Damian Lillard didn't need much convincing to step onto the Intuit Dome floor Saturday night. Despite being sidelined for the entire 2025-26 season due to a ruptured Achilles tendon, the Portland Trail Blazers star proved that "Dame Time" is a permanent setting. Lillard captured his third career NBA 3-Point Contest title and joined legends Larry Bird and Craig Hodges as the only three-time winners in the history of the event.
"People know I'm a real competitor." 😤
let's talk damian lillard @ChrisBHaynes About joining @state Farm NBA 3-Point Contest when slots are available! pic.twitter.com/PtEncrsEK7
- NBA TV (@NBATV) 15 February 2026
The nine-time All-Star admitted that the decision to join was almost a joke at first. While discussing holiday plans with NBA officials, Lillard mentioned he was available if a slot opened up. When this happened, he took the opportunity to "spice things up" and give fans something to cheer about during his long journey to recovery.
