Chet Holmgren Makes All-Star Debut as USA Stars Outlast World in OT Thriller
INGLEWOOD, Calif. - Chet Holmgren’s first NBA All-Star Game didn’t come with gaudy numbers, but it did come with a win-and a front-row seat to a dramatic finish that had the crowd at Intuit Dome buzzing.
Holmgren, the Oklahoma City Thunder’s rising 7-footer, made his All-Star debut Sunday as part of the USA Stars squad in the league’s newly launched U.S. vs. World format. While his stat line was modest-2 points and 1 rebound-his presence was felt in key moments, including a late-game slam that helped swing momentum back toward the USA Stars.
This year’s All-Star format featured a round-robin tournament between three teams-USA Stars, USA Stripes, and the World team-played over the course of a traditional 48-minute game split into four quarters. It’s a fresh twist aimed at injecting some competitive juice into a showcase that’s often been more flash than fire. And in Game 1, at least, it worked.
Barnes Calls Game
The USA Stars edged the World team 37-35 in overtime, with Scottie Barnes delivering the dagger-a clutch three-pointer over Victor Wembanyama to seal it. It was a fitting end to a game that had just enough defense and drama to keep fans locked in.
Wembanyama, who continues to show why he’s one of the most intriguing young players in the league, led the World with 14 points and 6 rebounds. Karl-Anthony Towns added 10 points, while Anthony Edwards paced the USA Stars with 13.
Holmgren’s biggest moment came with about a minute left in regulation. With the World team leading 30-27, Holmgren cut to the rim and threw down a two-handed dunk to trim the deficit to one. It was a glimpse of what makes him such a unique weapon-a 7-footer with the timing, touch, and feel to impact games in subtle but meaningful ways.
A Game Worth Watching
The first game of the night had all the makings of a classic mini-matchup. Anthony Edwards tied it at 32 with a deep three in the closing seconds of regulation, while Norman Powell’s attempt at a buzzer-beater for the World team came up short. That sent the game into a quick five-point overtime, where Barnes took over and closed the door.
The early stages of the game saw the World team take control with a 14-2 run, fueled by Towns and Wembanyama. The USA Stars, however, stayed composed, and a late push-highlighted by Holmgren’s dunk and Edwards’ clutch shot-set the stage for the overtime heroics.
Starting Lineups and Key Players
The World team rolled out a stacked starting five: Jamal Murray, Luka Doncic, Deni Avdija, Wembanyama, and Nikola Jokic. That’s a group with size, skill, and serious international pedigree.
The USA Stars countered with Tyrese Maxey, Cade Cunningham, Anthony Edwards, Devin Booker, and Jalen Duren. Holmgren came off the bench but made his minutes count.
New Format, New Energy
This year’s All-Star weekend is experimenting with a round-robin format between three squads, each playing in a traditional 12-minute quarter. The structure goes like this:
- Game 1: USA Stars vs. World
- Game 2: USA Stripes vs. Game 1 winner
- Game 3: USA Stripes vs. Game 1 loser
- Game 4: Championship game between the two best teams
It’s a fresh take that gives the event a tournament feel-short bursts of competitive basketball with bragging rights on the line.
Thunder Represented Despite Injuries
Oklahoma City was represented by two of its brightest stars-Holmgren and Shai Gilgeous-Alexander. Unfortunately, SGA was sidelined due to injury, as was Giannis Antetokounmpo for the World team. Their absences were felt, especially for a World squad missing two of its top offensive weapons.
Still, the World team had plenty of firepower. Doncic and Jokic orchestrated the offense, while Wembanyama showed flashes of why he’s already being talked about as a future MVP candidate.
All-Star Rosters at a Glance
Here’s a look at the rosters for all three squads:
USA Stars:
- Scottie Barnes (Raptors)
- Devin Booker (Suns)
- Cade Cunningham (Pistons)
- Jalen Duren (Pistons)
- Anthony Edwards (Timberwolves)
- Chet Holmgren (Thunder)
- Jalen Johnson (Hawks)
- Tyrese Maxey (76ers)
- Coach: J.B.
Bickerstaff (Pistons)
USA Stripes:
- Jaylen Brown (Celtics)
- Jalen Brunson (Knicks)
- Kevin Durant (Rockets)
- De'Aaron Fox (Spurs)
- Brandon Ingram (Raptors)
- LeBron James (Lakers)
- Kawhi Leonard (Clippers)
- Donovan Mitchell (Cavaliers)
- Stephen Curry (Warriors)*
- Coach: Mitch Johnson (Spurs)
World:
- Deni Avdija (Trail Blazers)
- Luka Doncic (Lakers)
- Shai Gilgeous-Alexander (Thunder)*
- Nikola Jokic (Nuggets)
- Jamal Murray (Nuggets)
- Norman Powell (Heat)
- Alperen Sengun (Rockets)
- Pascal Siakam (Pacers)
- Karl-Anthony Towns (Knicks)
- Victor Wembanyama (Spurs)
- Giannis Antetokounmpo (Bucks)*
- Coach: Darko Rajakovic (Raptors) (*Injured)
Looking Ahead
With Game 1 in the books, the USA Stars advance to take on the USA Stripes next. And if the rest of the tournament delivers anything close to the drama of that opening game, we’re in for a treat.
Holmgren may not have lit up the stat sheet, but his All-Star debut showed he belongs on this stage. For Thunder fans, it’s another sign that the future in Oklahoma City is looking very, very bright.