New York Knicks resident Latvian Kristaps Porzingis captured the Taco Bell Skills Challenge at NBA All-Star Weekend as thus far the international stars of the league are gaining the upper hand in New Orleans.
Kristaps Porzingis showcased his all-around skills to defeat Sacramento Kings forward DeMarcus Cousins in the first round, Denver Nuggets’ Nikola Jokic in the following round and finally Gordon Hayward in the final matchup between guards and bigs.
The Latvian’s win in the Skills Challenge came after Team World tipped off All-Star Weekend with a 150-141 win over Team USA in the Rising Stars Game.
Canadian Jamal Murray of the Denver Nuggets scooped MVP honours as he exploded for 36 points including nine three-pointers to lead the World team to the win.
Charlotte Hornets’ Frank Kaminsky led USA with 27 points.
Elsewhere, Glenn Robinson III won the dunk contest and Eric Gordon pipped Kyrie Irving to win the three-point contest.
