In a stunning display of precision and resilience, Damian Lillard has etched his name into NBA history by securing his third State Farm 3-Point Contest title in just four seasons. But here's where it gets controversial: despite sitting out the entire 2026 NBA season due to a torn Achilles tendon, Lillard proved that his sharpshooting skills remain unmatched. Is it fair for an injured player to compete in such events? Let the debate begin!
During the 2026 NBA All-Star Saturday in Los Angeles, Lillard dominated the competition, scoring a total of 56 points across two rounds. In the final round, he dropped an impressive 29 points, sinking 21 out of 27 shots, including a thrilling 'From the Logo' three-pointer. This performance not only secured his victory but also placed him alongside legends Larry Bird and Craig Hodges as the only players to win the contest three times. And this is the part most people miss: Lillard achieved this feat while wearing his iconic Portland Trail Blazers uniform, a nod to his enduring loyalty to the team.
The competition was fierce, with Phoenix Suns' Devin Booker coming in second. Booker, who scored 27 points in the final round, had two perfect racks and was within striking distance until missing his final three shots. Charlotte Hornets rookie Kon Knueppel finished third with 17 points, showcasing his potential as a future contender. In the first round, Booker led with a high score of 30, while Knueppel and Lillard advanced with 27 points each. Donovan Mitchell, despite a strong start, was eliminated with 24 points, and Norman Powell, one of only three shooters to hit a 'From the Logo' shot, finished with 23.
The event, held at Intuit Dome in Inglewood, California, featured an eight-player field, including five 2026 NBA All-Stars and two former contest winners. Four players made their debut, with Knueppel aiming to become the first rookie champion. The contest rules are straightforward: players have 70 seconds to score as many points as possible from five racks of balls, with the top three advancing to the championship round.
But here’s the burning question: Does Lillard’s victory, given his injury status, diminish the achievement or elevate his legacy as a clutch performer? Share your thoughts in the comments below! For those eager to dive deeper, the complete competition rules are available here. Don’t miss the full coverage of the 2026 All-Star events here.
