Why Damian Lillard didn’t need much convincing to join the 3-point contest

ByNBAUSA



Damian Lillard it didn’t take much convincing to step onto the floor of the Intuit Dome on Saturday night. Despite the fact that the entire 2025/2026 season. was out of the field due to a torn Achilles tendon, Portland Trail Blazers star proved that “Dame Time” is a permanent fixture. Lillard caught his third career NBA 3-point contest titlejoining legends Larry Bird and Craig Hodges as the only three-time winners in the event’s history.

The nine-time All-Star admitted that the decision to join was almost a joke at first. While discussing vacation plans with NBA executives, Lillard mentioned he was available if a spot opened up. when was that he jumped at the chance to “spice things up” and give fans something to cheer about during his long road to recovery.

Lillard barely looked like a a player who has not seen the action of the game in ten months. He cruised through the first round with a steady 27 points, enough to eliminate Cleveland Cavaliers star Donovan Mitchell and advance to the finals along with Devin Booker and rookie sensation Kon Knuepel. In the championship round, Lillard set the bar high with 29, finding his rhythm on the left wing and the money ball rack.

Phoenix Suns guard Devin Booker nearly stole the show, starting the final round by hitting nine straight shots. However, the pressure of the moment caught up with him on the final stretch. Booker missed his final three attempts, finished with 27 points and handed the trophy to Lillard.

Knuepel, a rookie for the Charlotte Hornets, finished third with 15 points in the final. For Lillard, the win was about more than hardware; it was a reminder for the league that even on one good leg he remains one of the greatest scorers the game has ever seen.





2026-02-15 03:35:00

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