Damian Lillard has won the NBA's 3-point shooting contest for the third time, a feat that places him in an elite group of players. This latest victory comes after a period of recovery from injury, highlighting his skill on a stage where precision is key. The win ties him with Larry Bird and Craig Hodges, who also have three contest titles.
Background of the Competition
The 3-point contest is an annual event held during the NBA All-Star Weekend, where top shooters compete to score the most points by making shots from beyond the three-point line within a set time. Winning this event requires not only accuracy but also composure under pressure.
Lillard's Path to a Third Title
Damian Lillard, a guard for the Portland Trail Blazers, entered the recent contest despite being sidelined for the entire season due to an Achilles injury.
He secured his third win with a score of 29 in the final round.
He competed against Devin Booker of the Phoenix Suns and rookie Kon Knueppel of the Charlotte Hornets in the final.
This is the second time a player has competed in the shootout after being injured for the whole season up to that point.
Voshon Lenard previously competed in the 3-point contest in Denver in 2005 while recovering from an Achilles tear sustained on opening night.
Historical Context of Three-Time Winners
The 3-point contest began in 1986.
Damian Lillard is now one of only three players to win the event three times.
The other players with three wins are Larry Bird and Craig Hodges.
Lillard's Previous Contest Wins
Lillard won his first 3-point contest in 2023, his third attempt at the event. He defeated Buddy Hield and Tyrese Haliburton in the final round.
He was the first player in Portland Trail Blazers franchise history to win the competition.
His first win was in Salt Lake City.
He won his second contest in the last four years, making his recent win his third overall.
Expert Observations
One report noted that Lillard's participation, despite his season-long injury, showed his ability to perform on a significant stage, referred to as "Dame Time."
The contest requires a high level of shooting skill, and Lillard has consistently demonstrated this.
Summary of Evidence
| Fact | Detail | Source Article(s) |
|---|---|---|
| Winner | Damian Lillard | 1, 2, 3, 4 |
| Number of Wins | 3 | 1, 2 |
| Final Round Score | 29 | 1 |
| Final Round Competitors | Devin Booker, Kon Knueppel | 1 |
| All-Time Record Holder | Damian Lillard, Larry Bird, Craig Hodges (3 wins each) | 1, 2 |
| Season Status | Lillard was recovering from an Achilles tear and had not played all season. | 1, 2 |
| Franchise First | Lillard was the first Portland Trail Blazers player to win the contest. | 4 |
| Previous Wins | Lillard won his first contest in 2023, defeating Buddy Hield and Tyrese Haliburton. | 3, 4 |
| Historical Precedent | Voshon Lenard competed in the 2005 contest while recovering from an Achilles tear. | 1 |
| Rookie Contender | Kon Knueppel had the potential to be the first rookie to win the contest. | 2 |
Conclusion and Implications
Damian Lillard's third 3-point contest victory is a notable achievement, equaling the record held by legends Larry Bird and Craig Hodges. His performance underscores his reputation as one of the league's premier shooters. The circumstances of his win—returning from a significant injury—further emphasize his skill and competitive spirit. The event provided a platform for Lillard to showcase his abilities outside of regular game play, reaffirming his place in NBA shooting history.
Sources
ESPN: "Lillard returns to win record-tying third 3-point shootout" - https://www.espn.com/nba/story//id/47932930/lillard-returns-win-record-tying-third-3-point-shootout
News18: "Dame Time Incoming! Blazers' Lillard Named As Surprise Entry In All-Star 3-Point Shooting Contest" - https://www.news18.com/sports/nba/dame-time-incoming-blazers-lillard-named-as-surprise-entry-in-nba-all-star-3-point-shooting-contest-ws-l-9888898.html
NBC Sports: "Lillard turns 3-point Contest into Dame Time with win" - https://www.nbcsports.com/nba/news/lillard-turns-3-point-contest-into-dame-time-with-win (Published Feb 19, 2023, reporting on a previous win)
The Score: "Dame becomes 1st Blazers player to win Three-Point Contest" - https://www.thescore.com/nba/news/2578604 (Published Feb 19, 2023, reporting on a previous win)
