Perhaps the build-up made Heat guard Wayne Ellington a little too anxious.
He got off to a slow start and couldn’t recover in Saturday’s NBA 3-point contest at Staples Center. Ellington was eliminated in the first round after scoring 17 points. Only the top three advanced to the finals, which was won by Phoenix Suns guard Devin Booker.
“I started too slow,” Ellington said. “Unfortunately I was a little cold to start. I needed that last money ball at the end. That would have pushed me over.”
Ellington missed four of his first five shots. He then made nine straight during one stretch, the highest of anyone in this year’s event, but it wasn’t enough. After staying in the competition for three more shooters, Ellington was finally eliminated when Golden State Warriors forward Klay Thompson scored 19 points.
Thompson bounced out Ellington by hitting the money ball on his final attempt.
“I needed to make it or I needed Klay to miss that,” Ellington said, laughing. “We need to check the tape to make sure that was good. I don’t know if he got it off in time.”
Ellington was vying to become the fifth Heat player to win the competition, joining Glen Rice, Jason Kapono, Dequan Cook and James Jones. Still, Ellington said participating in the event for the first time was an enjoyable experience.
“It means a lot,” Ellington said. “It feels good that all the work that I’ve been putting in, all the dedication and commitment to my craft I’ve made is paying off for me. I look forward to taking that next step.”
Booker scored 28 points in the final round to defeat Thompson and Los Angeles Clippers forward Tobias Harris.
Ellington said he hopes this isn’t his last chance in the event.
"Absolutely. I look forward to coming back,” Ellington said. “I'd like to come back. Got to get back man for sure so I can redeem myself."
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