31 points in a single quarter, the war god Kawhi saves the All-Star game

This year’s All-Star game stands out as the best since 2020. The switch to a USA versus World team format worked very well, creating a genuine competitive atmosphere. Naturally, someone had to lead the tempo.

The one setting the pace was Wembanyama in the opening match between Team World and the Rookies. From jump ball onwards, Wembanyama demonstrated intense competitiveness and worked hard on both ends of the court. Seeing Wembanyama so engaged, Huazi started to catch the rhythm as well.

During the regular season, Huazi always plays with full energy when facing Wembanyama. In the All-Star game, seeing Wembanyama’s intensity, Huazi just went all out without hesitation. In the first game, Wembanyama scored 14 points, grabbed 6 rebounds, and blocked 3 shots, while Huazi responded with 13 points, including a clutch three-pointer to tie the game.

The score was tied after 12 minutes, and the overtime winner would be the first to score 5 points. Huazi hit a mid-range jumper first, then Wembanyama answered with a three-pointer. Both teams were just one basket apart until Barnes from the Rookies hit the game-winning three at the buzzer.

Wembanyama gave his all, but his teammates were somewhat underperforming. The original Team World’s Big Three—Giannis and Alexander—did not play, and the other two big men were coasting. Doncic shot 1 for 3, missed both three-point attempts; Jokic was 0 for 1 on shots, both playing in their usual All-Star laid-back style, which felt out of place today.

Team World also had Murray shooting 0 for 6. After the loss, Wembanyama was clearly frustrated. Before the game, he said, “No matter what others do, I will give my all.” He kept his word and elevated this year’s All-Star game to a new level.

The second game was Rookies versus Veterans, which was also very exciting. In the final 40 seconds, the Rookies were down by 4 points. Edwards first drove and scored a layup, then stole the ball from Mitchell and hit a three-pointer on the run to take the lead.

On the Veterans’ last possession, LeBron found Mitchell cutting to the basket, who then passed out to Fox on the perimeter. Fox faked a step and adjusted to get an open look, sinking the three as the buzzer sounded—a true game-winner. With five seconds left, the Veterans patiently moved the ball, creating the winning shot only in the last two seconds. The play was extremely well-executed.

In the second game, Huazi scored 11 points, grabbed 3 rebounds, dished 1 assist, and had 1 steal. His strong performances in the first two games laid the foundation for him to eventually earn the All-Star MVP. However, the most thrilling game was still the third one: Veterans versus Team World.

After losing the first game, Wembanyama was fired up and unleashed his full strength against the Veterans. Despite tight defense from LeBron, Durant, and Kawhi, he shot 6 for 8 and scored 19 points. Wembanyama powered through with dunks near the basket and pulled up jumpers over Durant, showing unstoppable form. Unfortunately, his full effort met the divine-level performance of the war god Kawhi.

Leonard played all 12 minutes, going 11 for 13 from the field, including 6 of 7 from three-point range, and 3 for 3 from the free-throw line, scoring a staggering 31 points, along with 3 rebounds and 2 steals. This was 31 points in a single quarter against full intensity — not exactly playoff level, but everyone was competing seriously.

He started with seven consecutive made shots, hitting all five three-pointers in that stretch and scoring 19 points alone, single-handedly resisting the World Team’s barrage of attacks. He was unstoppable, draining step-back threes on anyone who faced him. In the final moments, the score was tied at 45, and Leonard hit a step-back three over Towns for a near game-winner. Wembanyama’s last attempt to tie was missed, resulting in a tough two-game losing streak and early elimination.

Leonard’s performance in that quarter reminded me of his 55-point game against the Pistons. After the game, he said, “Once I made the first shot, I couldn’t stop. I got into my rhythm.”

It’s hard to imagine a player like him initially missing the All-Star selection and only entering as a replacement. This level of All-Star intensity is exactly what Leonard prefers. This year’s All-Star game was arguably the most intense since the final quarter of 2020, which was truly playoff-level intensity — Leonard’s comfort zone.

Unfortunately, the final match between the Rookies and Veterans ended anticlimactically. By then, the Veterans had played three consecutive games and were visibly exhausted, getting dominated by the younger players in one quarter. The format clearly has flaws; the short rest period is a disadvantage for the older team.

In that last game, Leonard shot 0 for 4 from the field, scoring only 1 point from free throws, and missed one as well, showing obvious fatigue. As for LeBron and Durant, they were clearly limited by their physical condition. Together, LeBron, Durant, and Kawhi are over a hundred years old, so giving their all on the All-Star stage is already impressive. Sadly, Curry missed due to injury, so it’s uncertain if we’ll see the trio of LeBron, Durant, and Curry on the same court again.

The final All-Star MVP was awarded to Edwards, who performed well in all three games. This era ultimately belongs to the younger generation; Edwards and Wembanyama set a great example during this All-Star Weekend.

When the All-Star game coincides with the Lunar New Year Eve, this year’s event will surely remain in everyone’s memory for a long time. This format deserves to continue. The rivalry between Edwards and Wembanyama should keep going — their story is only just beginning in the foreseeable future.