Get ready for a thrilling sports story! Damian Lillard, the NBA's 3-point wizard, has done it again! He's just claimed his third State Farm 3-Point Contest title in four years, an incredible feat that has basketball fans buzzing. But here's where it gets controversial: Lillard achieved this victory despite not playing a single NBA game this season due to a torn Achilles tendon.
The 2026 NBA All-Star Saturday in Los Angeles witnessed Lillard's remarkable comeback. Dressed in his iconic Portland Trail Blazers uniform, he dominated the final round with a score of 29, making an impressive 21 out of 27 shots. The highlight? He even managed to sink one of his two 'From the Logo' shots, each worth a hefty three points.
Devin Booker of the Phoenix Suns gave Lillard a run for his money. Booker had two perfect racks and was in with a chance to win, holding a score of 23 as he approached his final rack. However, fate had other plans, and he missed his last three shots. Kon Knueppel of the Charlotte Hornets finished third with a score of 17 in the final round.
In the first round, Booker set the pace with a high score of 30, making nine out of his first ten shots. Knueppel and Lillard both advanced with a score of 27. Donovan Mitchell also had a strong start, making nine of his first ten shots, but unfortunately, he was the last man eliminated, finishing with 24.
With this win, Lillard joins the elite club of Larry Bird and Craig Hodges as the only players to win the 3-point Contest three times.
The championship round saw Kon Knueppel of the Hornets finish with 17 points, while Lillard, the Trail Blazers' star, took the win with a score of 29. Devin Booker of the Suns, despite his impressive performance, was eliminated with a score of 27.
The first round was a tight competition, with Knueppel, Mitchell, Murray, Powell, Portis, Maxey, Booker, and Lillard all vying for a spot in the final. Knueppel, Mitchell, and Murray were eliminated, while Powell, Portis, Maxey, Booker, and Lillard advanced.
The 2026 State Farm 3-Point Contest at the Intuit Dome in Inglewood, California, was the first event of NBA All-Star Saturday, broadcast live on NBC and Peacock. The eight-player field included NBA All-Stars like Booker, Maxey, Mitchell, Murray, and Powell, as well as former 3-Point Contest winners Booker and Lillard.
This year's contest featured four players making their State Farm 3-Point Contest debuts: Knueppel, Maxey, Murray, and Portis. Knueppel had the potential to make history as the first rookie to win the event.
The competition format was a two-round battle, with players attempting to score as many points as possible from various 3-point locations within 70 seconds. The top three scorers from the first round advanced to the championship round, where the highest score crowned the winner.
Lillard's victory is a testament to his skill and determination. He has now matched the record of three titles, shared by basketball legends Larry Bird and Craig Hodges.
So, what do you think? Is Lillard's achievement a sign of his greatness, or was it a fluke given his injury? Let's discuss in the comments!
