Steph Curry Faces Blame From Kevin Durant

Originally posted on Athlon Sports | By Dibyendu Mondal | Last updated Dec 17, 2025 2:25 PM ET

The NBA All-Star Game continues to grapple with questions about competitiveness and purpose, even as the league experiments with new formats designed to revive the game's intensity.

The 2026 edition will introduce a new USA vs. World round-robin tournament format featuring three teams: two U.S. squads and one international "World" team, each comprising eight players. These teams will compete in 12-minute games to determine the top two for a championship finale.

Recent All-Star contests have been marked by loose defense, improvisational shot selection and moments that feel closer to exhibition than competition. The league has cited television engagement and global reach as priorities.

That tension resurfaced this week when Houston Rockets star Kevin Durant addressed the issue candidly during an appearance on "Unguarded."

Golden State Warriors guard Steph Curry (30) reacts toward the Minnesota Timberwolves' bench after making a 3-point shot.© Robert Edwards-Imagn Images

Kevin Durant Points to Steph Curry, Damian Lillard as Tone-Setters

Durant placed responsibility for the All-Star Game’s current state on fellow superstars Stephen Curry and Damian Lillard, arguing that their approach has helped normalize a lack of seriousness.

“'Bron locked in every All-Star Game,” Durant said, referencing LeBron James' work ethic. “He not out there shooting from half court. ... It’s Steph’s fault. He come out there and shoot half court, bro. I’m blaming him for the All-Star Game. ... I’m blaming Dame, too.”

He rejected the idea that further rule changes would solve the problem, suggesting that behavior from the league’s most influential veterans carries more weight than any format adjustment.

He argued that those moments send a message to younger players about how seriously the game should be taken.

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

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