From its modest beginnings, through a series of obstacles, the NBA made a name for itself. It’s not only about the games we love to watch, but the whole scene is so fascinating and entertaining. It provides us with a fun atmosphere, bright personalities and so much more.
All-Star Weekend
One of the most awaited dates of the year is an NBA All-Star game. To be a part of the All-Star team is a great honor and only the best players are chosen. The game is surrounded by other attractions, making together a whole weekend of various competitions like the NBA All-Star Celebrity Game and Slam Dunk Contest. One of the competitions held during the All-Star weekend is Skills Challenge, known as Taco Bell Skills Challenge.
Taco Bell Skills Challenge
The name of the challenge is obviously inspired by their main sponsor. It was started in 2003 and became a huge part of the National Basketball Players Association franchise. Historically, the challenge was sponsored by 989 Sports and Play Station, only in 2009 getting the Taco Bell NBA sponsorship.
The Competition
NBA All-Star players compete against one another in obstacle course competition. It has a single-elimination tournament format, which means that two players participate in each round. The goal is to go through the obstacle course as fast as possible and only one player goes from the first round to the next.
In other words, eight players compete simultaneously in the three-round competition, a head-to-head matchup. Four of them will go to the quarterfinals and only two of those will go to the finals.
In the 2021 Taco Bell NBA Skills Challenge had only six participants.
Obstacle Course
The Taco Bell Skills Challenge obstacle course tests players dribbling, passing, and shooting abilities.
Firstly, the players run the full length of the court in a slalom, dodging the five obstacles. Secondly, they pass the ball to the basket situated on the court floor, which is supposed to mimic another player. If the pass is completed, they can grab another ball and go back the full length of the court, this time not worrying about obstacles. Thirdly, they make a jump shot attempt and regain the ball.
Lastly, they have to go back to the other part of the court and shoot a three-pointer from outside the key. They have three attempts at a basket in case the first or the second is missed. The player who shoots a successful three-pointer first automatically advances to the next round!
NBA Taco Bell Skills Challenge Winners
The NBA All-Star selection is full of true competitors, and like in every challenge, there are winners. The challenge itself is more for fun than anything else but the public loves to watch it and keeps fingers crossed for their favorite players. Here is a list of the Skills Challenge’s previous winners, from its beginning in 2003.
2003 – Jason Kidd, New Jersey
2004 – Baron Davis, New Orleans Pelicans
2005 and 2010 – Steve Nash, Phoenix Suns
2006 and 2007 – Dwyane Wade, Miami Heat
2008 – Deron Williams, Utah Jazz
2009 – Derrick Rose, Chicago Bulls
2011 – Stephen Curry, Golden State Warriors
2012 – Tony Parker, San Antonio Spurs
2013 and 2014 – Damian Lillard, Portland Trail Blazers
2014 – Trey Burke, Utah Jazz
2015 – Patrick Beverley, Houston Rockets
2016 – Karl-Anthony Towns, Minnesota Timberwolves
2017 – Kristaps Porzingis, New York Knicks
2018 – Spencer Dinwiddie, Brooklyn
2019 – Jayson Tatum, Boston Nets
2020 – Bam Adebayo, Miami Heat
2021 – Domantas Sabonis, Indiana Pacers
Few Last Words
Hopefully, it was a complete explanation of what the Taco Bell Skills Challenge is. Next years’ competition you can pick your favorite and cheer for them while they’re going through the course!
Has Chris Paul ever won the Skills Challenge?
In 2021 Phoenix Suns Chris Paul made his record fifth appearance in NBA Skills Challenge. The fourth time he competed was in 2011, so he had a long break. Many Phoenix Suns fans rooted for Chris Paul and hoped he would finally win. Unfortunately, Chris hasn’t met with any luck but he still can be admired because of his persistence.
Who won the Skills Competition 2021?
Domantas Sabonis.
Who won the Skills Challenge 2014?
Patrick Beverley.
