Damian Lillard delivered one of the most stunning comebacks in NBA All-Star history today. The Portland Trail Blazers star won his third 3-Point Contest title despite not playing a single game this season. Coming back from a devastating torn Achilles tendon, Lillard proved his elite shooting ability remains unmatched. He joins exclusive company as only the third player ever to win this prestigious event three times.
🔥 Quick Facts
- Champion: Damian Lillard wins his third 3-Point Contest title on February 14, 2026
- Injury Recovery: Lillard missed entire 2025-26 season with torn Achilles from playoffs
- Historic Achievement: Only third player ever to claim three 3-Point Contest championships
- Location: Intuit Dome in Los Angeles during All-Star Saturday Night at 5 p.m. ET
The Comeback Nobody Expected
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When Lillard announced his participation in the 2026 State Farm 3-Point Contest on February 8, the basketball world erupted. The elite shooter had been sidelined since suffering a torn left Achilles tendon during the first round of the 2025 playoffs. Over nine months of rehabilitation later, Lillard was ready to step on court for this jump-shooting exhibition. His decision to return, even for one night, signaled his confidence in his recovery and his unwavering competitive fire.
The contest featured eight elite sharpshooters competing at Intuit Dome in front of thousands of All-Star fans. Kon Knueppel entered as the odds favorite at +250, with Lillard close behind at +430. Other top contenders included Devin Booker, Tyrese Maxey, Donovan Mitchell, and Jamal Murray, creating a loaded field of three-point specialists.
Lillard’s Path to Glory
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Dame Time lived up to its name on Saturday night, as Lillard methodically advanced through the preliminary rounds with precision shooting. His muscle memory from two consecutive championship seasons in 2023 and 2024 remained sharp despite missing the entire regular season. The Trail Blazers guard’s form was crisp, his range was pure, and his mentality was unshakeable throughout the competition.
Competing with only shooting drills and no intense physical contact allowed Lillard to showcase his elite range without compromising his Achilles recovery. Each round elevated his confidence, and by the time the finals arrived, it was clear that no opponent could match the two-time defending champion’s deadly accuracy. Lillard’s shooting touch proved unstoppable.
Final Standings and Championship Performance
| Competitor | Team | Result |
| Damian Lillard | Portland Trail Blazers | Champion |
| Kon Knueppel | Charlotte Hornets | Runner-up |
| Devin Booker | Phoenix Suns | Finalist |
| Tyrese Maxey | Philadelphia 76ers | Participant |
“I wanted to support the regular employees of the team. This moment is special because it represents more than just my achievement. It’s about proving that dedication and hard work can overcome any obstacle.”
— Damian Lillard, Portland Trail Blazers Guard
Joining Elite Historical Company
With his victory today, Lillard became only the third player in NBA All-Star history to win the 3-Point Contest three times. This elite feat joins him with Larry Bird and Craig Hodges, legends who dominated this competition decades ago. The fact that he accomplished this while recovering from a career-threatening injury makes the achievement even more remarkable. Lillard’s resilience serves as inspiration to teammates and opponents alike.
His back-to-back championships in 2023 and 2024 established him as the modern-day king of the three-point contest. Despite losing last year’s title to Tyler Herro, Lillard bounced back with even more determination. The contest proved that his world-class shooting ability endures, and his competitive spirit remains unmatched regardless of circumstance.
What’s Next for the Comeback Story?
The big question now centers on when Lillard will return to full Trail Blazers game action. Team officials have not announced a specific return date, but this all-star performance suggests his rehabilitation is progressing ahead of schedule. Fans in Portland are hopeful that Dame will rejoin the lineup before the regular season ends in April. His presence on court would transform the Blazers’ championship aspirations immediately.
For now, Lillard’s 2026 3-Point Contest triumph stands as proof of his exceptional talent, mental toughness, and unwavering determination to compete at the highest level.
Michael Brown is a seasoned sports journalist bringing years of experience covering professional athletics and sporting culture. With a keen eye for breaking stories and player dynamics, this veteran journalist delivers in-depth analysis and exclusive insights from the world’s biggest sporting events. His passion for the game shines through in every story, keeping fans connected to the action both on and off the field.