The upcoming 2026 NBA All-Star Game is generating heightened interest due to a significant format change: it will feature Team USA competing against an international team, dubbed Team World. Just days before the event, tensions are already surfacing as players exchange barbs, with Kevin Durant calling out European stars Luka Doncic and Nikola Jokic for their lack of competitiveness during previous All-Star appearances.
During a post-game interview following the Houston Rockets loss to the Los Angeles Clippers on February 12, 2026, Durant was asked about the expected intensity of the game. He did not hold back, questioning whether Doncic and Jokic would truly compete. “You should ask the Europeans plus the World Team if they want to compete,” he stated. “Look at Luka Doncic and Nikola Jokic; let’s go back and look at what they do at the All-Star Game. Is that competition?”
Durant’s remarks highlight a broader debate about the All-Star Game’s competitiveness. While both Doncic and Jokic are elite players, their performances during the exhibition have often been criticized as lackluster. In contrast, Durant pointed out that even American stars like Stephen Curry and LeBron James have been known to prioritize flashy plays over serious competition, suggesting that the focus should not solely be on the European players.
The criticism from Durant is particularly pointed given his extensive experience in All-Star Games over nearly two decades. He emphasized that while American veterans are often scrutinized for their effort, the same attention should be directed at the international players. “So we haven’t questioned what they’ve been doing, but we question the old heads, the Americans,” Durant remarked. “But these two dudes out there, Luka and Jokic, they don’t care about the game at all. They be laying on the floor, shooting from half-court, but you gotta worry about the old heads playing hard.”
Durant’s comments suggest a desire for a more serious approach to the All-Star Game, a sentiment that resonates with fans who have grown weary of the recent trend of players prioritizing entertainment over competition. The shift to a Team USA versus Team World format aims to inject new energy into the event, raising questions about how players will respond to the new stakes.
The dynamics of the upcoming game could be intensified if Doncic and Jokic choose to respond to Durant’s criticisms. Their reactions may not only provide entertainment but also elevate the competitive spirit of the All-Star Game itself. Fans will be watching closely to see how this narrative unfolds as the game approaches, with the potential for exciting matchups and heightened rivalries.
As the basketball community gears up for this unique format, anticipation continues to build. The 2026 All-Star Game promises to be a showcase of international talent and a platform for players to demonstrate their skills in a competitive setting. Whether Durant’s call to action resonates with his fellow players remains to be seen, but it undoubtedly adds an intriguing layer to the event.
