Despite Charles Barkley‘s Chuck’s Global Stars having the prime players to take on the mantle of the new generation of the NBA, it was Shaquille O’Neal‘s Shaq’s OGs that got the better of them in the 2025 NBA All-Star Game. The veteran squad beat Sir Charles’ greenies 41-25 in the final after besting Candace’s Rising Stars 42-35 in the semis. While Stephen Curry did steal the spotlight after winning the All-Star MVP for this year’s edition, it’s in the midst of speculative decision making after Celtics forward Jayson Tatum‘s performance going under the radar.
It might seem fair though- Curry is well past him prime, and he was making the new gen look like mannequins at the age of 36. 12 points, 4 rebounds, and 2 assists can only justify his legacy in the sport. But the speculation stems from JT getting overlooked after showing the rest who’s boss. In the final, the Green Mamba led the court in points (15), while also having the joint most rebounds (4) and joint second most assists (2, most was James Harden with 3) of all that showed up to the Chase Centre.
It got the fans riled up for sure, as social media didn’t hold back when it came to who was the eventual loser of this year’s edition. While Chuck’s team might’ve taken the L on paper, it was actually the NBA who failed to promote the shifts of the deserved ones. Instead, they just showed that they can’t seem to let go of the legacy of the older generation by snubbing Jayson Tatum of the 2025 NBA All-Stars MVP.
Jan 20, 2025; San Francisco, California, USA; Boston Celtics forward Jayson Tatum (0) pump fakes Golden State Warriors guard Stephen Curry (30) in the first quarter at the Chase Center. Mandatory Credit: Cary Edmondson-Imagn Images
The biggest news of the night still seems to be the failed appearance of LeBron James, after recusing himself from the game due to a continued left ankle and foot soreness. “I hope to be available Wednesday. I was hoping that it would feel a lot better this morning but it’s not where I want it to be,” said LeBron about his absence. This brings a run of 20 consecutive All-Star starts to an end.
Jayson Tatum’s close circle doesn’t hold back after MVP snub
It’s safe to say that we’ve witnessed one of- if not the greatest generation basketball has to offer. Not just seeing the glory years of the likes of Steph, Bron, and Kyrie Irving– but to see them boss the court with retirement on the horizon. It’s a huge task for the new generation to uphold- and they haven’t disappointed at all. After seeing the long-term consistency of players like JT, Nikola Jokic, and Giannis Antetokounmpo, it shows that they’re here to walk the walk. you have to see how the NBA failed to give Tatum the MVP instead.
The hate wasn’t just for the MVP title snub- it was more for the organization of the all-star event as a whole. There’s been a declining traction for the yearly event- and this includes factors like quality, intensity, seriousness and everything else that makes the sport fun to watch. “It’s just who can run faster, who can hit more 3s; it’s no substance. I think it’s very boring,” says Warriors no. 23 Draymond Green on this year’s all-star game’s format.
The domino effect of the hate is taken over by JT’s close circle as well. To them, his total tally of 21 points, 5 rebounds, and 4 assists should’ve been enough to justify an MVP title. Yeah, regular season-wise, it’s whatever, but the Celtics are still gunning for that back-to-back. The real thing is that the NBA just can’t let go of the golden era with guys like Steph. It’s like they’re in denial that their reign’s wrapping up. Even Tatum’s trainer, Drew Hanlen, jumped on the hate train.
LOL… NBA fucks JT out of another one!
— Drew Hanlen (@DrewHanlen) February 17, 2025
There’s no denying that Steph deserved the finals MVP- it’s more of who deserved it more. Jayson Tatum’s on a personal quest to put his name in the history books- and he’s showed more often than not that he’s cabapable to do so. It seems that he’ll have to do what he’s been doing the past few years- and do his talking on the hardwood and take the Celtics to championship glory.
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