The WNBA All-Star weekend festivities were amazing, exciting and fun to watch. The one I always look forward to is the All-Star skills challenge both in the NBA and WNBA. This year’s WNBA All-Star Skills Challenge did not disappoint and it was a close call for the winner. The winner of 2019 WNBA All-Star skills challenge is guard Diamond DeShields of the Chicago Sky.
Brittney Griner
The 6 foot 9 Center plays for the Phoenix Mercury Griner participated in the Skills Challenge in the WNBA All-Star weekend festivities. At first, I was shocked to see her name amongst the participants. Not because of the lack of talent but due to the fact she is 6 foot 9 and tall players usually don’t have the speed. However, watching players participate in events like the skills challenge is always exciting. Atlanta’s Elizabeth Williams defeated Griner in the opening round matchup.
Skills Challenge
The competition was fierce and DeShields ended defeating Williams in the semifinals matchup. In my opinion, this event is the most anticipating all-star event of the weekend. In addition, to see all types of players it showcases the skills of each player. It consists of dribbling, passing, lay-ups and shooting. In fact, it shows the fans who really have the skills in all four basic fundamentals.
The most exciting part is the fans cheering for each individual player and seeing who can go through the cones as fast as possible who can pass the best under pressure and make an easy lay-up. The last station is the 3-point shot. Firstly, it is difficult to go full speed and make a 3-point shot on the first try. Jones had the advantage during the finals. However, she missed her first attempt and DeShields with a sweet shot made hers. The crowd went wild and DeShields was announced the winner of the 2019 WNBA All-Star Skills Challenge.
Let’s take a look at her dramatic winning bucket. Her opponent the one and only forward Jonquel Jones of the Connecticut Sun.
Close call ? Diamond with the win. #WNBA #WNBAAllStar @WNBApic.twitter.com/bdpxmD8kAd
— Belly Up WNBA (@WNBAbellyup) July 26, 2019
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