Damian Lillard And Paul George Settle Dispute After 2019 'Bad Shot' Comments

Lillard said he and George have shaken hands and put the past behind them after Sunday's All-Star Game

Damian Lillard and Paul George have buried the hatchet after George acknowledged Lillard's shooting capabilities and walked back comments he made after a 2019 postseason game. Lillard said the two shook hands and have no ill will toward each other.

"As a man, I don't hold on to issues that tightly when it's not that deep," Lillard said in a Tweet. "Life is short."

In 2019, Lillard eliminated the Thunder while defended by George when he hit a buzzer-beating 37-foot shot in Game 5. After the game, George faced criticism when he said it was a "bad shot." 

Thunder's Paul George on defending deep game-winner by Blazers' Damian Lillard: "That's a bad shot. I don't care what anybody says. That's a bad shot. But, hey, he made it. That story won't be told, that it's a bad shot. You live with that." pic.twitter.com/21ueYAHHzY

— Ben Golliver (@BenGolliver) April 24, 2019

The two All-Stars were teammates for Team LeBron during Sunday's All-Star Game and George acknowledged Lillard's ridiculous range after the 170–150 win. 

"Well I guess I was criticized for the right reason for calling Dame's shot in the playoffs a bad shot," George said. "I mean, I see this guy's range is crazy." 

I asked Paul George about the range in today's NBA.

PG: "Well I guess i was criticized for the right reason for calling Dame's shot in the playoffs a bad shot. I mean I see this guy's range is crazy."

Me: "So is that no longer a bad shot?"

PG: "It's a great shot. 2 thumbs up." pic.twitter.com/fFZhlNREvc

— Tomer Azarly (@TomerAzarly) March 8, 2021

George added that Lillard's half-court heaves are a "great shot." Lillard had 32 points in the win and was 8-for-16 from deep. 

Dame from halfcourt at Dame time.

Ballgame.@Dame_Lillard (32 PTS, 8 3PM) wins the #NBAAllStar Game in #PhantomCam. pic.twitter.com/3ecA1Vtnc4

— NBA (@NBA) March 8, 2021

George finished the game with 17 points and hit five three-pointers of his own.