Damian Lillard Returns for All-Star Saturday’s 3-Point Contest
Damian Lillard is set to make a noteworthy return to the basketball court during the NBA All-Star Saturday. He will compete in the highly-anticipated 3-point contest, marking his first public appearance since recovering from a torn Achilles tendon. This event is part of a significant change in the NBA’s All-Star weekend programming, as it will directly follow broadcasts of the Milan Cortina Winter Olympics on NBC.
Damian Lillard’s Comeback
Lillard has not played this season due to injuries but will don the Portland Trail Blazers uniform once again. This year’s 3-point contest, which features some of the league’s top sharpshooters, will take place at the home arena of the Los Angeles Clippers in Inglewood, California.
3-Point Contest Participants
- Damian Lillard (Portland Trail Blazers)
- Devin Booker (Phoenix Suns)
- Kon Knueppel (Charlotte Hornets)
- Tyrese Maxey (Philadelphia 76ers)
- Donovan Mitchell (Cleveland Cavaliers)
- Jamal Murray (Denver Nuggets)
- Bobby Portis Jr. (Milwaukee Bucks)
- Norman Powell (Miami Heat)
Should Lillard win the contest, he would become a three-time champion, joining legends Larry Bird and Craig Hodges in this exclusive group. Lillard’s last title wins occurred in 2023 and 2024, before Tyler Herro claimed victory last season.
NBC’s Broadcast Strategy
All-Star Saturday’s schedule will kick off with the 3-point contest, a strategic move by NBC aimed at capturing high viewership immediately following the Olympics coverage. This transition from winter sports to basketball shooting is expected to generate significant ratings.
Lillard’s Journey
Drafted sixth overall by the Trail Blazers in 2012, Lillard has spent 11 seasons with the franchise. After a brief stint with the Milwaukee Bucks, where he was waived and became a free agent, he returned to the Blazers to re-establish his role in the NBA.
Fans are eager to see Lillard showcase his skills in front of a live audience for the first time this season. As the 3-point contest unfolds, viewers will experience the thrill of watching one of the game’s premier shooters make his comeback.
