Sources: Matthews invited to all-star three-point shootout
Jan 27, 2015 3:53:04 GMT -8
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Post by Kasey on Jan 27, 2015 3:53:04 GMT -8
Jan. 27 - Adrian Wojnarowski of Yahoo Sports, as well as several other notable sports sources, are reporting that Blazers guard Wesley Matthews has been invited to compete in the three-point shootout, which is part of the NBA's all-star weekend.
Steph Curry of the Warriors, the defending champion, also has been invited. Curry's teammate, Klay Thompson (son of former Blazer Mychal Thompson), Kyle Kover of the Hawks and J.J. Redick of the Clippers, have also been tabbed for the event.
That marks five of six participants in the shootout, with one more to be named. One logical and obvious potential invitee could be the Blazers Damian Lillard, who competed in the event last year. He has made a sixth-best 120 threes this season. Lillard participated in five events last season during All-Star Weekend. However, last year's champion Marco Belinelli of the Spurs could be called upon to join the competition.
No player has made more threes this season as Matthews, who has sunk 138 of them. Korver, who is shooting 53 percent, is second with 135.
"I think it would be fun for the fans," Matthews said. "Of course, my family would love it and everybody back home would love it. It would be something cool to do, just to compete and represent Portland and all that. If I get called, awesome. If I don't, I'll be back in the gym working to get better."
The all-star starters were named last week via fan vote. The reserves, as voted by the coaches, will be announced on Jan. 29 and wide speculation is that Lillard and LaMarcus Aldridge will be named to the all-star team. It would be Aldridge's fourth all=star game and Lillard's second.
Lillard is also two-time champion in the skills competition, which makes it likely he will be called upon to defend that title.
- MKM
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