Gone in 70 Seconds: Knicks' Julius Randle Falls in 3-Point Contest
Julius Randle's shot at All-Star Saturday glory vanished as quickly as it arrived.
The New York Knicks All-Star placed seventh amongst eight shooters in the NBA's annual 3-Point Contest in Salt Lake City, earning 13 points during his first appearance in the event. Despite his shortcomings, Randle did manage to beat out Kevin Huerter (Sacramento), who tallied only eight points.
Randle's output was perhaps not surprising, considering he was placed into the event on extraordinarily short notice as an injury replacement for Portland's Anfernee Simmons. The two-time All-Star remained in good spirits despite the tough outing, keeping his trademark smile up as he shook hands with his competitors despite knowing elimination was there for him at the end of the round.
That good sportsmanship, however, wasn't enough to save Randle from familial embarrassment: after his round, TNT cameras caught Randle's son Kyden humorously grimacing through his father's misfires.
Randle was the first New Yorker to compete in the long-distance shootout since Steve Novak did so in Houston during the 2013 edition.
Portland's Damian Lillard made up for the lack of Trail Blazer representation with Simmons by winning the contest in his third appearance. Clad in his collegiate jersey from Weber State (a half-hour drive from Vivint Arena), Lillard posted 26 points in the first round before besting Indiana Pacer teammates Buddy Hield (25) and Tyrese Haliburton (17) in the final round.
Randle will compete in the weekend's main event, the 72nd NBA All-Star Game, on Sunday night (7:30 p.m. ET, TNT).
Geoff Magliocchetti is on Twitter @GeoffJMags
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