Lillard wins three-point contest, says 'now I can retire from it'
- Damian Lillard announced he was retiring from the NBA's three-point contest after winning the title for the first time.
Berlin, 19 February 2023 (STATS Perform/dpa/MIA) — Damian Lillard announced he was retiring from the NBA's three-point contest after winning the title for the first time.
Portland Trail Blazers star Lillard, entering the contest for the third time, led the way with 26 points in Salt Lake City on Saturday.
With little-known Philadelphia 76ers guard Mac McClung coming out on top in the slam dunk contest, Lillard was the big winner of the day's All-Star Weekend festivities.
A 37.3 per cent career three-point shooter, with the sixth-most made threes in NBA history (2,334), the 32-year-old felt it was about time he took the title.
"I think all the best shooters in the history of our game, most of them have one of these," Lillard said.
"I just wanted to get it done at least one time. So, I'm happy I got it, now I can retire from it."
Stephen Curry, who has won two three-point contest titles but has not added to his seven entries since winning for a second time two years ago, posted on Twitter: "He said he is retiring from it with the trophy in the hand. I feel you."