Westbrook to Take Part in All-Star Skills Challenge

Thunder guard Russell Westbrook was voted in from a field of eight candidates.

Thursday, May 26th 2011, 12:12 pm

By: News On 6

Westbrook to Take Part in All-Star Skills Challenge

Originally Published: Feb 17, 2011 4:46 PM CDT

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All-Star Weekend 2011: Slam Dunk Preview
All-Star Weekend 2011: 3-Point Contest Preview
All-Star Weekend 2011: Rookie-Sophomore Challenge
All-Star Weekend 2011: Skills Challenge Preview
Harden to Replace Evans on All-Star Sophomore Team

Grant Belcher
Oklahoma Sports Staff Writer

OKLAHOMA CITY – Thunder guard Russell Westbrook has been voted by fans into the 2011 Taco Bell All-Star Skills Challenge, the league announced Thursday.

He joins four other players in the contest: New Orleans guard Chris Paul, Chicago guard Derrick Rose, Golden State guard Stephen Curry, Washington guard John Wall.

The Skills Challenge started in 2003 and features players competing in an obstacle course of drilling, passing and shooting skills.

Westbrook competed in the 2010 Skills Challenge, but lost out to two-time winner Steve Nash of Phoenix.

The event is part of All-Star Saturday Night presented by State Farm, which also features the 3-point contest, the Shooting Stars competition and the slam dunk contest.

The Skills Challenge will take place between the 3-point contest and the slam dunk contest. Coverage of All-Star Saturday Night begins at 7 p.m. Saturday night on TNT.

Westbrook, who is averaging 22 points, 8.6 assists and five rebounds for the Thunder, is part of host of Oklahoma City players participating in events during All-Star weekend.

Thunder forward Serge Ibaka will compete in the slam dunk contest and the Rookie Challenge game, which pits the league’s top rookies against the top sophomores. Guard James Harden will also compete in the game.

Forward Kevin Durant is a starter for the Western Conference in the All-Star Game and will compete in the 3-point shootout.

Westbrook will also join Kevin Durant on the Western Conference roster as a reserve for the All-Star game.