Team Jazz captures NBA All-Star Skills Challenge
Collin Sexton #2, Walker Kessler #24, and Jordan Clarkson #00 of the Utah Jazz pose with the trophies after winning the 2023 NBA All Star KIA Skills Challenge at Vivint Arena on February 18, 2023 in Salt Lake City, Utah. Tim Nwachukwu/Getty Images/AFP
Homecourt advantage proved to be quite helpful for Team Jazz players Jordan Clarkson, Collin Sexton and Walker Kessler, who won the NBA All-Star Skills Challenge on Saturday in Salt Lake City.
Playing at Vivint Arena, Team Jazz beat Team Rooks and Team Antetokounmpos by scoring 300 points, including 200 points in the shooting competition.
The three teams competed in a relay race before moving on to the passing and shooting events.
Three 2022 lottery picks — Orlando Magic forward Paolo Banchero, Detroit Pistons guard Jaden Ivey and Houston Rockets forward Jabari Smith Jr. — played on Team Rooks.
Milwaukee Bucks guard Jrue Holiday replaced injured teammate Giannis Antetokounmpo (wrist) and played with two Antetokounmpo brothers — Thanasis and Alex — on Team Antetokounmpos, while Clarkson, Sexton and Kessler of the host Utah Jazz rounded out the field.
Team Jazz earned 100 points by winning the passing competition and 200 for the shooting competition, while Team Rooks tallied 100 points for the relay race. Team Antetokounmpos was held scoreless.
