Taco Bell Skills Challenge tips off 2018 NBA All-Star Saturday Night with a bang as Dinwiddie victorious

All-Star Saturday got underway with the Taco Bell Skills Challenge launching the evening with a bang.

Since revamping the format of this event it has been far more interesting. Obviously the use of big men is compelling. This season adding arguably the most engaging NBA player to the mix (Joel Embiid) added further intrigue.

Yet, heading into the event there was a feeling the guards were wanting to reclaim the title after losing it in both previous years since the revamp.

Taco Bell Skills Challenge Participants:

Andre Drummond:

The brutal injury to reigning champ Knicks Kristaps Porzingis resulted in Pistons big man Andre Drummond.replacing him. Drummond’s Pistons were reeling due to injury, but chemistry issues got a reset when Stan Van Gundy pulled a major trade to bring over Blake Griffin. Drummond had already shown significant improvements since the summer when he underwent a procedure to help with his breathing.

Additionally, the big man worked on his free throws and recognized major improvements. To that end, he is setting career bests at the line connecting on 62.5 percent. Prior to this season Drummond’s best average from the charity stripe was 41.8%. His passing is greatly improved as well, (up from 1.1 to 3.6 per game). The big problem for Drummond may be trying to connect on the three point shot in this contest since it’s not something he attempts very much.

Joel Embiid:

Ever engaging, charismatic Sixers superstar Joel Embiid is sure to add excitement to the event. The question is what will garner more attention his performance or a sound bite. The big man leads his 76ers in scoring (23.7), rebounds (11.1), blocks (1.8), free throw attempts (7.7) and free throw makes (6.1). While Embiid can expand all the way to the perimeter he’s struggled recently with his efficiency dropping under 30 percent (29.7%).

Now that Embiid is clear to play in back to backs his 76ers could make a move up the ladder from their current seventh seed. Examination of the big man’s on-off court ratings show how vital he is to the Sixers success. When Embiid in on the court he ranks first defensively (97.5) and second offensively (108.5) with Shaun Long being first. When Embiid sits falters on both ends with their offense dropping to 101.3 and defense climbing to 108.1.

Al Horford:

Under the radar star of the Boston Celtics, Al Horford is often overlooked. Super star Kyrie Irving captures the most media attention along with youngsters Jason Tatum and Jaylen Brown. Yet, a scan of his stats highlights just how much Horford does for his team. The big man leads his squad in assists (5.1), rebounds (7.7) and blocks (1.2). His shooting efficiency is also a big plus given he has the best perimeter efficiency (43.6 percent) and effective field goal percent (57.6 percent).

Moving forward while Irving often gets the majority of the credit for his leadership (which is well warranted) Horford’s leadership role is equally deserving of praise.

Lauri Markkanen

Chicago Bulls rookie Lauri Markkanen has jumped onto the scene and ranks among the best three point shooters in the association already. An ongoing narrative is how quickly the big man reached 100 made three pointers. To this point in the season Markkanen has connected on 113 perimeter shots through 51 games. Notably, his three point efficiency (35.4%) has fallen off recently as he’s likely hit the rookie wall.

The Finnish big man leads his squad in rebounding (7.7) as well. The other exciting part of Markkanen’s game is he already showcases offensive versatility. As he gains more experience and passes the rookie wall the big man could find himself playing in a future All-Star Sunday Game.

Buddy Hield:

Although Buddy Hield got off to a rough start in his rookie season he seems to have found a renewed focus. This occurred following his trade to the Sacramento Kings in the deal that brought Boogie Cousins to the Pelicans. Notably, that trade happened at the end of the All-Star Game last season, but with the trade deadline reset to occur earlier there won’t be any repeats of this nature this year. And, while Kings owner Vivek Ranadive may have overshot on his prediction Hield was the next Steph Curry, the Bahamian has fit perfectly into his role as the sixth man.

With Donovan Mitchell replacing the injured Aaron Gordon in the slam dunk contest, Hield became the rookies replacement in this event. On the season Hield is scoring 12.5 points adding 3.4 rebounds, 1.5 assists and is shooting 42.5 percent from the perimeter on 4.9 attempts per game.

Jamal Murray:

Some analysts slept on the talent that is Jamal Murray. The Canadian had a decent rookie campaign, but most fans weren’t aware he played the entirety of his season with a sports hernia. This speaks to the tenacity of the guard. Factor in the Nuggets trading Emmanuel Mudiay away and it’s clear Denver recognize Murray had already replaced him as a piece of their future core. In fact, aside from the depth on Denver (which arguably rivals any of their West opponents) Murray, Nikola Jokic and Gary Harris may well become a Big 3 trio entering conversations in the long run.

Murray has improved in every statistical category this season with 16.5 points, 3.5 rebounds, 2.9 assists while shooting higher efficiencies from the stipe (91.4%), field (46.2%) and perimeter (38.6%).

The reason I earmarked Murray as my dark horse to win is I’ve witnessed him win a game for Team Canada at the Pan Am Games. Moreover, there is the example in place of when Murray tried out as a prospect for Boston. Upon hearing someone had set a record for three point shots hit in that setting Murray (who was already part way through the timed exercise) buckled down to capture the new record. Suffice to say, Murray likes to compete and win especially when the lights are at their brightest.

Spencer Dinwiddie:

More from Thunderous Intentions

One of the better feel good stories of the season has to be Spencer Dinwiddie. After seemingly being relegated to become a G-League player and not recognize success at the varsity level Dinwiddie seized his opportunity when both Jeremy Lin and D’Angelo Russell were felled by injury early this season.

Not only did Dinwiddie step in as their replacements he quickly became the primary option, hit clutch shots and provided a sense of calm to a team who was predicted to finish last. Although the Nets aren’t setting the NBA on fire, given the injuries they suffered the fact Brooklyn competes for a full 48 minutes is often stemming from the leadership of Dinwiddie.

On the season Dinwiddie is posting averages of 13.6 points, 3.3 rebounds and 6.7 assists. Without a ton of offensive talent to surround him the guard is producing. He has regressed on his efficiency levels lately (38.8% from the field and 33.8% from the perimeter). In fairness Dinwiddie is playing 6.4 minutes per game and is facing the opponent’s toughest defender most nights.

Lou Williams:

The Clippers guard surprised many and probably ruined a few GM’s plans heading to the trade deadline when he re-inked a deal in LA. For Lou Williams he cited the desire to stay with a team after playing on four different squads in four seasons.

Seemingly, Jerry West is working closely with Lawrence Frank and Michael Winger as they restructure the Clippers to be more competitive and begin a culture reset.

A former winner of Sixth Man of the Year, the question moving forward is whether Williams future will find him coming off the bench or being a core piece in the starting rotation. On the season, Williams is averaging 23.2 points, 2.5 rebounds, a career high 5.3 assists, 1.1 steals and shooting 37.8 percent from the perimeter.

Round 1:

Al Horford vs. Joel Embiid: Although Horford had a big lead on Embiid the Sixers star caught up and because Horford missed his two early attempts his third was seemingly knocked out by Embiid’s first trey and then the 76ers big man nailed his second effort to move on.

Lauri Markkanen vs. Andre Drummond: To be honest, I was super worried about Drummond taking the three point shot, but although the Bulls rookie moved on because he arrived at the line first. Both Markkanen and Drummond hit their first attempts from deep.

Spencer Dinwiddie vs Buddy Hield: Although Hield jumped out to the early lead and got to the three point line first he failed to convert on his initial attempt. As Hield hoisted his second attempt Dinwiddie raced to the line and nailed his first effort to take the win.

Jamal Murray vs. Lou Williams: Murray hit his first chest pass while Williams struggled to get the ball into the opening. By the time Sweet Lou was headed down for the dunk/layup Murray was already streaking to back to take his perimeter shot. But, like a few others Murray had issues from deep missing his initial three attempts. But, he fortunately hit his third attempt just as Williams arrived to shoot. the shot just

Round 2:

Markkanen vs. Embiid: In this round once again Embiid had issues with the chest pass, but so did Markkanen this time. And seemingly on replay Embiid took two attempts, missing both, but saw the Bulls rookie get his so decided to just move forward at the same time (it was kind of funny). Yet, Markkanen nailed his first perimeter attempt to move into the finals.

Jamal Murray vs Spencer Dinwiddie: Murray got off to another hot start but Dinwiddie caught up as Murray took his second attempt from deep. The Nets clutch shooter nailed his first deep shot to move to the finals.

Spencer Dinwiddie vs. Markkanen: In the final round Spencer finally afforded himself a lead hitting the chest pass immediately enabling him to get up to the top of the arc and get off two perimeter shots (hitting on the second one) before Markkanen arrived to even take a shot.

This event kicked off the festivities with a bang and helps to build what could be an exciting All-Star Saturday Night of events.

Congratulations to Spencer Dinwiddie and bringing the guards back into the Skills Competition.

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