Cleveland — It was sometimes awkward and confusing, and at other times fun and exciting.
The revamped NBA Skills Challenge kicked off the festivities at All-Star Saturday night with a bang, as three teams competed in four skills — Shooting, Passing, Team Relay and Halfcourt Shots.
The Pistons’ Cade Cunningham, along with the Oklahoma City Thunder’s Josh Giddey and Scottie Barnes of the Toronto Raptors teamed for the Rookie Team. Team Antetokounmpo consisted of brothers Giannis, Thanasis and Alex and the hometown Cavs Team had Darius Garland, Evan Mobley and Jarrett Allen.
It went down to the wire, with the Cavs winning when Mobley was able to hit a halfcourt shot within 5.5 seconds, besting Cunningham’s effort of just under 10 seconds.
Cunningham scored 10 points in the Shooting Skills round, and along with 16 points from Giddey and six points from Barnes, the rookies finished with 32 points in the first round.
The Antetokounmpos struggled in the shooting portion and scored 20 in their round.
The Cavs got a blistering performance from Evan Mobley with 18 points, including a 5-point ball, and Darius Garland added 21 points for 44 total points and the win.
The Rookies tied for first in the Passing Skills with the Team Antetokounmpo, but the tiebreaker stipulated that the team that made the most outlet passes in the challenge would win, giving the points to the Antetokounmpos.
In the third event, the Rookies prevailed in the Team relay, with a mix of passing and shooting skills. The point total allowed them to advance to the finals against the Cavs.
Cunningham was first to make a halfcourt shot, and they looked to be in a good position with a time of just under 10 seconds. But in the first round of shooting in the final, Mobley hit his shot, sending the Cavs to the victory.
Rod.Beard@detroitnews.com
Twitter: @detnewsRodBeard