As fans and the media continue to pit them against each other because of their similar skill sets, Damian Lillard and Stephen Curry continue to take the high road and just enjoy the games they play.
If you look at their performances during the All-Star game, the similarities are uncanny. Both played around 21 minutes, both made 8 shots beyond the arc, and both hit shots from the half-court – just too identical.
While critics see this as a potential feud, the two are just having fun at this point in their careers.
“I have a lot to accomplish. I don't have anything to prove. There's a little subtle difference there,” Curry mentioned during the 2021 All-Star media availability.
In his 7th All-Star appearance, Curry broke the MTN DEW All-Star 3-Point Contest’s record by sinking 31-of-40 in the first round, while getting a solid 28 points in the last round to seal the championship. This comes after his phenomenal performance in the first half of the season, averaging 29.7 points, 5.5 rebounds, and 6.3 assists. He is also the leading 3-point shooter with 164 made baskets beyond the arc.
At the rate he is going, Curry will have another 40+ percent shooting year for the 11th time in his career, missing the feat only once due to his injury last year.
On the other side, Lillard has been doing everything for Portland. He has successfully carried his team to the 5th spot in the West, even with backcourt partner CJ McCollum out. Lillard, who is averaging 29.8 points, 4.3 rebounds, and 8.0 assists this season, was the one who sank the game-winning half-court shot for Team LeBron -- a fitting end for the league’s top clutch player.
🚨?? LOGO LILLARD CALLS GAME FROM HALFCOURT!
— NBA (@NBA) March 8, 2021
Dame's 8TH three of the #NBAAllStar Game WINS it for #TeamLeBron! pic.twitter.com/9ZdsurzZBQ
“I was just happy I could be a part of that, the ending of the game, and I could have an impact at the end of the game,” said Dame.
Both Curry and Lillard helped Team LeBron get the win, along with Giannis Antetokounmpo’s perfect night. The two combined for 60 points, with 16 shots coming from the 3-point area.
Although it was their back-to-back long bombs that really brought fans to their feet.
DAME, STEPH BACK-TO-BACK FROM HALFCOURT.. FLIP THE CHANNEL TO #NBAALLSTAR ON TNT!
— NBA (@NBA) March 8, 2021
Unlimited range from the NBA's two leaders in threes made! 🎯 pic.twitter.com/qeVGcLIo0Y
“It all happens naturally. We didn't even choreograph that at all. Just I saw -- as soon as he got the ball, I'm starting to do celebration before he even shoots. Same with me,” said Steph.
Their team captain, LeBron James, was impressed with what the two did in the All-Star Game. Giannis, the Kobe Bryant All-Star MVP, also had high praises for the two, saying “the distance from where they can shoot the 3 is unbelievable.”
By the way @Dame_Lillard & @StephenCurry30 simply ain’t fair!!! I literally kept telling them to back up further and further to shoot and what did they do?? EXACTLY 🤦🏾???
— LeBron James (@KingJames) March 8, 2021
The media continues to compare these two head-to-head, but they each have a resounding mutual respect for one another.
“It was fun. It was exciting just to run around out there with a guy like that, and that's what makes All-Star Weekend, All-Star Weekend,” said Lillard.
