Damian Lillard, fresh off his 3-point contest victory at the All-Star Weekend, is already eyeing next season's competition. The Portland Trail Blazers guard, recovering from a torn Achilles, managed to win the 3-point contest on Saturday night, outshining Devin Booker and Kon Knueppel with a score of 29 in the final round. This marks Lillard's third win in four years, and he's aiming for history by becoming the first player to win the event four times.
On Sunday, Lillard shared an Instagram message with Stephen Curry, inviting him to lure Klay Thompson, Booker, and four more sharpshooters for next year's contest. Curry, a past winner in 2021 and 2015, replied affirmatively, suggesting that Thompson will join if asked. With Booker's presence at home, as the All-Star Game will be in Phoenix next year, Curry believes it's a 'perfect setup'.
Curry, Thompson, and Booker are all past winners of the contest, having participated in 2019 alongside Joe Harris. In his fifth 3-point contest, Booker had 30 points in the first round, but lost by one to Lillard in the final. Thompson and Curry, who faced off in the 2016 championship round, with Thompson winning by four points, have not returned to the event since 2018 and 2021, respectively. However, Thompson announced his return to Phoenix, stating, 'Oh 100%. I already scheduled it. We're going to bring some people.'
With these stars aligning, the recruiting for next year's 3-point contest has officially begun.
