I’m somewhat torn on the Skills Challenge event. Personally, I think that it’s a great event, and really creative. However, none of the players seem to think so as, year-after-year it’s the same drill: no one goes full-speed (even in the final round!) and the person who ultimately wants to win the event, will likely win it.
This year, there were five competitors in the event: Oklahoma City’s Russell Westbrook; New Orleans’ Chris Paul; Chicago’s Derrick Rose; Golden State’s Stephen Curry and Washington’s John Wall. Although proven point guards such as Paul and Rose (the defending champion of the event) seemed like much more logical choices to win the event, I put my faith in the ball handling skills of Curry. No, I didn’t think he was the best, or the fastest of the bunch – but I wanted him to win so badly – solely for the purpose that I did not believe he would be able to pick the trophy up, let alone hoist it over his diminutive body.
Boy, was I wrong. Well, kind of.
Much to my satisfaction (and as my only correct prediction of the night), Curry won the event. However, he shocked me, and probably most of the arena, when he took that massive trophy and held it above his head like it was nobodys business. His arms may look small, but that kids apparently got some gusto.
httpvhd://www.youtube.com/watch?v=DCCxOFtrMMI
Two events down, and half of a prediction right, only one more event separated the salivating, Blake Griffin-loving fans from the dunk contest – the three-point shootout.