Feb 15, 2014; New Orleans, LA, USA; Phoenix Suns guard Goran Dragic (1) and Oklahoma City Thunder guard Reggie Jackson (15) during the 2014 NBA All Star skills challenge at Smoothie King Center. Mandatory Credit: Bob Donnan-USA TODAY Sports
All-Star Saturday has arrived, and now is the time where we hope to see the Milwaukee Bucks grab the spotlight. Starting with the Taco Bell Skills Challenge, and then followed up by the Sprite Slam Dunk Contest, Brandon Knight and Giannis Antetokounmpo will be looking to show out in New York City while representing the Bucks.
For now, let’s focus in on the Skills Challenge and the task awaiting Brandon Knight.
As the second event up on the schedule, the Skills Challenge is slated to begin at 19:30 Central Time.
For those of you who are unfamiliar with what the event is all about, it’s pretty much what it says it is!
Take a look at last year’s highlights to get a feel for it.
The idea behind the contest is to test the players offensive abilities by pitting them against each other, and the clock, while presenting them with a basketball obstacle course of sorts.
The pros will combine a mixture of dribbling, passing, jump shooting and finishing at the rim, while going head-to-head with one of their peers in a timed battle.
With eight participants, this year’s winner will be determined using a bracket format. So, without further ado, let’s take a look at the First Round of matchups before breaking down the contestants in greater detail.
Isaiah Thomas v Patrick Beverley
Elfrid Payton v Jeff Teague
Trey Burke v Brandon Knight
Dennis Schröder v Kyle Lowry
Let’s see what Brandon is up against!
Next: Isaiah Thomas