NBA All-Star: Diallo wins dunk contest, Tatum best in skills challenge

That was thanks to the theatrics of Boston Celtics forward Jayson Tatum, who fell behind in each of his three rounds -- first to Memphis Grizzlies guard Mike Conley, then to Denver Nuggets center Nikola Jokic, and finally to Atlanta Hawks guard Trae Young -- but rallied to win each and start the night off with a victory.

"No, that was not the plan," Tatum said with a smile.

It certainly wasn't his plan to beat Young the way he did -- by throwing in a heave from half court when it appeared Young was all but certain to win.

Tatum said his hope was to at least knock Young's shot away, but he did one better by banking in a shot to edge the Atlanta rookie and earn himself a trophy in the process.

"The previous two rounds the guy was ahead of me, and figured I'd let him get a shot attempt so I'd get closer to the 3-point line," Tatum said. "But I didn't want to give Trae a chance.

"I didn't know I'd make it, but wanted to give myself a chance."

Tatum's win came on the heels of a 30-point performance in a victory in Friday night's Rising Stars Challenge as part of Team USA.

And Tatum, whose nickname is Taco Jay, said he hopes winning the skills challenge -- which was sponsored by Taco Bell -- might allow him to get one more win out of this weekend.

"I'm going to call Taco Bell tomorrow and tell them I need a deal," Tatum said. "I need to be on the commercial.

Agencies

"I love tacos."