Damian Lillard Wins 3-Point Title, Sets Up Showdown with Stephen Curry

Lillard's historic 3-peat sets the stage for a highly anticipated 2027 3-point contest battle with Curry.

Published on Feb. 16, 2026

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Damian Lillard, the former Milwaukee Bucks point guard, captured his third NBA 3-point contest championship in 2026, joining an elite group of players to achieve the feat. With no one ever having won the event four times, Lillard is expected to attempt this historic milestone in 2027, following his return to the Portland Trail Blazers. Golden State Warriors star Stephen Curry has already confirmed his plans to compete in the 2027 contest, setting up a highly anticipated showdown between the two sharpshooters.

Why it matters

The 3-point contest has become one of the most popular events during the NBA's All-Star weekend, and the prospect of Lillard and Curry, two of the league's premier long-range snipers, facing off for the title is sure to generate significant interest and excitement among basketball fans.

The details

In the 2026 3-point contest final, Lillard edged out fellow finalists Devin Booker and Kon Knueppel, scoring 29 points against Booker's 27 and Knueppel's 17. Curry, who has won the contest twice, aims to join Lillard in becoming a three-time winner, while Lillard's victory next year would set a new standard as the first four-time champion.

  • Damian Lillard won the 2026 NBA 3-point contest.
  • The 2027 NBA 3-point contest is expected to feature a showdown between Lillard and Curry.

The players

Damian Lillard

A former Milwaukee Bucks point guard who is not competing in the 2025-26 NBA season, Lillard captured his third NBA 3-point contest championship in 2026, joining an elite group of players to achieve the feat.

Stephen Curry

The Golden State Warriors star, who has won the 3-point contest twice, aims to join Lillard in becoming a three-time winner in the 2027 event.

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What they’re saying

“One hundred percent. I already scheduled it. We're gonna bring some people. Me, Dame [Damian Lillard], I'm gonna try to get Klay [Thompson], Dev [Devin Booker].”

— Stephen Curry, Golden State Warriors star (NBA Showtime)

What’s next

The judge in the case will decide on Tuesday whether or not to allow Walker Reed Quinn out on bail.

The takeaway

The anticipated showdown between Damian Lillard and Stephen Curry in the 2027 NBA 3-point contest promises to be a defining moment in the event's history, as the two sharpshooters compete to cement their legacies as the greatest long-range specialists in the league.