Damian Lillard has a diabolical reaction after hearing Kenny Smith vs. Stephen A. Smith's shootout result
Damian Lillard was in disbelief as he found out the outcome when he learned the result of the free throw shootout between two-time NBA champion Kenny “The Jet” Smith and ESPN analyst Stephen A. Smith. Before the Emirates NBA Cup semifinal games, the two faced off in a shootout in Las Vegas, which ended in a loss for the former NBA player.
After the Milwaukee Bucks defeated the Atlanta Hawks to secure a spot in the in-season tournament finals, Lillard appeared on “Inside the NBA” and had a hilarious reaction to The Jet’s defeat.
“Please don't tell me he lost to Stephen A,” Lillard said.
The hosts quickly joined in, poking fun at Kenny Smith for losing to the analyst. However, Kenny explained that he was handicapped by shooting with his left hand, which led to his loss, but as he made his case, Lillard shook his head.
“Every head must bow. It was too big a handicap shooting left-handed. So if I do it again, I'll use my right hand, but I want to use three fingers,” Kenny said. “You don't battle rap guys off the street; you got a record deal with Empire. You know what I'm saying? Like you have to do a handicap.”
But Damian Lillard insisted that he should go all out, no matter who the opponent was.
“You gotta take ‘em out,” he said.
To prepare for the contest, Stephen A. trained with renowned shooting coach Lethal Shooter, which seemed to pay off. Kenny missed his first free throw, while Stephen A. made his opening shot.
Both missed their second free throws, and Kenny missed his third shot as well. Charles Barkley cheered Stephen A. on as he sunk his third shot, taking a 2-0 lead.
Once Kenny missed his fourth free throw, the contest was essentially over. Both men made their fifth shots, and Stephen A. secured the 3-1 victory.
Damian Lillard, Giannis Antetokounmpo power Bucks to punch Emirates NBA Cup finals ticket
Damian Lillard and Giannis Antetokounmpo played key roles in the Milwaukee Bucks’ 110-102 victory over the Atlanta Hawks, earning them a spot in the finals of the NBA’s in-season tournament.
Lillard contributed 25 points, seven assists, seven rebounds and two steals, hitting clutch shots in the final moments, while Antetokounmpo recorded 32 points, 14 rebounds, nine assists and four blocks.
The Bucks overcame a strong performance from the Hawks, who were led by Trae Young with 35 points and 10 assists.
The Bucks will face either the Thunder or Rockets in Tuesday’s championship game.