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Vucevic Eliminates Covington in the Opening Round of the Skills Challenge

Trail Blazers forward Robert Covington was eliminated by Magic center Nikola Vucevic in the first round of the Taco Bell Skills Challenge.

By Steve Dewald
Sacramento Kings v Portland Trail Blazers Photo by Alika Jenner/Getty Images

Trail Blazers forward Robert Covington was eliminated in the first round of the 2021 NBA All-Star Skills Challenge. For the event, the Blazers forward donned his Tennessee State jersey—representing his HBCU roots. Covington faced a field that included Luka Doncic, Chris Paul, Julius Randle, Nikola Vucevic and Domantas Sabonis.

Prior to the competition, Covington announced that he is donating to $50 thousand to two scholarship athletes at Tennessee State (25k each).

Covington, who entered the event as the biggest underdog, faced Vucevic the first round. After missing the mark on his first chest-pass attempt, Covington struggled to regain his footing against the Magic’s big fella. Vucevic put the opening round on ice by sinking his first three-point attempt.

Sabonis outlasted Vucevic in a tight back-and-forth in the final run to take home the title from this year’s skills competition.

Covington will now enjoy a few days of rest before the Blazers return to action Thursday to face the Suns.

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