Warriors' Klay Thompson to defend 3-point contest title

OAKLAND, Calif. -- Golden State Warriors guard Klay Thompson will defend his championship and compete in the NBA 3-point contest during All-Star Weekend in New Orleans on Feb. 18, the league announced on Thursday.

His backcourt teammate and 2015 long-distance champ Stephen Curry received an invite from the league, but the two-time MVP will not do the 3-point contest.

ESPN reported last week that Portland Trail Blazers guard C.J. McCollum accepted his invitation and Dallas Mavericks guard Wesley Matthew confirmed he would be in the contest, which will feature eight participants.

It is also believed that Cleveland Cavaliers sharpshooter Kyle Korver has been invited as well.

Curry is shooting 41 percent from long distance and his 188 makes is tops in the league. Thompson is hitting the 3-ball at a 40-percent clip, and his 143 triples places him fifth among the top distance makers.

Curry and Thompson are coming off a Wednesday night 126-111 rout of the Charlotte Hornets in which they shot 11-of-15 and 6-of-10, respectively, from beyond the arc. Curry has connected on 20 of 30 triples in the past two games.