Damian Lillard Wins Third Three-Point Crown, Teases Star-Studded Rematch for 2027

All-Star Weekend is typically reserved for the league’s healthiest stars, but on Saturday night, Damian Lillard reminded fans that shooting touch doesn’t disappear with a walking boot. The veteran guard delivered one of the event’s highlights, winning the NBA’s three-point contest with the calm precision that has defined his career.

The competition took place at the Intuit Dome, the new home of the Los Angeles Clippers, where a packed crowd watched some of the league’s best shooters square off. Even without logging regular-season minutes, Lillard looked right at home under the bright lights.

He edged out a talented final round that included Devin Booker and rookie Kon Knueppel, leaning on his deep-range consistency and quick release to separate late. Each rack seemed to fall in rhythm, and by the end, the result felt familiar.

For Lillard, the trophy marked another chapter in a contest that has long suited his strengths — and hinted that he still plans to be part of the league’s shooting elite for years to come.

1. A Veteran Still in Rhythm

Though sidelined with an Achilles injury, Lillard made it clear he had no intention of skipping the weekend’s festivities. His presence alone drew attention, but his performance quickly shifted the focus from sentiment to competition. From the opening round, Lillard shot with the same fluid mechanics that have made him one of the NBA’s most feared perimeter threats. His range extended well beyond the arc, and the money-ball racks proved decisive as the scores tightened. By the time the final round arrived, the field had narrowed to proven names and a rising challenger. Booker pushed early, Knueppel held his own, but Lillard’s late surge — a string of clean makes from the corners — ultimately sealed the victory. The win gave him his third career three-point contest title, placing him among the event’s most decorated participants and reinforcing that even during recovery, his shooting remains elite.

2. Calling Out the Shooters

After the event, Lillard didn’t just celebrate the moment — he looked ahead. On social media, he tagged Stephen Curry with a message proposing a future showdown: a lineup featuring himself, Curry, Klay Thompson, Booker and several other “real shooters.” The idea resonated immediately with fans, who remember years of spirited three-point battles among those stars. Curry and Thompson, in particular, have defined the modern long-range era with the Golden State Warriors, turning the contest into must-watch theater whenever they enter. Booker has also carved out a place in that conversation. He previously captured a title of his own and nearly added another this weekend before cooling off in the final stretch, underscoring how narrow the margins can be. If Lillard’s proposed 2027 lineup comes together, it could resemble an All-NBA gathering of shooting specialists — the kind of matchup that blurs the line between exhibition and rivalry.

3. Portland’s Bigger Picture

While All-Star accolades add to Lillard’s legacy, the Portland Trail Blazers are focused on what comes next. The franchise welcomed him back this past offseason after a brief stint away, hoping his leadership and shot-making would steady a developing roster. His Achilles rehabilitation remains the top priority. Portland expects that when he returns, his ability to stretch defenses and create off the dribble will elevate the offense and open space for younger teammates. Fans caught a glimpse of the team’s future on Sunday when Deni Avdija represented the World Team in the All-Star Game, a sign that the next generation is gaining experience on bigger stages. The blend of youth and a proven veteran could be key to Portland’s climb in the Western Conference. The schedule resumes quickly, with Portland preparing for a matchup against the Denver Nuggets later in the week — another step in a season that feels transitional but increasingly promising.