Damian Lillard Wins 3-Point Contest Again; Team Knicks Win Shooting Stars

NBA All-Star Saturday night had exciting games. Damian Lillard won the 3-Point Contest for the third time. Team Knicks won the Shooting Stars event. The Slam Dunk Contest also happened.
By Newsroom | NBA, Basketball |

NBA All-Star Saturday, a hallmark event of the league's mid-season festivities, unfolded with a series of engaging competitions. The evening, held at the Intuit Dome in Inglewood, California, featured the return of the Kia Shooting Stars competition, the widely anticipated State Farm 3-Point Contest, and the visually spectacular AT&T Slam Dunk Contest. This year's Saturday night showcase highlighted established talent, with Damian Lillard securing his third career 3-Point Contest title, and saw a renewed sense of excitement surrounding the traditional events. The night's events, broadcast on NBC and Peacock, drew significant attention as fans followed the skill, precision, and creativity on display.

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Events and Outcomes

NBA All-Star Saturday featured a lineup of distinct competitions designed to test various basketball skills:

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  • Kia Shooting Stars: This event, which had been absent for over a decade, returned to the All-Star Saturday schedule. The competition involved teams with a mix of current NBA stars, former players, and WNBA players, aiming to hit shots from various locations on the court. Team Knicks, comprising Jalen Brunson, Karl-Anthony Towns, and retired sharpshooter Allan Houston, emerged victorious in this event, scoring 47 points to defeat Team Cameron.

  • State Farm 3-Point Contest: A consistent favorite, this contest showcased the league's premier long-range shooters. Damian Lillard demonstrated exceptional accuracy, securing his third 3-Point Contest crown. This places him in esteemed company, tying Larry Bird and Craig Hodges for the most titles in the event's history. Lillard advanced to the final round after scoring 27 points in his first round. Other notable participants in the finals included Devin Booker (30 points) and Kon Knueppel (27 points).

  • AT&T Slam Dunk Contest: The night concluded with the high-flying athletes of the Slam Dunk Contest. While specific winners and notable dunks are still being detailed, participants like Carter Bryant and Jase Richardson were mentioned as taking to the court. The contest is designed to highlight the athletic prowess and creativity of the league's most dynamic dunkers.

Rising Stars and Celebrity Game Highlights

Beyond the main Saturday night events, other competitions and games provided additional entertainment:

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  • Castrol Rising Stars: This event featured emerging talent from around the league. Team Vince ultimately won the championship, defeating Team Melo in a closely contested final. VJ Edgecombe was named the MVP of the Rising Stars game, sealing the victory with free throws in the closing moments. The tournament format included semifinal matchups where Team Melo bested Team Austin, and Team Vince overcame Team T-Mac.

  • Ruffles NBA All-Star Celebrity Game: The annual celebrity game saw Team Giannis emerge victorious over Team Anthony with a score of 65-58. Rome Flynn was awarded the MVP for his performance, marking his second consecutive win in this event. Notable players in this game included actors, musicians, and former athletes, coached by figures like Giannis Antetokounmpo and his brothers.

Broader All-Star Weekend Context

NBA All-Star Saturday is part of a larger weekend celebration of basketball. This year's festivities, spanning February 13-15 in Los Angeles, included Media Day and other associated events, culminating in the main All-Star Game. Reports indicate discussions about player performances, historical comparisons, and the general atmosphere surrounding the league's marquee weekend. Player sentiment, such as Kevin Durant's remarks about fan complaints, also surfaced during Media Day.

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Damian Lillard's Historic 3-Point Victory

Damian Lillard's win in the 3-Point Contest is a significant achievement, marking his third title. His consistent performance across multiple years solidifies his status as one of the greatest shooters in NBA history. The win came despite a season where he was reportedly recovering from a torn Achilles, underscoring his dedication and skill. His performance places him in an elite tier alongside legends of the game.

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The Return of Shooting Stars

The reintroduction of the Kia Shooting Stars competition added a unique dynamic to Saturday night. This event's format, which involves team continuity and varying shooting challenges, offers a different kind of test compared to the individual skill contests. The victory of Team Knicks underscores the chemistry and combined shooting ability of its members.

Expert Observations

Reports from various outlets provide ongoing analysis of the events. Sports media outlets like ESPN, The Athletic, CBS Sports, Sportsnet, and the NBA's own platforms offered live updates and commentary throughout the weekend. These updates focused on individual performances, notable moments, and the overall narrative of the All-Star festivities. The presence of multiple reporting teams indicates the broad interest and scope of the event.

Concluding Observations

NBA All-Star Saturday 2026 concluded with a blend of established dominance and emerging talent. Damian Lillard's historic third 3-Point Contest win and Team Knicks's victory in the revitalized Shooting Stars competition were among the night's most notable outcomes. The Castrol Rising Stars and Ruffles Celebrity Game further rounded out a weekend dedicated to celebrating the league's current and future stars. The event at the Intuit Dome served as a testament to the enduring appeal of competitive basketball skills and entertainment.

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Frequently Asked Questions

Q: Who won the 3-Point Contest?
Damian Lillard won the 3-Point Contest. This is his third time winning it.
Q: Who won the Shooting Stars competition?
Team Knicks won the Shooting Stars event. The team had Jalen Brunson, Karl-Anthony Towns, and Allan Houston.
Q: What other events happened on Saturday?
The Slam Dunk Contest also took place. There were also the Rising Stars game and the Celebrity Game.