Lillard Wins 3rd NBA Three-Point Contest Title
Damian Lillard triumphs in 2026 NBA Three-Point Contest despite missing entire season with injury.
“In a season where I'm not participating, the league allowing me to come in and do something like this to get some competition..”
Damian Lillard has done it again! The Portland Trail Blazers guard won his third NBA Three-Point Contest, despite not playing a single game this season due to a torn left Achilles tendon. He received special approval from the league to participate and beat Phoenix's Devin Booker 29-27 in the final.
Lillard's victory is even more impressive considering he's been recovering from the injury since last year's playoffs. He matched a record shared by Larry Bird and Craig Hodges, showcasing his solid form and making him one of the top long-distance shooting threats in the NBA.
“In a season where I'm not participating, the league allowing me to come in and do something like this to get some competition, feel a little bit of pressure, to get in front of the fans again, it was a great experience,” Lillard said.
Damian Lillard's injury in last year's playoffs with Milwaukee didn't stop him from dominating the 2026 NBA Three-Point Contest. After being waived by the Bucks, Lillard returned to the Portland Trail Blazers, his original team, and showed off his signature shooting form, winning the contest for the third time.
Lillard's 2026 win matches the record held by Larry Bird and Craig Hodges, solidifying his position as one of the greatest shooters in NBA history. He beat Devin Booker and Kon Knueppel in the final round with an impressive 29 points.
“That's all I do it for, to keep adding to my legacy, adding to my reputation and being who I am,” Lillard said. “I was given the opportunity and I came out and took advantage of it.”
Lillard had a pressure-packed spot in the opening round, shooting last among the eight contestants vying for a spot in the final. He delivered, securing one of the top three spots and advancing to the final round.
Charlotte rookie Kon Knueppel got things off to a hot start, scoring 27 points and making it to the final. Devin Booker, shooting before Lillard, impressed with 30 points. Lillard himself hit five in a row on the left wing, scoring 27 and advancing to the final, edging out Cleveland's Donovan Mitchell, who had 24 points.
FIRST ROUND: 27
— NBA (@NBA) February 14, 2026
FINAL ROUND: 29
DAMIAN LILLARD IS NOW A 3X @StateFarm NBA 3-POINT CONTEST WINNER 🚨🤯 pic.twitter.com/gMuq5cwdsp
“You've got to just let the ball fly and trust your instincts as a shooter,” Lillard said. “You can't be rattled when somebody else gets hot or when the crowd gets loud... you've just got to shoot and do you and that's what I show up and do.”
In the final, Kon Knueppel started strong with 17 points, but Damian Lillard took the lead with a baseline shot to finish on 27. Devin Booker needed a miracle to catch up, but missed his last three baseline shots, any of which would've tied Lillard.
“I was praying on his downfall,” Lillard admitted. “Coming in I could see it being me, Book and Kon at the end. I knew it would be stiff competition. He was in position. It just took for a couple of shots to rattle out, but that's how it goes sometime.”
Team Knicks took home the Shooting Stars title, with Jalen Brunson, Karl-Anthony Towns, and former star Allan Houston leading the charge.
Team Knicks’ 2nd Round Score: 47 🎯
— NBA (@NBA) February 14, 2026
THEY ARE YOUR WINNERS OF @Kia SHOOTING STARS! pic.twitter.com/PnanhjKa33
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