons won the judges' vote 3-2 after a final dunk in which he went up to kiss the rim before pulling back at the last second to avoid slamming his face. The dunk still showcased Simons' vertical, something he also highlighted on his first dunk, when he pulled the ball off a mini-hoop placed at the top of the square, 12 feet off the ground, and dunked it in one motion.
In between, Simons got the highest score of the night (a 49) for a tribute to one of Tracy McGrady's dunks in the memorable 2000 dunk contest. Trading his Blazers jersey for McGrady's Raptors uniform, Simons replicated McGrady's 360 dunk with a two-hand dip before rising up to finish off the bounce. (McGrady's version scored a perfect 50.)
Obi Toppin
New York Knicks
Forward | Grade: B+
Results
Lost in championship round
Analysis
Toppin easily could have walked away with the trophy for his consistently strong set of dunks. Toppin opened by bouncing the ball between his legs for a reverse finish, earning the highest score (48) of the three competitors on their opening dunks. Toppin then brought out his dad (Obi Sr., a legendary dunker in his own right) and teammate Julius Randle and cleared them on his second try with a cuffed windmill.
In the final, Toppin went between his legs from left to right after taking off a couple of feet inside the free throw line. That was enough to give Toppin two votes in the new format in which judges picked their winner directly instead of scoring the dunks individually, but not the three he needed.
Cassius Stanley
Indiana Pacers
Guard | Grade: B-
Results
Lost in Round 1
Analysis
It was a hard-luck dunk contest for Stanley, who impressed with his opening effort -- going between his legs from right to left to finish with his off hand from a self-bounce pass -- only to get the weakest opening score of the three competitors at 44. With the pressure on Stanley for his second dunk, he was unable to complete a bounce pass on the right wing and switched to a second choice from the opposite side, a one-handed finish off the bounce that scored a contest-low 37.
3-point contest
Stephen Curry
Golden State Warriors
Guard | Grade: A
Results
Winner
Analysis
Because Curry missed the 2020 All-Star Game due to injury, this was the first time he got to take advantage of the longer shots added to the competition last year. Those shots might as well have been made for Curry, who knocked down three of his four deep attempts en route to his second 3-point contest win. In the opening round, Curry made nine straight shots at one point, including the deep attempt, and his score of 31 was the best ever in a round. (Even without the three points for the longer attempt, Curry's score would have tied for second best.) The final round had a bit more drama, but Curry making both long shots and eight of his final 10 attempts allowed him to edge out Conley on the very last money ball.
Mike Conley
Utah Jazz
Guard | Grade: A
Results
Eliminated in championship round
Analysis
Added to the 3-point contest along with his first All-Star Game appearance at the last minute in place of the injured Devin Booker, Conley nearly walked away with the hardware thanks to two impressive rounds. Conley was almost automatic from the top of the key, where he placed his money ball rack, and knocked down all five of his attempts on the final rack both times to set the pace with scores of 28 (tying the highest score in the 2020 contest) and 27. Only Curry could beat those performances.
Jayson Tatum
Boston Celtics
Forward | Grade: B
Results
Eliminated in championship round
Analysis
Tatum displayed impressive shot-making in the opening round, when his score of 25 easily got him to the finals. Tatum made at least four of his five attempts on three racks and one of his deep tries. However, Tatum couldn't keep it up in the final round, starting out by going 0-for-5 on the first rack and making just one of five shots on his money ball rack. Tatum's score of 17 tied Brown for the lowest by any competitor.
Zach LaVine
Chicago Bulls
Guard | Grade: B-
Results
Eliminated in Round 1
Analysis
LaVine specialized in making the money ball, knocking down his last attempt on three of the four racks. However, he left some points on the table by making three of five shots on his money ball rack as the only competitor to start out with the more valuable shots. His score of 22 was not good enough to move on.
Donovan Mitchell
Utah Jazz
Guard | Grade: B-
Results
Eliminated in Round 1
Analysis
Over the last three racks, Mitchell made four of his five shots each time, including the money ball. Still, a slow start to the round cost Mitchell a chance at making the finals with a score of 22.
Jaylen Brown
Boston Celtics
Guard | Grade: C-
Results
Eliminated in Round 1
Analysis
Making his first appearance in the 3-point contest, Brown didn't quite look ready, getting a late start to the round. Although he did knock down one of his two attempts from 29 feet, 9 inches, Brown didn't seem to settle in until making four of his five shots on the final rack. That came too late for him to benefit from his money ball rack, on which Brown made only one of five attempts. He finished last among the six competitors with a score of 17.
Skills contest
Domantas Sabonis
Indiana Pacers
Forward | Grade: A
Results
Winner
Analysis
Sabonis, the runner-up in 2020, joined Bam Adebayo, Kristaps Porzingis and Karl-Anthony Towns as the fourth big man to win the skills challenge in the six years since they were added to the mix in 2016. Sabonis made it cleanly through the obstacle course each time and, as TNT's Ernie Johnson noted, was more accurate from 3-point range than he typically is in game action. (Sabonis is a 32% career 3-point shooter.) He knocked down his first attempt in each of the first two rounds and got in ahead of Nikola Vucevic when both needed multiple tries in the finals.
Nikola Vucevic
Orlando Magic
Center | Grade: A-
Results
Lost in championship round
Analysis
Having lost his previous skills challenge appearance in the opening round, Vucevic acquitted himself much better this time around, showing proficiency handling the ball and completing the pass during the obstacle course. After making his first 3-point attempt to beat Robert Covington, Vucevic had a bit tougher time with the 3-pointer in this round, which eventually cost him the title.
Chris Paul
Phoenix Suns
Guard | Grade: C-
Results
Lost in Round 2
Analysis
Thanks in part to a bye to the semifinals, Paul was favored to win the competition. In that context, his performance was disappointing. After getting out to an early lead, Paul blew his first layup attempt. He nearly caught Vucevic only to miss all three 3-pointers he attempted, leading to his elimination.
Luka Doncic
Dallas Mavericks
Guard | Grade: D
Results
Lost in Round 2
Analysis
As the TNT broadcast rightfully called out, Doncic was operating at considerably less than 100% speed during his only round of competition. He was still collecting the ball after his layup when Sabonis knocked down his first 3-point attempt, sparing Doncic from heading back to the court again.
Robert Covington
Portland Trail Blazers
Forward | Grade: C+
Results
Lost in Round 1
Analysis
Wearing the jersey of his alma mater, HBCU Tennessee State, Covington made up ground on Vucevic (who was ahead because Covington missed his first pass) by throwing the ball out ahead instead of dribbling his way up court. Alas, Vucevic making his first 3-point attempt gave Covington no chance to advance.
Julius Randle
New York Knicks
Forward | Grade: C
Results
Lost in Round 1
Analysis
Randle got stuck on the pass after missing his first attempt and was hopelessly behind Sabonis, never getting up a 3-pointer before Sabonis knocked his down.