Kevin Durant Responds to Critics Before All-Star Game

Kevin Durant didn’t mince words Wednesday in Houston regarding questions about his team’s commitment in the upcoming All-Star Game. The 37-year-old Houston Rockets star, who will play alongside LeBron James, Stephen Curry (currently injured) and Kawhi Leonard on Team USA Stripes, preferred to turn the criticism toward the opposing team.

Durant Questions Doncic and Jokic’s Commitment

« You should ask the Europeans and the World team if they’re really going to play, » Durant said with a laugh. « If you look at Luka Doncic and Nikola Jokic now, let’s go back and look at what they do in the All-Star Game. Is that competition? So we haven’t questioned what they’ve done. But we’re going to question the veterans and the Americans. »

The Rockets player continued his criticism of the two European superstars: « But those two guys over there, Luka and Jokic, they don’t care about the game at all. Those guys lay around on the court. They shoot from half-court. But you need to worry about whether the veterans are playing hard? I can read between the lines, man. It’s just a general topic everyone’s talking about. »

« You should ask the Europeans and the World team if they’re going to compete. If you look at Luka Doncic and Nikola Jokic now, let’s go back and look at what they do in the All-Star Game. Is that competition? »

– Kevin Durant 👀

(via @mshap2)pic.twitter.com/7wQq3URQO0

— ClutchPoints (@ClutchPoints) February 12, 2026

The NBA unveiled the rosters for this midseason showcase last week, dividing 25 names across three teams. This marks the launch of a new All-Star format – United States vs World – which will take place Sunday in Inglewood, California, at the LA Clippers arena.

A Format That Divides Despite Wembanyama’s Promises

Although commissioner Adam Silver believes this format will tap into the national pride of the players involved, Durant preferred to take a wait-and-see approach. For years, the United States vs World concept has been discussed as a potential way to revive interest in the All-Star Game, but Durant seemed uncertain the new format would work.

When told that Victor Wembanyama of the San Antonio Spurs intended to give maximum effort during the All-Star Game, Durant remained skeptical. The French star had said Tuesday night: « I’ve seen the All-Star Game, and obviously it hasn’t been competitive. And I’ve always thought that if I was in it, I would never step on the court to lose or without caring. Just like at home, I never start a board game without caring, thinking I’m going to lose… I’m going to be there, might as well win. »

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Durant’s response was laconic: « We’ll see. He said that last year too. They said it was the worst All-Star Game people watched. So we’ll see. Who knows what’s going to happen? This format might change the game, but who knows? We’ll see. »