Damian Lillard Wins Third 3-Point Contest While Rehabbing Torn Achilles
Damian Lillard returned to an NBA stage on All-Star Saturday and left with another trophy. Lillard won the 2026 3-Point Contest at the Intuit Dome in Inglewood, finishing with 29 points in the final to top Devin Booker and secure his third title in four years while still rehabbing a ruptured Achilles.
Sharp shooting despite ongoing rehab
Lillard hasn’t played an NBA game this season after rupturing his Achilles on April 27, but his shot looked dialed on Saturday night. Wearing a Portland Trail Blazers uniform for the contest, he made 21 of 27 attempts in the final round, including one of two “From the Logo” attempts that carried extra value. During stretches he went on long makes, including a run of 10 straight 3s that helped seal the win and electrified the crowd.
After the event, Lillard stressed that daily shooting work has been central to his recovery and confidence. He said he practices every style of shot and puts in heavy volume, which gave him faith he could compete despite not logging in-game minutes this season. He also emphasized that the exhibition won’t alter his planned rehab timetable; the contest was meant as a competitive step, not a shortcut back to full play.
Final-round drama and a loaded field
The championship round boiled down to a tight duel. Lillard’s 29 edged Booker’s 27 when the Suns guard missed his final three attempts after closing to within two points approaching his money-ball rack. Charlotte rookie Kon Knueppel finished third in the final with 17.
Booker had the top single-round score in the first phase, pouring in 30 points after hitting nine of his first 10 shots. Lillard and Knueppel advanced with 27 apiece, while Donovan Mitchell fell just short at 24. Norman Powell also finished with 23, one of only three competitors to sink a “From the Logo” shot in the field. Tyrese Maxey, Jamal Murray and Bobby Portis were eliminated in the opening round with 17, 17 and 15 respectively.
The contest kept its classic format: eight shooters, 70 seconds per round, multiple racks with a mix of single- and multi-point attempts. Only the top three from the first round advance, and the highest final-round total determines the champion.
Legacy and what’s next
With this victory, Lillard joined a short list of players who have won the event three times, equaling a record held by two past champions. The win offers an encouraging milestone in his recovery timeline — a high-profile demonstration that his shooting mechanics and conditioning are trending in the right direction — but Lillard was clear the contest won’t force an accelerated return to regular-season action.
For now, the 3-Point Contest gives Lillard a momentary spotlight and a reminder of his range while he continues the work necessary to get back to full strength. The performance also provided a compelling subplot to All-Star Saturday, blending competitive drama with a glimpse of a star working his way back from a serious injury.
