Damian Lillard Wins 3rd NBA 3-Point Contest Title

Portland Trail Blazers star overcomes torn Achilles to reclaim 3-point shooting crown

Published on Feb. 15, 2026

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Damian Lillard's stunning victory at the 2026 NBA All-Star 3-Point Contest wasn't just a feel-good moment; it was a statement. Winning his third title – joining Larry Bird and Craig Hodges as the only three-time champions – while recovering from a torn Achilles tendon, Lillard has redefined expectations for athletes returning from major injuries.

Why it matters

Lillard's performance highlights a growing trend of injured stars leveraging All-Star Weekend as a platform to showcase their recovery and re-establish their dominance. This could influence how teams approach player contracts and injury management in the future, as a successful rehabilitation can yield significant returns.

The details

Nine months after Achilles surgery, Lillard was able to compete at an elite level, demonstrating the effectiveness of modern recovery protocols. His confidence and focus, as evidenced by his clutch shooting, also highlight the importance of psychological resilience in overcoming significant setbacks.

  • Lillard suffered a torn Achilles on April 27th.
  • Lillard competed in and won the 3-Point Contest approximately nine months later.

The players

Damian Lillard

A Portland Trail Blazers star who won his third NBA 3-Point Contest title, joining an elite group of Larry Bird and Craig Hodges as the only three-time champions.

Larry Bird

A former NBA player who is one of the only three players to have won the NBA 3-Point Contest three times.

Craig Hodges

A former NBA player who is one of the only three players to have won the NBA 3-Point Contest three times.

Devin Booker

An NBA player who competed in the 2026 NBA 3-Point Contest against Damian Lillard.

Kon Knueppel

A rookie NBA player who reached the final round of the 2026 NBA 3-Point Contest.

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What’s next

Lillard's successful return to the court and continued dominance in the 3-Point Contest could influence how teams approach player contracts and injury management in the future, as a successful rehabilitation can yield significant returns.

The takeaway

Damian Lillard's comeback victory in the 2026 NBA 3-Point Contest demonstrates the advancements in sports medicine and rehabilitation, as well as the importance of mental fortitude in overcoming significant setbacks. His performance could inspire more injured athletes to leverage All-Star Weekend as a platform to showcase their recovery and re-establish their dominance.