One of the most frequent criticisms of the modern NBA All-Star Game is that it does not compare to the previous generation’s games. Kevin Durant is not buying it.
Durant admitted that he has been studying previous All-Star Games, particularly from the era in which fans argue players tried harder and were more competitive. The Houston Rockets star, however, is not buying it.
“I’ve been watching All-Star games and the intensity the older generation been talking about, I don’t know if I’ve seen it,” Durant admitted.
Kevin Durant: "I've been watching all star games and the intensity the older generation been talking about…
— Oh No He Didn't (@ohnohedidnt24) February 14, 2026
*shakes head*
I don't know if I've seen it" pic.twitter.com/SzJqoz00gB
One could certainly argue that Durant has a point. While scores unquestionably ballooned in the 2010s, All-Star games have always been high-scoring and not necessarily close. There is probably an element of nostalgia to some of it.
On the other hand, there is no disputing that recent All-Star games have been non-competitive and sometimes hard to watch. Even commissioner Adam Silver is not sure the event can be salvaged. The NBA is introducing a new format this year featuring American players against international ones in a tournament format, but there are no real expectations of a high-intensity clash.
