Chicago Sky star Diamond DeShields will appear in her first WNBA All-Star Game this weekend, and she's already got the trip off to a great start as she won the league's skills challenge on Friday night.
DeShields had to come from behind to edge Jonquel Jones in the final round to win the contest. That three-round event featured two players competing simultaneously on identical obstacle courses that test ball handling, passing, agility and 3-point shooting skills. In the final, DeShields' first pass attempt missed, but she quickly made the second one. She finished the course in the final round in 23.4 seconds when her 3-pointer went in.
"I knew I got behind in the passing, get the balls out quick and knew that if she missed her first 3-point attempt I'd make mine," DeShields said. "That's what happened."
Jones had advanced to the final by coming from behind to beat Napheesa Collier in the opening round. The Connecticut Sun forward hit a 3-pointer from a few feet behind the line, holding her follow through as she knew it was in. She then topped DeShields' teammate Courtney Vandersloot in the semifinals.
DeShields topped Odyssey Sims in the opening round and Elizabeth Williams in the semifinals.
The victory by DeShields won $10,000 for Hoops20 - Water Boys, a charity that raises funds and awareness for clean water initiatives in East Africa.
"I just wanted to win," she said. "I wanted to get the money and get the check for the foundation, which was really important to me."
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DeShields and Vandersloot weren't alone on Friday night, as Sky teammate Allie Quigley tried to defend her title in the 3-point competition. She was unable to do so however, bowing out in the first round.
The WNBA All-Star Game will tip off at 2:30 p.m. on Saturday afternoon.
