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One year after playing in all five major events in All-Star Weekend, Damian Lillard has officially declined the NBA's invite to defend his two consecutive Skills Challenge titles.
After being left off NBA All-Stars, Damian Lillard has decided not to defend back-to-back titles in Skills Challenge, source tells RealGM.
— Shams Charania (@ShamsCharania) February 2, 2015
A few weeks ago I asked Damian Lillard if he'd still go to NYC if he didn't make the All-Star game. Said no then. Seems like he meant it.
— Mike Richman (@mikegrich) February 2, 2015
Lillard was unexpectedly left off the NBA All-Star team by the fans, coaches, and NBA Commissioner Adam Silver, and clearly took offense to the snub. Despite his recent slump, he is still averaging 21.6 points, 6.3 assists, 4.6 rebounds, and 1.4 steals per game.
The Blazers still have two representatives at All-Star Weekend: Wesley Matthews, who will participate in the three-point shootout, and LaMarcus Aldridge, who will be a reserve in the big game.