Heat's James Jones Wins All-Star 3-Point Shootout
LOS ANGELES (CBS4) - The Miami Heat's James Jones held off Boston Celtics teammates Paul Pierce and Ray Allen to win his first 3-point shootout at All-Star Saturday, scoring 20 points in the final round.
Jones, an eight-year veteran who rarely shoots inside the 3-point line, made five straight shots late in the final round with his consistent, ground-bound style. Just a supporting player on the star-laden Heat, Jones said he benefited from shooting first in the three-man final, relieving any pressure.
Although Pierce was the defending champion and Allen recently became the NBA's career leader in 3-pointers, neither could match Jones' score in front of booing Lakers fans.
"Those guys were cheering for me, rooting for me," said Jones, whose new-look Heat have lost three straight this season to the Celtics. "We know we've had our struggles against the Celtics in the past, but today the Heat came out on top, so I'm excited about that."
Jones is the fourth Heat player to win the 3-point shootout title, joining Glen Rice (1995), Jason Kapono (2007) and Daequan Cook (2009).
"Those shots that I was taking out there, they're very reflective of how I play the game during the season," Jones said. "So it was an easy transition for me. I think playing and shooting against some of the best competition in the league brought out the best in me."
Yet few expected him to beat Pierce and Allen, two of the most accomplished active outside shooters in league history.
Pierce won the event last season in Dallas, and he appeared confident even in the face of boos from fans who can't forgive the Los Angeles native's Celtics green.
Allen won the event in 2001, and he surpassed Reggie Miller's career record with his 2,561st 3-pointer on Feb. 10 for the Celtics.
Allen led after the first round with 20 points from his sublimely fluid jumper, but Jones was right behind him with 16 points from his more workmanlike approach. Pierce pushed past Golden State's Dorell Wright with his last money ball to reach the finals with 12 points.
Jones hit four of the five money balls worth two points in his final round, making 16-of-25 shots overall. Pierce scored 18 points, but missed his final money ball, which could have tied it - and Allen was out before he even reached the final rack in a 15-point performance.
The NBA's All Star game tips off at 7 p.m. Sunday.
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