All-Star Grades: Skills contest
Grades: Rising Stars | Celebrity | Skills | 3s | Dunk
The Skills Challenge is a three-round, obstacle-course competition that tests dribbling, passing, agility and 3-point shooting. Four frontcourt players join four guards in the eight-player field in a head-to-head, bracket-style tournament format.
Jordan Clarkson, Lakers | Grade: C
Results: Lost to C.J. McCollum
C.J. McCollum, Blazers | Grade: B-
Results: Beat Jordan Clarkson, lost to Isaiah Thomas
Isaiah Thomas, Celtics | Grade: A-
Results: Beat Emmanuel Mudiay, beat C.J. McCollum, lost to Karl-Anthony Towns
Analysis: His fellow guards were no problem for first-time All-Star Thomas, who used his quickness and accurate passing to advance to the final. Once there, Thomas let down little men everywhere by repeatedly missing 3-pointers and allowing the big men to steal the crown in the first year of a new format.
Emmanuel Mudiay, Nuggets* | Grade: D
Results: Lost to Isaiah Thomas
Analysis: Coming off an impressive performance in the Rookie Challenge, Mudiay struggled with the skills course, missing his first pass and mishandling the ball in the open court. Thomas was able to miss his first shot and still beat Mudiay.
*Replaced injured Rockets PG Patrick Beverley
Draymond Green, Warriors | Grade: C-
Results: Lost to Karl-Anthony Towns
Analysis: Green was doing well until it came time to complete the skills course with a 3-pointer from the top of the key. He missed both attempts.
Karl-Anthony Towns, Wolves | Grade: A
Results: Beat Draymond Green, beat DeMarcus Cousins, beat Isaiah Thomas
Anthony Davis, Pelicans | Grade: C
Results: Lost to DeMarcus Cousins
DeMarcus Cousins, Kings | Grade: C-
Results: Beat Anthony Davis, lost to Karl-Anthony Towns