Portland Trail Blazers star Damian Lillard took home the 2023 three-point contest title with a clutch performance down the stretch of his final turn. Holding off Buddy Hield and Tyrese Halliburton in the final round, Lillard took home the trophy in what he said will be his final three-point contest appearance.
“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.” Golden State Warriors star Steph Curry was tuned in for Lillard’s performance, and shared his reaction on Twitter:
⌚️ yessir get you one @Dame_Lillard congrats!!! Hahaha he said he retiring from it with the trophy in the hand 😂😂 I feel you
— Stephen Curry (@StephenCurry30) February 19, 2023
A fan of Lillard’s decision to retire from the contest while on top, Curry showed love for his longtime opponent. The two point guards have faced off numerous times in both the regular season and playoffs, giving fans some entertaining battles. Curry is a two-time three-point contest champion himself, but has not competed since 2021 when he last won it.
From the sound of his tweet, it seems like he’s also retired from the contest after winning it one last time. Tuned in for Lillard’s performance, Curry is now content watching the contest as a fan. Some feel as if the three-point contest has replaced the dunk contest as All-Star Saturday night’s headliner event, and shooters like Lillard are the reason why.
