New York Liberty’s Natasha Cloud is set to light up the WNBA All-Star Weekend as she competes in the Skills Challenge, fresh off making history by surpassing Candace Parker’s assist record. Her playmaking prowess will be on full display alongside fellow guards Skylar Diggins and Erica Wheeler.
With her recent milestone and All-Star momentum, Cloud emerges as a dark horse for MVP honors if she dominates the event. The stage is set for her to prove she’s among the league’s elite playmakers.
- Natasha Cloud has been selected to participate in the WNBA All-Star Skills Challenge, showcasing her playmaking abilities alongside stars like Skylar Diggins and Erica Wheeler.
- Cloud recently tied for 8th on the WNBA’s all-time assists list (1,638), surpassing Candace Parker in a historic milestone achieved on the same day as Diggins.
- Her infectious energy and tenacity, honed over 10 WNBA seasons, make her a standout contender in both the Skills Challenge and as a potential future All-Star MVP.
Natasha Cloud to Showcase Skills in WNBA All-Star Challenge: Will She Win MVP Next?
Why Natasha Cloud’s Skills Challenge Appearance Could Boost Her WNBA MVP Chances
The New York Liberty’s Natasha Cloud is set to participate in the 2025 WNBA All-Star Skills Challenge, marking a significant milestone in her career. Known for her elite defensive prowess and playmaking abilities, Cloud brings a unique skill set to the competition. Her inclusion follows a strong first half of the season where she’s averaged 11.5 points, 4.2 rebounds, and 7.4 assists per game.
Historically, standout performances in All-Star weekend events have propelled players into the MVP conversation. Cloud’s well-rounded game makes her a dark horse candidate if she can maintain her current production. The Skills Challenge particularly showcases qualities that translate to regular season success – ball-handling, passing accuracy, and basketball IQ.
Breaking Down Cloud’s Chances Against the Skills Challenge Field
The 2025 Skills Challenge features a formidable lineup including Seattle Storm’s Skylar Diggins and Erica Wheeler, along with Minnesota’s Courtney Williams. Cloud’s competition brings diverse strengths:
| Player | Key Strength |
|---|---|
| Natasha Cloud | Playmaking/Defense |
| Skylar Diggins | Ball Handling |
| Erica Wheeler | Speed |
| Courtney Williams | Creativity |
Cloud’s experience running the Liberty’s offense gives her an edge in precision passing drills. Her 2022 WNBA assists title proves her ability to execute under pressure. However, the time-based format could favor quicker guards like Wheeler.
Key Factors That Could Decide the Challenge
- Obstacle Course Execution: Cloud’s defensive footwork translates well here
- Passing Accuracy: Her career 7.4 APG suggests dominance
- Three-Point Shooting: Not her strongest skill at 34% career
How Cloud’s All-Star Performance Could Impact the Liberty’s Championship Odds
New York currently sits among the WNBA’s elite teams, and a strong showing from Cloud could provide momentum for their championship push. The Skills Challenge serves as more than just entertainment – it’s an opportunity to fine-tune skills that win playoff games.
During the 2019 Washington Mystics title run, Cloud proved she elevates her game when it matters most. If she can carry that same intensity into All-Star weekend and beyond, the Liberty become even more dangerous. Her leadership and defensive versatility allow stars like Sabrina Ionescu to focus on scoring.
Comparing Cloud’s Career Trajectory to Past WNBA MVPs
Examining recent MVP winners reveals what Cloud needs to break through:
- Scoring Increase: MVP typically averages 18+ PPG (Cloud at 11.5)
- Team Success: Liberty must finish top-2 in standings
- Signature Moments: All-Star performance could provide this
While Cloud’s all-around game is exceptional, history suggests she’ll need to boost her scoring to enter serious MVP contention. However, her elite defense (two-time All-Defensive selection) gives her a unique case.
Predicting Cloud’s Future: MVP Candidate or Elite Role Player?
The All-Star Skills Challenge represents a crossroads in Cloud’s career. At 33 years old, she’s playing some of her best basketball, but how much higher can she climb?
Three potential paths emerge:
- Breakout Scenario: Leverages All-Star momentum into second-half scoring surge
- Status Quo: Maintains current production as championship glue piece
- Decline: Age catches up as younger guards ascend
Natasha Cloud’s Defensive Mastery: The Hidden MVP Argument
While attention focuses on scoring, Cloud’s defense provides her strongest MVP case. She anchors the Liberty’s perimeter defense, often guarding opponents’ best players. Consider these defensive metrics:
| Season | Steals | Defensive Win Shares |
|---|---|---|
| 2022 | 1.6 | 2.8 |
| 2023 | 1.4 | 2.5 |
| 2025 | 1.7 | 2.9* |
*Projected based on first half performance
The Skills Challenge won’t showcase her defense directly, but the footwork and anticipation skills translate. If voters recognize defensive impact more this season, Cloud’s case strengthens.
What Cloud Needs to Win MVP According to Advanced Analytics
Modern MVP voting increasingly incorporates advanced stats. Cloud’s profile shows strengths and weaknesses:
- Positive Indicators: Top-10 in assists, elite defensive metrics
- Concerns: Below-average true shooting percentage (51%)
- X-Factor: League-leading +/- when on court
The Skills Challenge performance could sway narratives if she dominates the precision elements. However, analytics suggest she needs improved scoring efficiency to realistically challenge for MVP.
Natasha Cloud in the Skills Challenge? After that hat fine drama, she’s either gonna dominate out of spite or get disqualified for wearing unapproved sneakers 😂
Lol true, but let’s not forget she just tied for 8th all-time in assists. Maybe she’ll break another record mid-challenge.
The WNBA’s fine policy is a joke. Let players express themselves—Cloud’s hat was iconic.
MVP next? Cloud’s a beast, but let’s see her stay healthy first. That hip injury’s sus for a guard who relies on agility.
All-Star Skills lineup is STACKED. Cloud vs. Diggins is the assist queen showdown we didn’t know we needed. 🔥
Diggins already tied Cloud’s assists record the same night. Coincidence? I think not. Drama fuels basketball.
Cloud’s great and all, but can we talk about how Kiki Iriafen got snubbed from the main game? Priorities, people.
Liberty fans hyping Cloud like she’s Ionescu 2.0. Relax—she’s solid, but not ‘carry the franchise’ solid.