Damian Lillard: Achilles Injury Didn’t Stop Him from Capturing All-Star 3-Point Title

LOS ANGELES, CA – In a remarkable comeback, Damian Lillard, the Portland Trail Blazers’ veteran guard, won the NBA All-Star 3-Point Contest Saturday night at the Crypto.com Arena in Los Angeles. Lillard, who is recovering from a ruptured Achilles tendon and hasn’t played since the season began, participated at his request.

Speaking to reporters before the game, Lillard shared his excitement: “I felt like it was something I wanted to do, to show that I’m still here, and I’m ready to compete,” said Lillard.

Lillard’s Triumphant Run

Lillard made an impressive 29 points in the final round to secure his victory. His opponent, Phoenix Suns’ star Devin Booker, needed just three balls to equalize, but astonishingly, he missed all three, bringing the suspense to a thrilling climax.

Lillard, with 2,804 career three-pointers made in 13 seasons, now stands as the fifth-best three-point shooter in NBA history. He joins the elite company of only three other players – Larry Bird and Craig Hodges – to win the 3-Point Contest three times.

“It’s more than just winning, it’s about showing people that I’m still here…” – Damian Lillard

Knocked out in the first round were Donovan Mitchell (Cleveland), Norman Powell (Miami), Jamal Murray (Denver), Tyrese Maxey (Philadelphia), and Bobby Portis Jr. (Milwaukee). Charlotte’s rookie, Kon Knueppel, missed his final shots (15) after scoring 27 in the first round.

Knicks Shine in Shooting Stars and Dunk Contest

In the Shooting Stars competition, Jalen Brunson, Karl-Anthony Towns, and former Knicks star Allan Houston took home the trophy with a final score of 47 points. The Knicks trio dominated the seven-spot floor shootout, outscoring former Duke players in the runner-up position with 38 points.

The dunk contest saw Miami Heat’s Keshad Johnson soar above the competition. He won after completing a challenging list of dunks, including a hugely popular reverse windmill off the bounce. Johnson’s performance earned him the title, beating out San Antonio’s Carter Bryant.

Lillard’s Road to Recovery and Return to the Courts

Although Lillard’s injury initially raised concerns about his future in the game, his victory in the 3-Point Contest has reignited hope among fans and team members alike. Lillard’s rehabilitation progress remains closely monitored, with a hopeful return to the courts in the near future.

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