No Dunks Podcast: 2026 NBA All-Star Game Recap

Date: February 16, 2026
Hosts: Jay Skeets, Tas Melis, Trey Kirby, and JD (Super Producer)

Main Theme & Purpose

The No Dunks squad delivers an enthusiastic, in-depth recap of the 2026 NBA All-Star Game, celebrating the return of intensity and real competition to All-Star Weekend. The episode highlights the new format’s success, standout performances, and memorable moments, while reflecting on what made this year’s event a major improvement over previous editions.

Key Discussion Points and Insights

1. The All-Star Game Is Back!

• The hosts are pumped about the competitive edge and uptick in effort compared to previous years.
• The new format (multiple short games rather than one long one) keeps the action high-stakes and fresh.
• "Man, the All Star game is back and we're just pumped." (Jay Skeets, 03:05)

2. Game Recap & Notable Performances

• Championship Game:
  • Team Stars dominated Team Stripes 47-21.
  • Anthony Edwards (MVP): 8 points in the final, key player throughout.
  • Tyrese Maxey: Quick 7 points in first 3 minutes, changed momentum.
  • Jalen Duren: 6 points in the final.
  • Team Stars never let their foot off the gas.
• Victor Wembanyama:
  • Played hard, made his presence felt from the start with blocks and intimidation in the lane.
  • "It was just fun to watch Victor Wembanyama play basketball. And, yeah, it started with him. It literally started with him." (Tas Melis, 05:17)
• Kawhi Leonard:
  • Scored 31 points in one 12-minute game, memorable run, electrified the crowd and even got Steve Ballmer going wild.

3. The Reason for the Competitive Edge

• Multiple hosts attribute the improved vibe to both the format and the attitude of star players, especially Wembanyama’s stated commitment to playing hard.
• The US players responded: "Wemby said, I'm going to play hard at All Star Weekend. And everybody from the US said, good, we're not going to let you beat us. And that's what it came down to." (JD, 05:27)
• Luka Doncic and Nikola Jokic didn’t play much—Luka did an awkward interview, Jokic checked out early.

4. Defensive Effort and Key Plays

• Real basketball broke out: less cherry-picking, more defense, actual hustle.
• Wembanyama’s blocks and impact set the tone.
• Scotty Barnes had only one shot but hit the first game's winner (Barnes = "American hero," JD, 08:29).
• "Kudos to the guys for giving a damn...Just played a little defense, like 80%, I don't know, 90% effort. And that's all we sort of needed." (Jay Skeets, 07:35)

5. Top Five ‘Played Hard’ List

• Consensus among hosts:
  • Victor Wembanyama
  • Kawhi Leonard
  • Anthony Edwards
  • Cade Cunningham
  • Scotty Barnes
• Noted that even LeBron and Chet Holmgren brought some competitive juice.

6. Memorable Moments & Quotes

• Kawhi’s Monster Quarter:
  • "Kawhi's 31 points in one quarter is going to be memorable...That is incredible in and of itself." (Tas Melis, 09:02)
• LeBron’s Unselfishness:
  • Thought he’d fire up a three on the last possession but kept the ball moving, leading to Fox’s game winner.
  • "Just great team play." (Tas Melis, 14:37)
• Anthony Edwards:
  • Tried every jump ball, clearly invested in the outcome and “wanted to win one.” (JD, 14:59)

7. Format Discussion and Suggested Tweaks

• General agreement: Keep the current format (multiple 12-minute games, clock active).
• Some curiosity about a straight USA vs World format, but concern it wouldn’t maintain energy over 48 minutes.
• "I would try it again next year and if it goes well again, keep doing it." (JD, 10:45)

8. Production, Breaks & Broadcast

• Some complaints about too many commercial breaks in the first game—improved in later games.
• NBC production was smoother than last year’s TNT sendoff, with fun in-arena segments (Obama interview beats “Mr. Beast”).
• Crowd and arena energy noted as much better this year.

9. World Team Lacking Depth and Star Investment

• Disappointment that World Team didn’t make final; felt like a four-man crew (Wemby, Murray, Towns, Siakam).
• Luka & Jokic barely played; concern that competitiveness from international superstars is still lacking.
• Hope for future: “Maybe the fact that Wemby played hard will influence Jokic and Luka next year. That's a stretch...but there's a trickle down effect a little bit.” (Tas Melis, 27:24)

10. Final Thoughts, Grades, and Hopes

• Hosts agree: This All-Star Game deserves an “A-” due to effort, competitive play, and entertainment value.
  • "I'm giving it an A minus." (JD, 36:10)
• Saturday night gets a “B”; still room for star power improvement in events like the dunk contest.
• Optimism that the successful format could inspire a long-rumored 1-on-1 tournament in the future.

Notable Quotes & Timestamps

• On format and effort:
  "The All Star Game was the best part of All Star Weekend. When was the last time that's ever happened?"
  – JD, 06:26

• On Wemby’s impact:
  "If he's playing hard, it had to trickle down to everybody else."
  – Tas, 08:07

• On Kawhi’s performance:
  "He played so well. That was the most memorable part." – JD, 10:14
  "That will stand out. But the All Star Game is coming back because of that guy on the other side, the Wemby side."
  – Tas, 10:21

• On the production:
  "If you're gonna stop the basketball, I'd much rather hear Obama than Mr. Beast. So I think this was a successful all star weekend for NBC."
  – JD, 22:32

• On criticism of past years:
  "Last year was painful. Watching those guys on the floor. That was so strange."
  – Tas, 23:16

• On the future and changes:
  "Maybe this is a good sign that we do get a one on one tournament. Because Silver loves nothing more than to like, turn to the Internet...We finally got it. Maybe 101 is next."
  – Jay Skeets, 37:23

Important Timestamps & Segments

• [03:05] - Main Recap Starts: Tournament breakdown, new format, Team Stars' big win.
• [05:17] - Wembanyama's Influence: His competitive play sets the tone.
• [07:35] - Real Defensive Effort Noted: Play-by-play of key effort moments.
• [09:02] - Kawhi's 31-point Quarter: Historic performance discussed.
• [10:45] - Format Debate: "Run it back" vs tweaks for next year.
• [14:59] - Anthony Edwards on Jump Balls: Detail on his competitiveness.
• [21:49] - In-Game Features & Live Experience: Noting crowd and in-arena highlights.
• [36:10] - Hosts' All-Star Weekend Grades
• [37:23] - Hopes for a One-on-One Tournament

Conclusion & Takeaways

• Competitive Edge Restored: Universal agreement that the 2026 All-Star Game regained credibility due to higher effort, improved format, and star buy-in.
• Wemby & Kawhi = Headline Acts: Their intensity and highlight performances will define this edition for years.
• Format Works: Multiple 'mini-games' kept the event lively; hosts recommend repeating.
• Room for Growth: World Team still needs full buy-in from international icons like Luka and Jokic; more recognizable stars in Saturday contests would help.
• Bright Future: Momentum from this All-Star Weekend could finally bring long-desired changes (like a 1-on-1 event) to life.

Final Thought

"Just played a little defense, like 80%, I don't know, 90% effort. And that's all we sort of needed."
— Jay Skeets, 07:35

For more No Dunks content, catch them live on YouTube or wherever you get your podcasts. Next stop: Austin, TX for Spurs week!