The NBA is about to give fans exactly what they’ve been dreaming of—a true 1-on-1 showdown between the best players in the world. Draymond Green recently came out and explained how he believes LeBron James would win a tournament of this nature, but is he right?
As part of the 2025 All-Star Weekend, 32 elite players from Team Shaq, Team Kenny, Team Chuck, and Team C will battle for ultimate bragging rights in a single-elimination tournament that will test skill, strength, and pure scoring ability.
Team Shaq brings the firepower, led by LeBron James, Nikola Jokic, Kevin Durant, and Anthony Edwards. Team Kenny boasts Giannis Antetokounmpo, Kyrie Irving, and Anthony Davis. Team Chuck is stacked with shot-makers like Donovan Mitchell, Trae Young, and Tyler Herro. Team C, coached by Candace Parker, will feature second-year players and rookies trying to shock the world.
With 32 players, the matchups will be unpredictable, but one thing is certain: this will be the most competitive and entertaining event of All-Star Weekend.
Who has the best 1-on-1 game? Who can break down defenders, create their own shot, and dominate when the pressure is on? We ranked all 32 players based on their ability to win the tournament, considering skill, size, shot creation, and defensive ability.
Player Rankings
1. Nikola Jokic
2. Shai Gilgeous-Alexander
3. Kevin Durant
4. Giannis Antetokounmpo
5. Anthony Edwards
6. Stephen Curry
7. Jayson Tatum
8. LeBron James
9. Kyrie Irving
10. Donovan Mitchell
11. Damian Lillard
12. Jalen Brunson
13. Jaylen Brown
14. Anthony Davis
15. Karl-Anthony Towns
16. Evan Mobley
17. Jaren Jackson Jr.
18. Pascal Siakam
19. Alperen Sengun
20. Trae Young
21. Darius Garland
22. James Harden
23. Jalen Williams
24. Tyler Herro
25. Cade Cunningham
26. Victor Wembanyama
27. Jared McCain
28. Trayce Jackson-Davis
29. Zach Edey
30. Dalton Knecht
31. Jaylen Wells
32. Stephon Castle
1-On-1 Tournament Breakdown
With 32 of the NBA’s best players (and a few rising stars) competing in a single-elimination bracket, we’re about to see an all-time showcase of skill and pure scoring talent. The matchups are based on our player rankings, meaning the highest seed faces the lowest seed in each round. There are no teammates to rely on—just pure isolation basketball. Some players are built for this format, while others may struggle without their usual offensive systems. Let’s break down every matchup from the first round to the championship.
First Round Matchups & Results
(1) Nikola Jokic vs. (32) Stephon Castle
Jokic dominates the rookie with his footwork, size, and shot-making. Castle plays tough defense, but he has no answer for Jokic’s touch around the rim and passing out of double teams. The MVP candidate cruises to the next round.
Result: Nikola Jokic vs. Stephon Castle 21-7
(2) Shai Gilgeous-Alexander vs. (31) Jaylen Wells
Shai’s smooth mid-range game is too much for the young Wells. He uses his elite handle and length to create easy shots, and his defense forces multiple tough attempts. A quick and efficient win for SGA.
Result: Shai Gilgeous-Alexander vs. Jaylen Wells 21-5
(3) Kevin Durant vs. (30) Dalton Knecht
Knecht comes in fearless, hitting a few early jumpers, but Durant’s size and skill quickly take over. He gets to his spots effortlessly, swatting a few of Knecht’s shots in the process. The veteran secures an easy victory.
Result: Kevin Durant vs. Dalton Knecht 21-3
(4) Giannis Antetokounmpo vs. (29) Zach Edey
Edey has size, but that’s about it in this matchup. Giannis blows past him repeatedly, attacking the rim with ferocity. On defense, he easily contests Edey’s post attempts. A dominant performance from the Greek Freak.
Result: Giannis Antetokounmpo vs. Zach Edey 21-6
(5) Anthony Edwards vs. (28) Trayce Jackson-Davis
Edwards wastes no time attacking, using his athleticism to create separation and finish above the rim. Jackson-Davis battles hard inside, but Edwards’ superior skill set is too much to handle. Ant-Man advances.
Result: Anthony Edwards vs. Trayce Jackson-Davis 21-8
(6) Stephen Curry vs. (27) Jared McCain
McCain holds his own for a bit, hitting some mid-range shots, but Curry’s movement and deep shooting range wear him down. Once Steph finds his groove from beyond the arc, the game quickly gets out of hand.
Result: Stephen Curry vs. Jared McCain 21-10
(7) Jayson Tatum vs. (26) Victor Wembanyama
Wemby’s length makes things interesting, blocking some of Tatum’s drives. But Tatum adapts, leaning into his physicality and shot-making from mid-range and deep. The experience factor plays a role as Tatum grinds out a win.
Result: Jayson Tatum vs. Victor Wembanyama 21-15
(8) LeBron James vs. (25) Cade Cunningham
Cade starts strong, knocking down a couple of step-backs, but LeBron’s strength and versatility take over. He overpowers Cunningham on drives and shows off his improved shooting to secure the win.
Result: LeBron James vs. Cade Cunningham 21-12
(9) Kyrie Irving vs. (24) Tyler Herro
Herro is confident and knocks down a few jumpers early, but Kyrie’s elite handle and finishing ability overwhelm him. Irving’s creativity leads to highlight-reel plays as he moves on comfortably.
Result: Kyrie Irving vs. Tyler Herro 21-13
(10) Donovan Mitchell vs. (23) Jalen Williams
Jalen Williams puts up a solid fight, using his length and athleticism, but Mitchell’s quickness and ability to get buckets in isolation prove to be too much. Spida closes it out with a few tough threes.
Result: Donovan Mitchell vs. Jalen Williams 21-14
(11) Damian Lillard vs. (22) James Harden
A battle of elite shot creators sees Lillard and Harden trading deep threes and tough jumpers. Harden tries to slow the pace, but Dame’s quick first step and clutch shooting get him over the line.
Result: Damian Lillard vs. James Harden 21-18
(12) Karl-Anthony Towns vs. (21) Pascal Siakam
Siakam’s length and spin moves keep him in it, but Towns’ size and shooting ability create an advantage. A few deep threes from KAT late seal the victory in one of the most even matchups in the first round.
Result: Karl-Anthony Towns vs. Pascal Siakam 21-17
(13) Jalen Brunson vs. (20) Darius Garland
Garland’s quickness gives Brunson some trouble, but the Knicks’ star uses his footwork and strength to dictate the game. His mid-range jumper is automatic, carrying him to the next round.
Result: Jalen Brunson vs. Darius Garland 21-16
(14) Jaren Jackson Jr. vs. (19) Alperen Sengun
One of the closest matchups of the round sees Sengun’s crafty post-play going against Jackson’s defense and outside shooting. In the end, JJJ’s ability to stretch the floor gives him a slight edge.
Result: Jaren Jackson Jr. vs. Alperen Sengun 21-19
(15) Jaylen Brown vs. (18) Evan Mobley
Mobley’s defense makes Brown work, but Jaylen’s superior shot creation wins out. A couple of big dunks and mid-range shots push Brown into the next round although there was some concern from Celtics fans in this one.
Result: Jaylen Brown vs. Evan Mobley 21-18
(16) Trae Young vs. (17) Devin Booker
An absolute shootout between two elite scorers comes down to the wire. Booker plays more physically, but Trae’s deep shooting range and quickness allow him to squeak by in a thriller.
Result: Trae Young vs. Devin Booker 22-20
Second Round Matchups & Results
(1) Nikola Jokic vs. (16) Trae Young
Young comes out firing, hitting a few logo-range threes to take an early lead, but Jokic stays patient. Using his size and high IQ, Jokic backs Young down, easily getting to his spots in the post. Young’s quickness helps him create space for floaters and jumpers, but he has no chance of stopping Jokic defensively. In the end, the Joker calmly overpowers Trae and moves on.
Result: Nikola Jokic vs. Trae Young 21-12
(2) Shai Gilgeous-Alexander vs. (15) Jaylen Brown
This is a battle between elite wings, but Shai’s unorthodox style gives him the edge. Brown plays physical defense, cutting off Shai’s drives early, but SGA adjusts with his deadly mid-range game. Jaylen counters with his explosiveness, finishing through contact multiple times. The game remains tight until Shai’s signature step-backs and change-of-pace dribbles create just enough separation to secure the win.
Result: Shai Gilgeous-Alexander vs. Jaylen Brown 21-17
(3) Kevin Durant vs. (14) Jaren Jackson Jr.
Jackson Jr. tries to use his length to disrupt Durant, but KD is simply too skilled. He rises up over JJJ’s contests with ease, draining mid-range jumpers at will. On the other end, Jackson gets a few buckets inside, but Durant’s underrated defense makes it difficult. By the midway point, Durant is in full rhythm, mixing in fadeaways and deep threes to put the game away.
Result: Kevin Durant vs. Jaren Jackson Jr. 21-13
(4) Giannis Antetokounmpo vs. (13) Jalen Brunson
Brunson puts up a fight early, using his footwork and quick release to keep things competitive. But as the game goes on, Giannis turns up the intensity. His length completely disrupts Brunson’s ability to finish inside, and in transition, the Greek Freak is unstoppable. A few thunderous dunks and an improved shooting touch give Giannis the easy win.
Result: Giannis Antetokounmpo vs. Jalen Brunson 21-10
(5) Anthony Edwards vs. (12) Karl-Anthony Towns
The two Timberwolves teammates go at it, and there’s no shortage of trash talk. KAT tries to bully Edwards inside, using his size to score on post-ups, but Ant’s athleticism and defensive effort make life tough. On offense, Edwards explodes to the rim, finishing through Towns and knocking down step-back threes. The game stays close, but Ant’s clutch gene shines through as he pulls away late.
Result: Anthony Edwards vs. Karl-Anthony Towns 21-18
(6) Stephen Curry vs. (11) Damian Lillard
A battle of sharpshooters turns into an instant classic. Both Curry and Lillard put on a shooting exhibition, trading deep threes and ridiculous off-the-dribble shots. Dame’s physicality gives him an edge at times, but Steph’s movement without the ball wears him down. In the final moments, Curry nails a vintage pull-up three to seal the narrow victory.
Result: Stephen Curry vs. Damian Lillard 21-19
(7) Jayson Tatum vs. (10) Donovan Mitchell
Tatum and Mitchell both bring their A-game, making tough shot after tough shot. Mitchell attacks early with his quick first step and explosive finishing, but Tatum’s size advantage becomes the difference. Using his post-game and a smooth jumper, Tatum starts pulling away. He caps off the game with a clutch fadeaway over Mitchell to advance.
Result: Jayson Tatum vs. Donovan Mitchell 21-16
(8) LeBron James vs. (9) Kyrie Irving
This matchup has history, and both players take it personally. Kyrie’s handles leave LeBron reaching a few times, but James’ strength and all-around game are too much. He bullies Kyrie on drives and showcases his improved outside shooting. Irving keeps it competitive with acrobatic finishes, but LeBron locks in defensively late and powers his way to victory.
Result: LeBron James vs. Kyrie Irving 21-17
Quarterfinal Matchups & Results
(1) Nikola Jokic vs. (8) LeBron James
A heavyweight showdown between two basketball geniuses. LeBron starts off strong, using his quickness and athleticism to get downhill and finish through Jokic. But as the game progresses, Jokic’s methodical pace takes over. His post-game, footwork, and passing ability allow him to dictate the tempo. LeBron tries to keep up with deep jumpers, but Jokic’s touch and size prove to be too much.
Result: Nikola Jokic vs. LeBron James 21-18
(2) Shai Gilgeous-Alexander vs. (7) Jayson Tatum
This is a chess match between two of the league’s best wings. Tatum has the strength advantage, using it to hit fadeaways and attack the rim, but Shai’s craftiness shines. His herky-jerky dribbling and elite finishing make life tough for Tatum. The game is neck-and-neck, but Shai’s ability to create separation late allows him to hit back-to-back daggers for the win.
Result: Shai Gilgeous-Alexander vs. Jayson Tatum 21-19
(3) Kevin Durant vs. (6) Stephen Curry
A familiar battle between former teammates. Curry’s movement and shot-making keep him in it early, but Durant is simply too tall and skilled. He takes advantage of his length, shooting over Curry with ease. Steph tries to counter with quick drives, but KD’s underrated defense shuts down the lane. A clutch contested three by Durant puts the game away.
Result: Kevin Durant vs. Stephen Curry 21-17
(4) Giannis Antetokounmpo vs. (5) Anthony Edwards
Ant tries to prove he belongs, attacking Giannis fearlessly, but the Greek Freak takes it personally. Giannis’ defense is suffocating, and his transition play is overwhelming. Edwards holds his own with impressive shot-making, but Giannis’ relentless energy and physicality wear him down. A few unstoppable drives later, and Giannis books his spot in the semis.
Result: Giannis Antetokounmpo vs. Anthony Edwards 21-16
Semifinal Matchups & Results
(1) Nikola Jokic vs. (4) Giannis Antetokounmpo
This is a battle of the league’s most dominant forces. Giannis starts with brute force, attacking the paint relentlessly. But Jokic adapts, using his soft touch and impeccable footwork to counter Giannis’ physicality. The game is neck-and-neck, with Giannis blocking a few shots, but Jokic’s patience in the post and ability to hit tough shots give him the slightest edge in an epic duel.
Result: Nikola Jokic vs. Giannis Antetokounmpo 21-19
(2) Shai Gilgeous-Alexander vs. (3) Kevin Durant
One of the best matchups of the tournament. SGA plays with supreme confidence, using his silky handles and mid-range game to challenge Durant. KD, as always, rises up with effortless jumpers, keeping it close. The game goes down to the wire, but Shai’s ability to control the tempo and create high-percentage looks allows him to edge Durant in a thriller.
Result: Shai Gilgeous-Alexander vs. Kevin Durant 22-20
Final Matchup & Result
(1) Nikola Jokic vs. (2) Shai Gilgeous-Alexander
The two most composed, methodical players in the tournament face off. Shai keeps it interesting early, using his elite dribble penetration and smooth touch to score in a variety of ways. But Jokic is simply inevitable. His size advantage allows him to dominate inside, and his shot-making at all three levels proves too much. SGA battles until the end, but Jokic’s patience and efficiency win out, securing him the title of 1-on-1 King of the 2025 All-Star Game.
Result: Nikola Jokic vs. Shai Gilgeous-Alexander 21-18
Winner: Nikola Jokic
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