Cleveland Cavaliers Superstar Opens Up On New All-Star Game Format

The NBA deserves credit for being willing to try new things. However, that doesn't mean each idea will stick or have to be permanent.

The league tried out a new format for the 2025 All-Star game, which included a four-team tournament-style format. However, this might be best as a one-time event.

Cleveland Cavaliers superstar Donovan Mitchell opened up about the new format after the game and didn't appear to be too impressed with how it went.

"It was tough and I didn't even make a shot. Definitely tough. I applaud the league for trying to do different things for the fans and make it enjoyable," said Mitchell following Sunday's festivities.

From Sunday night:

"It was tough and I didn't even make a shot. Definitely tough. I applaud the league for trying to do different things for the fans and make it enjoyable."

Cavs All-Star Donovan Mitchell on long breaks during #NBAAllStar Sunday night.

Back to East vs. West? pic.twitter.com/E1uubcZm9L
— Duane Rankin (@DuaneRankin) February 17, 2025

Mitchell even suggested that returning to the East vs. West format might be the best future direction for the All-Star Game.

Perhaps Mitchell wouldn't have responded differently to the structure if he had played well. However, all the stoppage and downtime clearly affected his play and production when on the floor.

Spida competed with Chuck's Global Stars, who reached the championship game against Shaq's OG's.

However, Mitchell only scored three points in 18 minutes in the first round and final game. He shot a combined 1-for-11 from the floor, grabbed five rebounds, and recorded five assists.

Donovan Mitchell shoots the ball — Feb 16, 2025; San Francisco, CA, USA; Chuck’s Global Stars guard Donovan Mitchell (5) of the Cleveland Cavaliers during the 2025 NBA All Star Game at Chase Center. Mandatory Credit: Kyle Terada-Imagn Images | Kyle Terada-Imagn Images

Mitchell wasn't the only player to react mediocrely to the new format.

Atlanta Hawks All-Star Trae Young said, "To be honest, I didn't like it at all ... I didn't like the breaks. The games were so short."

These responses do beg the question of whether Adam Silver and the NBA will try this method in 2026 or go back to a more traditional game as Mitchell proposes.

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