Damian Lillard Wins 2026 NBA 3-Point Contest After Achilles Injury

Damian Lillard Wins Third NBA 3-Point Contest While Continuing Achilles Recovery

INGLEWOOD, Calif. – In a stunning display of skill and determination, Damian Lillard has won the 2026 NBA All-Star 3-Point Contest, besting a field that included Devin Booker and Kon Knueppel. The victory comes less than nine months after Lillard suffered a torn Achilles tendon, a testament to his dedication to rehabilitation and unwavering shooting prowess.

Lillard, currently sidelined for the season with the Portland Trail Blazers, scored 29 points in the final round, edging out Booker of the Phoenix Suns, who finished with 27. Charlotte Hornets rookie Kon Knueppel rounded out the top three with a score of 17.

“I came in confident. I’m fresh,” Lillard said after the win, according to ESPN. “I don’t have to go out there and play 40 minutes, 35 minutes. I think just having this year to be away, my mind and body [are] just fresh. So I came out there excited to do it.”

This marks Lillard’s third victory in the 3-Point Contest, joining Larry Bird and Craig Hodges as the only three-time champions in the event’s history, which began in 1986. He previously won in 2023 and 2024.

Booker had led all competitors in the first round with a score of 30, making nine of his first ten shots. Lillard and Knueppel both advanced to the final round with scores of 27. Donovan Mitchell, Norman Powell, Tyrese Maxey, Jamal Murray, and Bobby Portis were eliminated in the first round.

Lillard’s performance was particularly remarkable given the severity of his injury. He underwent surgery in May following the Achilles tear sustained in April during a playoff game with the Milwaukee Bucks. The Bucks later waived him via the stretch provision, allowing him to sign a three-year, $42 million contract to return to Portland, the team that originally drafted him.

The victory underscores Lillard’s resilience and commitment to his craft. He is the second player to participate in the competition while actively recovering from a torn Achilles, demonstrating a remarkable level of physical and mental fortitude.

During the final round, Lillard caught fire, hitting 14 of his first 16 shots, including a shot from the “From the Logo” spot, which is worth three points. According to NBA.com, he made 21 of his 27 shots overall in the final round.

While Lillard’s return to the court for regular season play remains uncertain, his performance on Saturday night served as a powerful reminder of his shooting ability and competitive spirit. The win also provided a highlight of All-Star Saturday night, overshadowing the dunk contest, which featured a relatively unknown field of participants.

The 3-Point Contest win is a significant milestone in Lillard’s recovery journey and a testament to his unwavering dedication to the game of basketball.