Damian Lillard Claims Third 3-Point Shootout Crown While Rehabbing Torn Achilles
Damian Lillard returned to the All-Star stage on Saturday night and reminded fans why his nickname fits. The nine-time All-Star took home the 3-point shootout title with a 29-point final, edging Devin Booker and rookie Kon Knueppel to claim his third victory in the event over the past four seasons.
Dame Time delivers in Inglewood
Stepping onto the court in a Portland uniform, Lillard looked like a shooter in midseason rhythm despite not having played a game this year while rehabbing a torn left Achilles. He advanced from the opening round with a score of 27, matching the mark put up by Knueppel, while Booker led the first round with a 30.
In the championship round, Lillard made 21 of 27 shots overall across the two rounds and totaled 29 in the final to lift the trophy. He drained one of the high-value shots from the logo area and strung together a run of makes that included 10 straight 3s at one point in the finals, electrifying the crowd and taking the momentum away from his challengers.
Booker, who also had a strong night, closed the final with 27 points and had an opportunity to overtake Lillard on his final rack. He missed his last three money balls and finished two points shy. Knueppel placed third with 17 in the championship round.
Milestone win while still on the mend
The victory makes Lillard only the third player in the event’s history to win three times, joining a short list of past champions. For Lillard, the result was a tangible sign of progress in his recovery from the ruptured left Achilles he suffered in late April. He underwent surgery in May and has spent the months since rebuilding strength and shooting mechanics.
“I came in confident. I’m fresh, ” Lillard said after the win. “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. ”
His participation began almost jokingly: Lillard had offered to be available if a spot opened in the field, and when one did, he took it. The decision to compete was framed as a step in his rehab, not a fast track back to regular-season action. He emphasized that the shootout won’t alter the timetable for his return to game play.
What the night revealed
The 3-point contest quickly became the headline attraction of All-Star Saturday. For Lillard, the event offered a competitive environment to test his range, timing and confidence in front of fans and peers without the physical toll of full-contact play.
Several notable shooters were eliminated in the opening round, including Donovan Mitchell and Norman Powell, as the eight-player field showcased both established marksmen and promising newcomers. Lillard’s performance — efficient, composed and clutch — stood apart.
He acknowledged that the injury landscape around the league has changed, saying the modern approach to Achilles recovery allowed him to feel comfortable enough to compete. The win is both a personal milestone and a reminder that Lillard remains one of the game’s elite perimeter shooters even while he completes his rehab.
For now, the focus will remain on his recovery and preparation for a return to team activities. Saturday’s result, however, adds a memorable chapter to Lillard’s resume and gives fans a reminder that when he’s shooting, it’s often Dame Time.
