Domantas Sabonis was invited back to the All-Star Skills Challenge after finishing in second place last season when he represented the Indiana Pacers. This year, prior to his appearance in the All-Star Game, Sabonis got another shot at the event.
After a clean run against Julius Randle, Domas advanced to the second round and knocked off Luka Dončić. His first two rounds were almost too easy for the big man but it should not be unexpected. Domas is one of the most skilled bigs in the entire NBA and his peers are taking notice.
Domantas Sabonis wins the Taco Bell Skills Challenge.
Domas went to the final round where he was knocked off a year ago but had other plans this time around. He challenged Orlando Magic center Nikola Vučević in the final round and walked away with the Taco Bell Skills Challenge trophy.
This is a minor accomplishment in the grand scheme of things but it is certainly a testament to Domas and what he is capable of on the court. He looked smooth in the passing and shooting portions of the event, sinking every attempt in the first two rounds.
In the final round, Sabonis was perfect again until the final three-point shot. He and Nikola went back and forth with a few misses before Domas drained the winning shot.
This night is filled with the Indiana Pacers on the main stage as Domas will also be participating in the game. At halftime, rookie Cassius Stanley will participate in the Slam Dunk Contest and has a chance to really make a statement for himself and the Indiana Pacers.
Congratulations to Domas for winning and hopefully that is the first of many wins that head Indiana’s way in the closing months of the season. One of the best bigs in the NBA is finally getting his recognition on a national stage.