Damian Lillard shocked the NBA world by managing to win Saturday’s Three-Point Contest despite not having played in a game in roughly ten months.
Lillard posted a first-round score of 27 to advance to the final, then narrowly beat Devin Booker with a 29-point round to win his third career Three-Point Contest. While it is not shocking that Lillard would win the event, the fact that he did so while recovering from an Achilles tear left everyone rather stunned.
Damian Lillard literally got up out of bed and won a three point contest LMAOO 😭 pic.twitter.com/21qcST4G9o
— Kyrie Center (@kyriecenterig) February 14, 2026
DAME TIME IS IMMORTAL pic.twitter.com/9cS5o239Rq
— David Aldridge (@davidaldridgedc) February 14, 2026
Dame time really a thing proven over and over again lol what a guy
— Clique Productions (@ImClique_) February 14, 2026
Even Lillard’s fellow players were stunned. Spurs forward Carter Bryant and Lakers center Jaxson Hayes were both seated courtside to watch the event, and their faces said it all.
Carter Bryant & Jaxson Hayes watching Damian Lillard in the NBA @StateFarm 3-Point Contest: 😳😱 https://t.co/1kVjXDnNA7 pic.twitter.com/V0O2ei3b7j
— NBA (@NBA) February 14, 2026
Lillard’s shot clearly has not suffered during his rehab. He looked like his vintage self, though obviously the Three-Point Contest is no substitute for an actual NBA game. Still, this should provide plenty of encouragement for Blazers fans who are hoping to see the 35-year-old come back strong next season.
Saturday’s win made Lillard the third player in NBA history to win the Three-Point Contest three times, joining Larry Bird and Craig Hodges.
