Damian Lillard Wins 3-Point Contest While Recovering from Achilles Injury

The NBA star opens up about his emotional victory and representing 'strength' in his comeback.

Published on Feb. 15, 2026

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Damian Lillard, who has been sidelined for months due to an Achilles injury, made a surprise return to competition at the NBA All-Star Weekend's 3-point shooting contest. Lillard won the contest, joining an elite group of players to win the event three times. In an emotional interview after the victory, Lillard spoke about the significance of the moment and his determination to come back stronger than ever from his injury.

Why it matters

Lillard's victory is a testament to his perseverance and competitive spirit, as he continues to recover from a serious Achilles injury that has kept him off the court for an extended period. His performance and comments highlight the mental and physical fortitude required for elite athletes to bounce back from major injuries.

The details

In the final round of the 3-point contest, Lillard scored 29 points, narrowly edging out Devin Booker's 27 points. Lillard's win made him just the third player in NBA history, along with Larry Bird and Craig Hodges, to win the 3-point contest three times. Lillard suffered the Achilles injury in April 2025 while playing for the Milwaukee Bucks and has yet to return to NBA action, though he is expected to target a full comeback in the 2026-27 season.

  • Lillard suffered the Achilles injury in April 2025 while playing for the Milwaukee Bucks.
  • Lillard signed a three-year deal to return to the Portland Trail Blazers in August 2025.
  • Lillard competed in and won the NBA 3-point contest on February 14, 2026.

The players

Damian Lillard

An NBA star who has been sidelined for months due to a serious Achilles injury, but made a surprise return to competition at the NBA All-Star Weekend's 3-point shooting contest, which he won.

Devin Booker

A player for the Phoenix Suns who finished second in the 3-point contest, scoring 27 points to Lillard's 29.

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What they’re saying

“It felt like a game. I definitely cared more. I didn't come in like, 'oh, it is what it is.' It was like I was trying to win. If they give me this opportunity, I don't want it to be like you know everybody like, 'Oh Dame is shooting' and then I go out there and get 15 in the 1st round, and I'm done. I wasn't going out like that.”

— Damian Lillard (profootballnetwork.com)

“I wouldn't say I'm representing the Achilles nation or nothing like that. I do think I represent strength.”

— Damian Lillard (profootballnetwork.com)

“We are athletes, so when we go through injury, people act like it's the end of the world because people are used to us being like lifted up and everything being about us but people go through way worse. For me, it was more about representing strength. I didn't choose to be weak about it.”

— Damian Lillard (profootballnetwork.com)

What’s next

Lillard is expected to target a full return to NBA action in the 2026-27 season as he continues his recovery from the Achilles injury.

The takeaway

Damian Lillard's emotional 3-point contest victory, while still recovering from a serious Achilles injury, serves as an inspiring example of the mental and physical fortitude required for elite athletes to bounce back from major setbacks. His performance and comments highlight the strength and determination that define his character as a player.