Damian Lillard Wins 3-Point Contest, Ties NBA Record While Recovering From Injury

Damian Lillard, returning to competition after a season sidelined by a left Achilles tendon rupture, achieved a remarkable feat on Saturday, winning his third NBA three-point contest. The 35-year-old guard secured the victory by defeating Phoenix and Devin Booker 29-27 in the final round.

A Return to Form

Lillard received special permission from the league to participate in the event. He described the experience as invaluable, stating, “In a season where I’m not playing, the fact that the league allowed me to participate in an event like this, to feel a little bit of competition, to feel a little bit of pressure and get back in front of the fans, it was a really great experience.”

Navigating a Career Shift

Lillard’s injury occurred during the playoffs last season while playing with Milwaukee. He was subsequently waived by the Bucks and signed with the Portland Trail Blazers, the team where he spent his first 11 NBA seasons. This return to Portland marks a significant chapter in his career.

Did You Know? Damian Lillard’s three three-point contest wins tie him with Larry Bird and Craig Hodges for the most wins in the event’s history.

A Historic Achievement

With this win, adding to his previous successes in 2023 and 2024, Lillard has cemented his place among the elite shooters in NBA history. He emphasized his motivation, stating, “I do it just for this, to continue to build my legacy, my reputation and stay true to myself. I was given an opportunity and I took advantage of it.”

The Competition

Lillard shot last in the opening round, where eight players competed for the three spots in the final. Kon Knueppel, a rookie from Charlotte, advanced with 27 points. Devin Booker, the 2018 winner, scored 30 points, and Lillard ultimately prevailed with 27 points – punctuated by five consecutive three-pointers from the left corner – surpassing Donovan Mitchell, who finished with 24.

Expert Insight: Lillard’s decision to participate, even while recovering from a serious injury, demonstrates a commitment to maintaining his competitive edge and reinforcing his identity as a premier shooter. This proactive approach could be crucial for his performance upon his full return to regular season play.

In the final round, Knueppel opened with 17 points, Lillard closed with 27, and Booker missed his final three attempts from the same position, each of which would have tied Lillard’s score. Lillard admitted, “I was praying he would miss.” He acknowledged the challenging competition, adding, “Going in, I imagined it would be me, Book and Kon at the end. I knew it would be a tough challenge. He was in a position to win. It just took a couple shots to not fall, but sometimes that’s how it goes.”

Elsewhere in the NBA All-Star Saturday events, the Shooting Stars competition was won by the New York Knicks team consisting of Jalen Brunson, Karl-Anthony Towns, and former Knicks star Allan Houston.

Frequently Asked Questions

What was Damian Lillard’s final score in the three-point contest?

Damian Lillard scored 27 points in the final round of the three-point contest, defeating Devin Booker and Kon Knueppel.

Where did Lillard play before returning to the Portland Trail Blazers?

Lillard played for the Milwaukee Bucks before being waived and signing with the Portland Trail Blazers.

Who else won an All-Star Saturday event?

The New York Knicks team of Jalen Brunson, Karl-Anthony Towns, and Allan Houston won the Shooting Stars competition.

As Lillard continues his recovery, what impact will this confidence-boosting performance have on his reintegration into the Trail Blazers’ lineup?