Natasha Cloud of the New York Liberty secured victory in the 2025 WNBA All-Star Skills Challenge on Friday night in Indianapolis, narrowly defeating Erica Wheeler with only 1.1 seconds left in the final round. This thrilling finish marked Cloud’s first win at an All-Star event, showcasing her agility and precision in a tough competition.
Details of the Skills Challenge and Competitors
The event featured a highly competitive field that included Erica Wheeler, Allisha Gray, Courtney Williams, Skylar Diggins, and Cloud herself. Participants navigated an obstacle course demanding a combination of dribbling, bounce passes, chest passes, and outlet passes, in addition to making shots from various key spots, including a layup at the elbow, a three-pointer from the top of the arc, and a corner three-point shot. The course also featured obstacles such as a 2025 Kia Sorento Hybrid, adding complexity to the challenge.
Out of all five contenders, the two fastest times moved on to the final head-to-head round. Cloud posted the quickest first-round time at 34.1 seconds, with Wheeler close behind at 36.5 seconds. The other participants—Allisha Gray, Courtney Williams, and Skylar Diggins—were eliminated after recording times of 39.4, 42.0, and 44.3 seconds, respectively.
Exciting Final Moments and Team Support
In the head-to-head matchup, Cloud completed the course in 36.4 seconds, barely claiming the win from Wheeler, who finished in 37.5 seconds. Following Cloud’s decisive layup finish with just over a second left, Wheeler quickly congratulated her rival, displaying genuine sportsmanship. Joining the celebration were Liberty teammate Sabrina Ionescu and Isabelle Harrison, Cloud’s girlfriend and fellow team member, highlighting the close-knit support around her.
Cloud’s Season and Team Outlook Post-All-Star Break
Entering the All-Star break, the New York Liberty were enjoying a strong campaign, holding a 15-6 record, which stood as the best in the Eastern Conference. Cloud has contributed consistently this season, averaging 9.9 points, 3.7 rebounds, and 6.0 assists per game, while shooting 42.2 percent from the field and 31.6 percent from beyond the arc. As a WNBA champion and three-time All-Defensive Team selectee, Cloud aims to build on her momentum in the second half of the season.
The Liberty are scheduled to resume play on Tuesday, facing the Indiana Fever, as they look to maintain their winning pace while Cloud carries the confidence gained from her thrilling Skills Challenge performance.
Our Reader’s Queries
Q. Who is Natasha Cloud’s wife?
A. “I’m going to marry this girl”: Natasha Cloud and Aleshia Ocasio share a love story that transcends the world of sports.