Hield edges Booker to win 3-point contest

CHICAGO – Devin Booker was calculating what Buddy Hield needed to beat him faster than Hield was shooting.

So when Hield reached his final rack, filled with money balls, Booker knew how many Hield needed to hit to win the NBA All-Star 3-point shooting contest.

“I knew it was going to be close,” Booker said. “I was doing quick math in my head. Every number he would get, I would do plus-10, thinking he was going to make every money ball. So going into the last rack, I knew he needed four out of five.”

Hield hit the final money ball of the night to get 27 points and edge Booker by a point in a spirited competition Saturday night at United Center.

“Obviously I was hoping he missed, but congrats to Buddy, man,” Booker said. “He’s a competitor. I’m proud of him. I told him getting that trophy is important. Growing up, especially being a shooter, watching the (Jason) Kaponos, (Peja) Stojakovic. I grew up watching all of them. Being part of history, being one of those to get a title under your belt, it’s a good feeling.”

Washington Wizards 3-sharpshooter Davis Bertans finished third with 22.

“I felt great,” Hield said. “Like I said earlier, as a shooter, this is on your bucket list. You have to come in, and you want to win a three-point shootout. With a stacked field like that, it makes it even better. Pressure is on, and you've got to show up.”

The 2018 champion, Booker advanced to the finals with 27 points. Hield matched him with 27 and Bertans finished with 26 to reach the finals.

Defending 3-point champion Joe Harris, who went last, scored 22 points.

“It was fun being a part of it,” Bertans said. “I think every single guy wanted to win, but only one guy can. At least I got in the finals instead of dropping out in the first round. The All-Star experience ends in one minute, and it was fun. I enjoyed it and it was definitely an experience for the next time I’m here.”

Booker took advantage of the new Mountain Dew Zone, which was a 3pointer between the wings and top of the key.

The two shots were each worth 3 points. Booker hit both in the first around, and finished 3-of-4 from that way-out distance.

“It was cool,” Booker said. “I like it. People are taking those shots.”

In his fourth competition, Booker went into the finals looking to become the seventh player to win more than one 3-point contest.

Larry Bird won it the first three years (1986-88), followed by Craig Hodges (1990-91), Mark Price (1994-95), Jeff Hornacek (1998, 2000), Stojakovic (2002-03) and Kapono (2007-08).

“I’m trying to legacy build,” Booker said.