In a stunning display of precision and resilience, Damian Lillard has etched his name into NBA history by becoming a three-time champion of the 2026 State Farm 3-Point Contest. Despite sitting out the entire NBA season due to a torn Achilles tendon suffered in April, Lillard proved that his shooting prowess remains unmatched, scoring an impressive 56 points across two rounds to secure his third title in four seasons. But here's where it gets controversial—can a player who hasn’t competed in regular-season games truly claim such a prestigious victory? Or does his performance underscore the timeless skill of a sharpshooter?
Held at the Intuit Dome in Inglewood, California, the contest kicked off NBA All-Star Saturday with a bang, airing live on NBC and Peacock. Lillard, donning his Portland Trail Blazers uniform, dominated the final round with a score of 29, sinking 21 of his 27 shots, including a thrilling 'From the Logo' shot worth three points. Phoenix Suns' Devin Booker, who led the first round with a high score of 30, came close but faltered in the final moments, missing his last three shots. Charlotte Hornets rookie Kon Knueppel finished third with 17 points, showcasing his potential as a future contender.
And this is the part most people miss—Lillard’s achievement places him in an elite club alongside Larry Bird and Craig Hodges as the only players to win the 3-Point Contest three times. His ability to perform under pressure, even after a season-ending injury, raises questions about the mental fortitude required to excel in such high-stakes competitions. Is Lillard’s success a testament to his unwavering focus, or does it highlight the evolving nature of the NBA’s skill-based events?
The contest featured a star-studded lineup, including five 2026 NBA All-Stars and two former 3-Point Contest winners. Booker, a 2018 champion, and Lillard, a two-time winner (2023 and 2024), brought experience to the table, while rookies like Knueppel and veterans like Donovan Mitchell added excitement. Four players—Knueppel, Tyrese Maxey, Jamal Murray, and Bobby Portis—made their contest debuts, with Knueppel nearly becoming the first rookie to take home the trophy.
In the two-round format, players had 70 seconds to score as many points as possible from five racks of balls, including the challenging 'From the Logo' shots. The top three scorers from the first round advanced to the championship round, where Lillard’s consistency and clutch shooting sealed his victory. For beginners, this format emphasizes not just accuracy but also speed and stamina, making it a true test of a player’s all-around shooting ability.
What do you think? Does Lillard’s win solidify his legacy as one of the greatest shooters of all time, or does his absence from the regular season diminish the achievement? Let us know in the comments below!
