Despite emerging as the entire event's best player and the fans' positive impression of the USA-World format, the Clippers star still wants the traditional East vs. West setup for the All-Star Game.
Although Anthony Edwards was named the tournament MVP, the undisputed best player of the 2026 NBA All-Star Game has been Kawhi Leonard.
Leonard put on a show in front of his hometown LA fans, delivering 37 total points throughout the three-game contest. The Clippers superstar exploded for 31 points to lead the USA Stripes to the championship round.
Leonard offered satisfaction regarding the USA-World format, but insisted that the traditional East-West setup is still the one he prefers.
"I think it was good," he told reporters after the event. "We didn't really figure it out until we got here. Even as the game was going on, we were trying to figure out the records from being 2-1 and how you play that out—if it is by a point spread or what.
"I thought it was good, but I still think going back to East-West will be great. I think guys will still compete."
Everyone was left impressed by this year's All-Star Game, and it remains to be seen if the league leadership will continue to maintain the USA vs. World format in the next couple of years.
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