標籤: Lillard

If the Portland Trail Blazers can somehow upset the San Antonio Spurs in the quarterfinals of the NBA playoffs, a new report suggests they could get a boost from one of the greatest players in franchise history.

The Trail Blazers entered their first playoff series against the Spurs in several years as major underdogs. And it’s understandable why. San Antonio appears to be a real threat to the defending champion Oklahoma City Thunder thanks to 2026 Defensive Player of the Year and MVP candidate Victor Wembanyama.

However, in Game 2, the French phenom had a bad leak, causing him to fall on his face and suffer a concussion. While he is traveling with the team, he is unlikely to feature in Game 3, and is likely to return in Game 4. After winning Tuesday’s game, and with Wembayama’s return date unclear, suddenly, this series is looking a lot more winnable for the Trail Blazers.

The door is open for Damian Lillard to return during the 2026 NBA playoffs

Well, if they can somehow accomplish the unthinkable and advance to the next round, it seems like there’s an outside chance they could get the inclusion of a certain Trail Blazers legend.

“Although it may seem unbelievable, the franchise has not completely ruled out the possibility that Damian Lillard could make a surprise appearance in the postseason this year,” multiple sources told The Oregonian. “I wouldn’t rule out any possibilities,” one source said.

Obviously, Lillard won’t progress and become the player he was before tearing his ACL a year ago. However, in a potential series against the Denver Nuggets or Minnesota Timberwolves, he could at least serve as a rookie. But there’s a possibility he could be a prolific scorer and three-point threat off the bench. The nine-time All-Star won this year’s NBA Three-Point Contest.

After earning a journalism degree in 2017, Jason Burgos worked as a contributor to several sites, including MMA Sacca… More about Jason Burgos

On Saturday evening, the NBA hosted some of its All-Star weekend activities from the Intuit Dome in Los Angeles, home of the Clippers. Among them was the Three-Point Contest, which was won by the Portland Trail Blazers’ star point guard Damian Lillard, who defeated Devin Booker and Kon Knueppel in the final round of the contest.

It was the third career Three-Point Contest win for Lillard, who is currently sidelined with an Achilles injury but still wanted to participate in the event, and now, the former All-Star is previewing what the competition could look like in the 2027 season.

“Me, you, Klay, Bucs, and 4 more real shooters,” Lillard wrote in a message to Golden State Warriors star Stephen Curry, which he posted on social media (via Lillard’s account on Instagram).

Stephen Curry and Klay Thompson have had some coveted three-point contest battles with Lillard over the years, and Devin Booker has also added his name to that discussion in recent seasons, winning a three-point battle and nearly winning another on Saturday evening before he fouled out down the stretch during the final period.

Meanwhile, the Blazers and their fans will be hoping that Lillard can continue his excellent level of performance on the court when he returns to action next year. Lillard re-joined the Portland franchise last offseason after being waived by the Milwaukee Bucks, and although he is still recovering from an Achilles injury suffered during last year’s playoffs, he is projected to provide some much-needed perimeter playmaking and shooting for a Blazers team that is surging in the Western Conference this year.

On Sunday, Blazers fans got a chance to see young star Deni Avdija play for the World Team in the All-Star Game, and Portland next faces off against the Denver Nuggets on Friday evening.

Let’s start the hype for the 2027 NBA Three-Point Contest. On Sunday, Golden State Warriors superstar point guard Stephen Curry confirmed that he will participate in the 2027 edition of the event.

After Damian Lillard became the third player in tournament history to win it three times when the Portland Trail Blazers lifted the trophy on Saturday, Curry said on the NBA Showtime broadcast that he would be there “100 percent.”

Additionally, the two-time NBA Most Valuable Player said he would try to get former Warriors teammate and half of the famous “Splash Brothers” Klay Thompson in there, as well as other players.

“I’ve already scheduled it. We’re gonna bring some people. I, Dame [Damian Lillard]I’m going to try to get Clay [Thompson]God [Devin Booker]”Curry said.

🚨BREAKING: Steph Curry says he’ll have a 3-point contest next year 🔥

Curry says he’ll try to get Klay Thompson and Damian Lillard to compete next year 😳pic.twitter.com/NW1ljZbeql

– ClutchPoints (@clutchpoints) 15 February 2026

Like everyone else, Curry watched Lillard, now again with the Portland Trail Blazers, join 3-Point Shootout legends Larry Bird and Craig Hodges as the only players to win the event three times. Bird held the top spot in 1986, 1987, and 1988, while Hodges ruled it in 1990, 1991, and 1992. Lillard won the championship in 2023 and 2024 and finished on top again in 2026, despite the fact that he is still recovering from an Achilles injury.

As for Curry, he is a two-time three-point shootout king, having captured the crown in 2015 and 2021.

As the NBA’s all-time leader in 3-pointers, Curry probably felt obligated to attend the event in 2027 for a chance to join Lillard, Bird and Hodges in the extremely exclusive three-time winners club.

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.

Portland Trail Blazers star Damian Lillard is the 2026 Three-Point Contest Champion. He achieved this feat despite sitting out this season due to an Achilles tear. He managed to defeat guard Devin Booker of the Phoenix Suns and rookie Kon Knueppel of the Charlotte Hornets in the championship round of the tournament.

While accepting his award, the 35-year-old point guard was asked what was going through his mind as he watched Booker take his turn in the three-point contest. Lillard cheerfully admitted he was “praying” for the Suns star to “fall.”

“I was praying for his downfall,” Lillard claimed.

“I was praying for his downfall”

What Damian Lillard was thinking when he saw Devin Booker in the final round😅

pic.twitter.com/4329tM90fm https://t.co/bci6DfMFGu

– ClutchPoints (@clutchpoints) 14 February 2026

It appears to have worked, as Devin Booker failed to surpass Damian Lillard’s 29 points in the championship round. The win marked Lillard’s third three-point contest win of his career. he joins larry bird And Craig Hodges is the only player in league history to win the competition three times.

With the competition over, Lillard will likely go back to taking care of his Achilles tendon tear in preparation for the 2026-27 campaign. The nine-time All-Star is not expected to return this season, even if the Trail Blazers reach the playoffs. Meanwhile, Portland will continue to lean on Deni Avdija and its young roster. The club is ranked No. 9 in the Western Conference at the All-Star break.

Damian Lillard signed a three-year, $42 million contract with the Trail Blazers last season after the Milwaukee Bucks waived him. His deal includes a no-trade clause, so there’s a chance Lillard finishes his career in Portland. Over the course of 13 years in the league, Lillard has career averages of 25.1 points, 4.3 rebounds and 6.7 assists per game as well as a 43.9% career field goal percentage and 37.1% three-point percentage.

Last postseason, Damian Lillard suffered an Achilles injury while playing for the Milwaukee Bucks. Less than 10 months later, he is again wearing a Portland Trail Blazers uniform and winning his third 3-point contest in the last four years. Welcome to the twilight zone.

The star point guard, who hasn’t played a game this season and likely won’t, overcame long layoffs and fierce competitors like Devin Booker and rookie Kon Knuppel to reclaim his throne during NBA All-Star Weekend. He joined Larry Bird and Craig Hodges as the only players in NBA history to win the championship three times. Booker was poised to snatch the trophy, but Lillard’s 30-point performance in the final round came up short.

Although it’s been a while since the seven-time All-NBA selection took an official 3-pointer, fans got a reminder that it’s still really dam time.

Damian Lillard surprised people

@JDCowboys2 commented, “He’s seriously one of the greatest players to ever do it, he won the three-point contest with half an Achilles.” @rozaydaghost commented, “This guy has really been through a lot and is almost in tears.” “w“A wonderful chapter is added to his story.”

“From Achilles tear to 3x 3PT champion in just one year?” @loftymimi surprised. “The Dame is created differently. Pure inspiration.” While many fans were surprised by Lillard’s still-smooth shooting stroke, others were equally surprised by the NBA’s decision to allow him to compete in the All-Star Weekend staple despite missing the entire campaign. Someone clearly lost the chance to enter the 3-point contest due to the 35-year-old’s involvement.

@YoungSixtus expressed, “Crazy talent but let’s be real – ranking a guy who played 0 games compared to active shooters this season feels like pure NBA entertainment marketing.” “Congratulations Dame.”

“This is a blatant insult to the rest of the league,” declared @coldog05. “Damian Lillard is dominating a skills competition here while doing virtually nothing else all season. Crazy.”

Whether or not fans believe Lillard should have competed, he deserves ample praise for outshining everyone else at less than full strength. History will remember this event for the skill and tenacity of the nine-time All-Star, and will likely also forget the lack of NBA minutes he logged this season.

Perhaps more than anything, this surprising performance gives Blazers fans a big reason to look forward to next season.

Although Damian Lillard is not playing this season due to an Achilles tear, the Portland Trail Blazers point guard was still able to compete in this year’s Three-Point Contest during NBA All-Star Weekend. By performing brilliantly on Saturday, he proved that he still has this ability.

According to ESPN, the 35-year-old guard managed to win the three-point contest outright. He recorded a score of 29 in the championship round, defeating Phoenix Suns guard Devin Booker and Charlotte Hornets rookie Kon Knueppel.

“Damian Lillard wins 2026 3-pt contest less than a year after overcoming his affliction.”

Lillard was on fire during the three-point contest. The 13-year veteran (he would be 14 if he played this season) recorded 27 points in the first round, 30 in the second round and 29 points in the championship round. By the end of the tournament he was no match for Booker or Knueppel.

Damian Lillard’s 2nd round score: 30 🎯

He has a score to beat in the final round @state Farm NBA 3-Point Contest!

Tap to watch: https://t.co/BpnjnxQ8vC pic.twitter.com/aMkcI3Liec

– NBA (@NBA) 14 February 2026

This is Damian Lillard’s third three-point contest win in his career. He has been one of the league’s best shooters, earning him the nickname “Logo Lillard” due to his ability to consistently hit three-pointers from near midcourt range. Winning the three-point contest also indicates that the nine-time All-Star may finally be in great form in his return from injury.

Lillard suffered a ruptured Achilles tendon in the Milwaukee Bucks’ 129–103 Game 4 loss to the Indiana Pacers in the 2024–25 playoffs. Milwaukee waived Damian Lillard after the season, leading him to sign a three-year, $42 million contract to return to the Trail Blazers. His deal also includes a no-trade clause.

Damian Lillard is not expected to play this season, even if Portland reaches the playoffs. With the Trail Blazers gradually improving the roster, the club could be ultra-competitive upon Lillard’s return next season.