Devin Booker falls to Damian Lillard in NBA All-Star 3-point contest

Phoenix Suns star Devin Booker fell just short of winning his second 3-point contest during NBA All-Star festivities on Saturday.

Needing a score of 30 to best Portland Trail Blazers guard Damian Lillard’s score of 29, Booker entered the money-ball rack with a score of 23. After making the first two shots (money balls are worth two points), Booker missed the last three shots to finish two points shy of Lillard, who won his third NBA 3-Point Contest.

Booker got off to a hot start with a score of 30 in the first round, the highest mark of the contest.

Saturday marked the fifth time Booker has competed in the 3-point contest, previously winning in 2018 and finishing second in 2020.

Booker competed in a field that included Lillard, Tyrese Maxey (76ers), Kon Knueppel (Hornets), Donovan Mitchell (Cavaliers), Jamal Murray (Nuggets), Bobby Portis Jr. (Bucks) and Norman Powell (Heat). Lillard was a noteworthy participant, as he has not played in a game this season due to an Achilles injury.

Booker’s 3-point percentage of 30.7% this season was the lowest out of the 3-point contest participants, excluding Lillard.

Booker will play on Team USA Stars as part of a new Round Robin tournament that also features a World team for the All-Star Game on Sunday. 

Related

Suns sign former Heat F Haywood Highsmith to multiyear dealMat Ishbia shows off athleticism at NBA All-Star celebrity gameIs Suns’ wait to re-sign Miles Bridges more for them or him?Western Conference Power Rankings, Part 3: How many real contenders?LA Clippers fined $30M, Kawhi Leonard penalized $700,000 in cap circumvention caseWestern Conference Power Rankings, Part 2: Can the Suns crack top-6?