Alperen Şengün Makes History at 2026 NBA All-Star Game
The 75th NBA All-Star Game concluded on Sunday, February 16, 2026, at Intuit Dome in Inglewood, California, with a new format and a historic performance from Turkish center Alperen Şengün. The USA Stars defeated the USA Stripes 47-21 in the final match of the mini-tournament, claiming victory in the revamped All-Star competition.
A New Era for the NBA All-Star Game
This year’s All-Star Game featured a significant change in format. Instead of the traditional East vs. West matchup, the game consisted of a round-robin mini-tournament with four 12-minute games. Two teams of U.S. Players – USA Stars and USA Stripes – competed against a team of international players, Team World.
Şengün’s Historic Achievement
Alperen Şengün, of the Houston Rockets, became the first Turkish player to participate in the NBA All-Star Game for the second consecutive year. He previously earned an All-Star selection last season and was named to the 2026 team as an injury replacement for Shai Gilgeous-Alexander, who was sidelined with an abdominal strain. Şengün joins Mehmet Okur as only the second Turkish basketball player to be selected for the All-Star Game, with Okur earning the honor in 2007.
Şengün’s Performance on the Court
In the first game, Team World faced the USA Stars. The USA Stars won 37-35 in overtime. Şengün played 3 minutes, contributing 4 rebounds and 2 assists. He later added 1 rebound and 2 assists in 6 minutes of play during the USA Stripes’ 48-45 victory over Team World.
USA Stars Claim Victory, Edwards Named MVP
The USA Stars ultimately triumphed in the final, defeating the USA Stripes 47-21. Anthony Edwards of the USA Stars was named the Kobe Bryant MVP of the All-Star Game, with 8 points, 4 rebounds, and 2 assists in the final match. Over the course of the competition, Edwards totaled 32 points and 9 rebounds.
Key Performances Across the Tournament
Throughout the tournament, several players delivered standout performances. Victor Wembanyama scored 14 points in the initial Team World vs. USA Stars game, while Kawhi Leonard led the USA Stripes with 31 points against Team World. Jaylen Brown contributed 11 points and 3 rebounds for the USA Stripes in their victory over the USA Stars.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: Who replaced Shai Gilgeous-Alexander in the All-Star Game?
A: Alperen Şengün replaced Shai Gilgeous-Alexander due to an abdominal strain.
Q: What is new about the 2026 NBA All-Star Game format?
A: The game featured a round-robin mini-tournament with four 12-minute games between two U.S. Teams and Team World.
Q: Who won the MVP award?
A: Anthony Edwards of the USA Stars won the MVP award.
Q: How many Turkish players have been selected for the NBA All-Star Game?
A: Two Turkish players – Mehmet Okur and Alperen Şengün – have been selected for the NBA All-Star Game.
Did you know? Alperen Şengün is one of only three players averaging at least 20.0 points, 9.0 rebounds, and 6.0 assists this season, alongside Jalen Johnson and Nikola Jokić.
Pro Tip: Preserve an eye on Alperen Şengün’s continued development. His performance this season and his All-Star selection suggest a bright future for the young Turkish star.
Want to learn more about the Houston Rockets and Alperen Şengün? Visit the official NBA Rockets website.
Share your thoughts on the new All-Star Game format in the comments below!
