Kevin Durant Doesn't Hold Back on NBA All-Star Game Critics

Originally posted on Athlon Sports | By Spencer Ostrow | Last updated Feb 17, 2025 1:17 PM ET

The NBA hosted its 74th All-Star Game on Sunday night at Chase Center, unveiling a brand-new format. For the first time, the event featured three games—a pair of semifinals followed by a championship—each played to 40 points.

The All-Stars were split into three teams, while the fourth team consisted of Rising Stars. The format change came about after concerns over the game’s declining competitiveness, as players in recent years had treated it more as a game to have fun. In an effort to bring back the intensity, the league opted for this new structure.

However, reactions were mixed. Many fans on social media and players like Golden State Warriors forward Draymond Green didn't like the changes. Green, argued the Rising Stars hadn’t earned the right to compete in the All-Star game yet.

Phoenix Suns forward Kevin Durant, who played in the game and is now a 15-time All-Star, responded to the critics of the new format.

"I think it’s more fun to complain about the nba than to actually watch it," Durant said. "Crazy, cancel all star weekend and let’s just give everybody a break since we’re so miserable around this time…"

I think it’s more fun to complain about the nba than to actually watch it. Crazy, cancel all star weekend and let’s just give everybody a break since we’re so miserable around this time…
— Kevin Durant (@KDTrey5) February 17, 2025

The NBA All-Star Game continues to be an ongoing conversation, with discussions on whether to keep the new format, revert to the traditional East vs. West matchup, or follow Kevin Durant’s suggestion of using the break solely for vacation.

This article first appeared on Athlon Sports and was syndicated with permission.

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