Damian Lillard Wins 3rd State Farm 3-Point Contest While Rehabbing Torn Achilles
Damian Lillard returned to the All-Star stage and delivered a vintage shooting display, capturing the 2026 State Farm 3-Point Contest for the third time in four years. Lillard, who has not played this season while rehabbing a ruptured Achilles, posted a 29-point final to edge Devin Booker and secure a place alongside the only other three-time winners in event history.
Lillard’s performance and comeback narrative
Lillard entered the contest amid questions about his readiness after rupturing his Achilles on April 27. Despite not appearing in regular-season games this year, he moved through the stations with confidence and rhythm. Across the two rounds he totaled 56 points, and in the championship Lillard made 21 of 27 shots, including one of his two “From the Logo” attempts that count for three points each. Observers noted stretches of automatic shooting — at one point he strung together 10 consecutive makes in the finale.
After his victory Lillard emphasized the work he has put in while rehabbing. He described daily shooting routines that kept his touch intact and said the contest was an opportunity to test that progress on a big stage rather than a signal that he will accelerate his return timeline.
Final round drama and key moments
The championship boiled down to Lillard, Devin Booker and rookie Kon Knueppel. Booker posted the highest score of the opening round with a 30, while Knueppel and Lillard advanced with 27s. In the final, Lillard’s consistency proved decisive. Booker had two perfect racks in the final and arrived at the right-corner money-ball rack with a chance to overtake Lillard, but missed his last three attempts and finished two points back with 27.
Knueppel, making his contest debut, impressed by reaching the final and finished third with 17. Donovan Mitchell just missed advancing after a 24 in the first round; Norman Powell, Tyrese Maxey, Jamal Murray and Bobby Portis were also eliminated after the opening session. Only three contestants hit a “From the Logo” shot in the field, underscoring how challenging those attempts remain even for elite shooters.
Historic implications and what comes next
With this victory Lillard joins Larry Bird and Craig Hodges as the only players to claim the 3-Point Contest three times, cementing his status as one of the modern era’s premiere shooters in these timed, perimeter contests. The win is a symbolic milestone for Lillard’s recovery — a reminder that his shooting mechanics and feel remain elite even while he follows a cautious rehabilitation plan.
Team and league timelines for his return to regular-season play remain unchanged; this appearance served as both a competitive moment and a personal checkpoint. For the younger competitors, the event provided a stark reminder of the shooting standard required to win on this stage. For fans and analysts, Lillard’s performance offered an encouraging update on his rehab while reinforcing why he remains among the most dangerous shooters in the game when healthy.
All told, the contest delivered high drama and a memorable comeback vignette: a decorated veteran showing he can still hit bombs under pressure while keeping an eye on the long-term work needed to return to full NBA action.
