Cavaliers All-Star Kyrie Irving said at shootaround Friday he intends to defend his three-point title. Irving won his first in 2013.
Kyrie says he's eager to defend 3pt shootout title during All-Star weekend if he's asked. And of course he'll be asked.
— Jason Lloyd (@JasonLloydABJ) January 24, 2014
Irving said he wore his warm-up jersey during competition last year as tribute to Larry Bird. Said he hoped the legend was blessing him
— Jason Lloyd (@JasonLloydABJ) January 24, 2014
Irving said he wants to match Bird's record of 3 straight 3pt shootout titles
— Jason Lloyd (@JasonLloydABJ) January 24, 2014
That's a tough mark. Irving's shooting 37 percent from three this season, down from 39 percent last year. Going into the event, Stephen Curry was the favorite, but with it not being a pull-up event, Curry's actually not able to get into his maximum groove. He's better launching off the dribble, particularly if he's moving.
It'll be interesting to see who else gets a run, and if Curry and teammate Klay Thompson will both be invited back and participate. The NBA Three-Point Contest is Saturday night during All-Star Weekend, February 15th. Irving was named as a first-time starter to the All-Star Game Thursday.
