Chase Center and San Francisco put on a big party over the weekend. But in a funny turn of events, Oakland and its old concrete arena may have stolen the show. The 2025 edition of NBA All-Star Weekend didn’t have a particularly memorable moment,

It’s true that fans will indeed see more of Shaq (who just inked a new deal), Charles Barkley (who’s aiming to stay) and co. Still, as awkwardly timed or unnecessary as the All-Star game tribute may have been, I can appreciate that the producers wanted to give the host their flowers.

When the NBA on Saturday revisited the building formerly known as Oracle Arena after nearly six years away, those most familiar with the high-voltage vibe inside allowed themselves to inhale the fading fragrance of a house that once had the energy of a living organism.