In a shocking twist at the 2025 NBA Skills Challenge, Victor Wembanyama and Chris Paul (CP3) found themselves at the center of controversy after being disqualified for allegedly cheating during the competition. What was supposed to be a fun and light-hearted event turned into a moment of tension, as the two stars faced backlash from the crowd and fellow competitors.

The incident unfolded during the passing challenge, where each team was tasked with hitting moving targets placed around the court. Wembanyama and CP3, who had teamed up for the event, started off strong, showcasing their skill and chemistry with impressive passes. However, things took an unexpected turn when it appeared that they were bending the rules to gain an advantage.

During the challenge, multiple replays showed that Wembanyama and CP3 seemed to be deliberately assisting each other beyond the established guidelines, including hitting targets from spots they were not supposed to use. In one instance, CP3 appeared to pass the ball to Wembanyama before he even reached the designated spot, a clear violation of the competition’s rules.

The referees quickly caught wind of the situation and paused the challenge for review. After examining the footage, they made the decision to disqualify the pair for cheating, which left the crowd stunned and disappointed. The boos from the audience were loud and clear, echoing through the arena as Wembanyama and CP3 walked off the court, visibly frustrated by the turn of events.

For both players, the disqualification was a major blow to their reputations. Wembanyama, the highly touted rookie, had been one of the biggest attractions of All-Star Weekend, with fans eager to see him display his immense talent. Meanwhile, CP3, a future Hall-of-Famer, has built a reputation for leadership and basketball IQ, making the scandal even more surprising for many.

The disqualification didn’t sit well with the other competitors, either. Stephen Curry and Klay Thompson, who were part of a heated rivalry with Wembanyama’s team, expressed their frustration on social media. Curry, known for his light-hearted and fun-loving nature, tweeted: “It’s a skills challenge, not a cheat challenge. The game should always be played with integrity.” Thompson also chimed in, stating, “No shortcuts. If you’re going to compete, do it the right way.”

Fans also took to social media to share their reactions, with many calling out Wembanyama and CP3 for tarnishing the spirit of the competition. While some defended the players, citing the pressure and high stakes of All-Star Weekend, the general consensus was that the event should have been about fun, skill, and sportsmanship—qualities that were sorely lacking during this controversy.

Despite the disqualification, the rest of the Skills Challenge went on without a hitch. The Rooks team, led by Scoot Henderson and Victor Wembanyama’s Spurs teammate Keldon Johnson, ultimately went on to win the event, but the cloud of the cheating scandal loomed large over the festivities.

After the event, both Wembanyama and CP3 addressed the controversy in post-competition interviews. CP3 apologized, admitting that he had crossed the line in an attempt to “get the win at all costs” but reaffirmed that it was a mistake made in the heat of the moment. Wembanyama, visibly shaken, also expressed regret for his part in the incident, stating, “I let my competitive spirit get the best of me, and I’m sorry to the fans and the other players.”

While the disqualification was certainly a dark spot on the Skills Challenge, it also served as a valuable reminder that integrity should always come first, no matter the event or stakes. Fans were left to wonder how this scandal would affect Wembanyama and CP3’s relationships with their peers and how it would influence their future All-Star appearances.

The controversy will undoubtedly be a topic of discussion in the coming days, but for now, the 2025 NBA Skills Challenge will be remembered not only for the spectacular displays of talent but also for the disqualification that brought drama to the festivities.