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Recap: Skills Challenge

By Mathew Huff

Dec 12, 2016; Dallas, TX, USA; Denver Nuggets forward Nikola Jokic (15) shoots over Dallas Mavericks center Salah Mejri (50) during the second half at the American Airlines Center. The Mavericks defeat the Nuggets 112-92. Mandatory Credit: Jerome Miron-USA TODAY Sports
Dec 12, 2016; Dallas, TX, USA; Denver Nuggets forward Nikola Jokic (15) shoots over Dallas Mavericks center Salah Mejri (50) during the second half at the American Airlines Center. The Mavericks defeat the Nuggets 112-92. Mandatory Credit: Jerome Miron-USA TODAY Sports /
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Dec 19, 2016; Denver, CO, USA; Denver Nuggets forward Nikola Jokic (15) reacts after scoring during the second half against the Dallas Mavericks at Pepsi Center. The Nuggets 117-107. Mandatory Credit: Chris Humphreys-USA TODAY Sports
Dec 19, 2016; Denver, CO, USA; Denver Nuggets forward Nikola Jokic (15) reacts after scoring during the second half against the Dallas Mavericks at Pepsi Center. The Nuggets 117-107. Mandatory Credit: Chris Humphreys-USA TODAY Sports /

Even though Jokic didn’t win, the Skills Challenge was fun to watch.

The Skills Challenge impressed many spectators. Nikola Jokic was able to advance to the second round of the big men part of the bracket.

That is before he was knocked out by New York Knicks big man and eventual champion Kristaps Porzingis. Jokic defeated Anthony Davis in the first round, but he just wasn’t able to overcome the up and coming Lithuanian Knicks star.

Denver Nuggets
Denver Nuggets /

Denver Nuggets

Jokic started out a little rough by struggling to find the net on the passing portion of the challenge when he faced both Davis and Porzingis. For those not familiar with the Skills Challenge, it is an obstacle course that tests players’ basketball strengths from dribbling, passing, to shooting under pressure.

He was able to catch up to Porzingis, but was a millisecond late on his bank shot from well beyond 3-point land with Porzingis’ shot barely beating his. It was still a solid showing for the Serbian Sensation as announcer Reggie Miller even predicted him to win the competition before it began.

Other than completely butchering his last name, it was nice to see a NBA hall of famer display such confidence in the rising Nuggets’ star. This could be a sign that the rest of the NBA is finally taking notice of Nikola Jokic followed by the Nuggets growing talent.

Bear in mind that Jokic wasn’t originally invited to this contest, he was replacing the injured Cavaliers star, Kevin Love. However, it would not be a stretch to assume that he will be back next season or seasons after that for this contest.

With a little bit of experience under his belt, he may have a better advantage next year with now knowing what to expect under the shining lights of All-Star Weekend.

Don’t get down Nikola, this weekend is about blowing off steam, this is not the NBA Finals.

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