Chet Holmgren Shines Bright on All-Star Weekend Stage at Intuit Dome
Inglewood had a different kind of electricity in the air this weekend, and no, it wasn’t just the Hollywood lights. The 2026 NBA All-Star festivities took over the brand-new Intuit Dome, and one of the weekend’s biggest revelations? Chet Holmgren.
The Oklahoma City Thunder center didn’t just show up-he showed out. Whether it was going toe-to-toe with Pascal Siakam in the All-Star Game or sharing the court with NBA legends and celebrities during the Shooting Stars competition, Holmgren looked like he belonged. And not just as a participant-he looked like a rising cornerstone in the league’s next generation.
Holding His Own on the Main Stage
During the All-Star Game, Holmgren was matched up against seasoned international talent, including Indiana Pacers forward Pascal Siakam. The matchup was a fun reminder of how far Holmgren has come in a short time.
He handled the ball with confidence, moved fluidly for a seven-footer, and showed flashes of the two-way versatility that’s made him such an intriguing piece for Oklahoma City. His length disrupted shots, his court vision opened up passing lanes, and he didn’t shy away from the moment.
This wasn’t just a player soaking up the atmosphere-it was a young star actively adding to it.
All-Star Saturday Night: Where Fun Meets Fundamentals
All-Star Saturday is always a mix of flash and flair, but Holmgren brought a little substance to the sizzle. Teaming up with Raptors forward Scottie Barnes, NBA legend Richard Hamilton, and comedian Druski during the Kia Shooting Stars event, Holmgren’s competitive spirit was on full display. He knocked down shots with ease, moved through the stations with purpose, and looked like he was genuinely enjoying every second of it.
It’s easy to forget sometimes that All-Star Weekend is as much about personality as it is performance. Holmgren brought both. He wasn’t just there to smile for the cameras-he was there to compete, connect, and represent.
Media Day Moments
Before the action tipped off, Holmgren took the mic during media day, and he handled it with the same poise he shows on the floor. Calm, thoughtful, and confident, he fielded questions about his development, his All-Star debut, and what it means to be part of a young, surging Thunder team. It’s clear he understands the moment-not just this weekend, but the bigger picture.
Shai Gilgeous-Alexander also spoke during media day, and the two Thunder stars are quickly becoming one of the most compelling young duos in the league. If this weekend was any indication, Oklahoma City’s future is in very good hands.
A New Era at Intuit Dome
The Intuit Dome, hosting its first All-Star Weekend, provided a stunning backdrop. From the Rising Stars games to the main event, the venue delivered on every front. The court design, the lighting, the atmosphere-it all felt fresh, modern, and tailor-made for the NBA’s biggest personalities.
The All-Star 2026 branding was everywhere-from the midcourt logo to the custom Wilson basketballs-and it gave the weekend a signature identity. A new arena, a new generation of stars, and a new chapter in All-Star history.
Final Takeaway
Chet Holmgren didn’t just make an All-Star appearance-he made a statement. He looked every bit the part of a player ready to take the next leap. From his on-court performance to his off-court demeanor, Holmgren showed why he’s not just a future star-he’s a present one.
And if this weekend was any preview of what’s to come, Thunder fans-and NBA fans in general-have a lot to be excited about.