The Return of the 3-Point King: Damian Lillard's Triumphant Comeback
In a thrilling display of skill and determination, Damian Lillard proved that he's still got it, claiming the 2026 State Farm 3-Point Contest crown and leaving fans in awe. But here's the twist: this victory came after a long battle with injury.
On the second night of the NBA All-Star Weekend in Los Angeles, Lillard etched his name into the record books as one of only three players to ever win the 3-Point Contest three times. And the journey to this achievement was nothing short of extraordinary.
The Road to Redemption
Lillard's path to victory began with a challenge. He hadn't played a single game this season, focusing instead on recovering from a torn Achilles suffered in April 2025. But that didn't stop him from aiming for his third title, a feat that would solidify his status as a 3-point contest legend.
In the first round, Lillard faced a tough lineup, including Devin Booker, who had won the contest back in 2018, and the promising rookie Kon Knueppel. Despite the pressure, Lillard advanced with a solid 27 points, eliminating Donovan Mitchell in the process.
The Final Showdown
As the second round commenced, Knueppel struggled, scoring only 17 points. This left the door open for Lillard and Booker, both seasoned 3-point contest veterans, to battle it out.
Lillard caught fire, scoring an impressive 29 points and putting Booker under immense pressure. Booker, known for his clutch performances, managed to reach 27 points but couldn't find the net for his final three shots. And with that, Lillard secured his third title, adding to his victories in 2023 and 2024.
The Impact and the Controversy
Lillard's win sent shockwaves through the NBA community. Fans reacted with a mix of excitement and awe, celebrating his comeback. But here's where it gets controversial: some argue that Lillard's absence from the court this season might have given him an unfair advantage, allowing him to focus solely on perfecting his 3-point skills. Others counter that his injury and subsequent rehabilitation are a testament to his dedication and resilience.
So, what's your take on this? Is Lillard's victory a testament to his skill and determination, or does his absence from the court raise questions about the fairness of the competition? We'd love to hear your thoughts in the comments below!
