The NBA’s continuous efforts to revitalize its All-Star Weekend have sparked intriguing discussions among players and fans alike.
After the league introduced yet another format change in the 2025 All-Star Game, a compelling alternative has emerged: a 1-on-1 tournament that’s gaining traction among the league’s elite players, with Dallas Mavericks star Kyrie Irving leading the charge.
The prospect of watching the NBA’s premier scorers battle it out in individual matchups has captured the imagination of basketball enthusiasts.
Irving, known for his exceptional ball-handling skills and scoring prowess, recently shared his thoughts on the concept during an interview with Rachel Nichols.
“I’m open to it,” Irving said, via ClutchPoints. “Yeah, when there’s smoke, there’s fire. I’m that fire with 1-on-1.”
Rachel Nichols: “What do you think of doing [1-on-1 tournament] at the All-Star Game?”
Kyrie Irving: “I’m open to it. Yeah, when there’s smoke, there’s fire, and I’m that fire in 1-on-1.” 👀
(via @Rachel__Nichols)pic.twitter.com/8k1xKhtLxC
— ClutchPoints (@ClutchPoints) February 17, 2025
When Nichols suggested that some NBA players might shy away from participating to avoid potential embarrassment, Irving dismissed the concern.
Instead, he emphasized the need to view and appreciate the format through a different lens.
“I just think that there has to be an appreciation there first of what you do, because you got to commentate it a little differently than you do 5-on-5,” Irving said. “There’s an appreciation for seeing a one-v-one matchup that I think goes beyond just what the traditional space is now. So, maybe if we create that, I’m with that.”
The success of such competitions is evident in women’s basketball, where the Unrivaled 1-on-1 Tournament made history.
Minnesota Lynx forward Napheesa Collier claimed victory and a landmark $200,000 prize, the largest single-day payout in women’s basketball history.
Her achievement not only shows the format’s potential but also demonstrates how individual showdowns can elevate the sport and create unprecedented opportunities for the players.
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