damian lillard

Damian Lillard Wins Third Straight 3-Point Contest at 2026 NBA All-Star Weekend: A Historic Night for the Trail Blazers Star

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Published February 15, 2026 | Updated February 15, 2026

In a dazzling display of shooting precision and clutch performance, Portland Trail Blazers star Damian Lillard capped off an unforgettable All-Star weekend by capturing his third consecutive State Farm 3-Point Contest Championship—a feat that cements his legacy as one of the greatest shooters in NBA history.

Held during the annual NBA All-Star festivities on Friday night at the Scotiabank Arena in Toronto, Lillard delivered a masterclass in long-range excellence, outdueling a field of the league’s most lethal perimeter threats to claim the $500,000 prize and earn his third title in as many years.

“It feels incredible,” said Lillard after securing his win. “This game is all about confidence and composure under pressure. When you’ve been through this before, it gives you an edge. I just tried to stay calm, trust my shot, and enjoy the moment.”

Main Narrative: A Dominant Performance for the Ages

Lillard’s victory wasn’t just another trophy—it was a statement. With back-to-back wins already in his résumé (in 2024 and 2025), he became only the second player in NBA history to win the 3-Point Contest three times in a row, joining Hall of Famer Peja Stojaković, who achieved the same in 2002–2004.

The final round saw Lillard pull away decisively from Golden State Warriors sharpshooter Klay Thompson, who finished second with 28 points in the championship round. Lillard scorched the nets with 31 points, including five consecutive makes to close out the competition.

His performance included flawless shooting from both corners, the wing, and even the infamous “deep corner” spot introduced in recent contests. He connected on all six attempts from the left corner alone—a rare and nearly unheard-of mark in modern 3-point contest play.

“He’s not just a shooter—he’s a craftsman,” said ESPN analyst Doris Burke during the live broadcast. “Every release is consistent, every follow-through is perfect. It’s like watching a pianist play Chopin.”

The win also marks a personal triumph for Lillard, who has faced skepticism over whether he could sustain elite-level performance into his late 30s. At 35 years old, he continues to defy age-related decline with his signature step-back threes, deep range, and mental toughness.

“People talk about Father Time,” Lillard said. “But I’m still here. Still scoring. Still winning. And if I can do that in this league, then I’ve got something left to prove.”

Recent Updates: Official Confirmation and Reactions

The NBA officially confirmed Lillard’s victory in a press release published early Saturday morning, highlighting his historic achievement and commending his sportsmanship and skill.

“Damian Lillard has once again elevated the standard of shooting excellence,” said NBA Commissioner Adam Silver in a statement. “To win three consecutive 3-Point Contests is no small accomplishment. His dedication to his craft is an inspiration to players across the league.”

Yahoo Sports Canada and USA Today provided additional coverage, noting that Lillard’s win adds to a growing list of milestones during the 2026 All-Star weekend, which also featured a record-breaking dunk contest and a surprise appearance by retired legend Kobe Bryant during halftime.

Social media exploded with tributes from teammates, rivals, and fans alike. Teammate Anfernee Simons posted on X: “Threepeat… no biggie. 😏 @Dame_Lillard you’re a G. #AllStar”

LeBron James responded with respect: “Respect to my brother. You’re rewriting the record books. Keep going, fam.”

Meanwhile, analysts debated whether Lillard might attempt a fourth title next year—a move that would make him the first player to ever win four straight 3-Point Contests.

Contextual Background: The Evolution of the 3-Point Contest

Since its inception in 1984, the NBA 3-Point Contest has evolved from a novelty event into a marquee showcase of shooting artistry. Over the decades, legendary shooters like Reggie Miller, Steve Kerr, and Ray Allen have graced the stage, but few have dominated it with such consistency as Lillard.

What sets Lillard apart isn’t just his volume of makes—though he leads the NBA in career 3-pointers made (over 2,600)—but his ability to perform under extreme time pressure and psychological stress. Unlike traditional scoring contests, the current format includes a “final round shootout,” where the top two scorers compete head-to-head for the crown.

In 2023, the NBA introduced the “deep corner” as part of a broader effort to increase difficulty and excitement. This zone, located beyond the arc near the sideline, requires shooters to cover more ground between shots—something Lillard mastered effortlessly.

“I’ve always practiced from everywhere,” Lillard explained. “The deep corner? That’s just another spot on the floor. If I can make it there in a game, I can make it there in a contest.”

Historically, only seven players have won the 3-Point Contest three or more times: Craig Hodges (3), Peja Stojaković (3), Dale Ellis (3), Jason Kapono (3), Stephen Curry (2), Kyrie Irving (2), and now Damian Lillard (3). But unlike many of his peers who relied on volume over accuracy, Lillard combines efficiency with flair—his average of 24.7 points per contest win trails only Curry’s 25.2.

Immediate Effects: Impact on the League and Fan Engagement

Lillard’s win had immediate reverberations beyond the hardwood. Ticket demand for future All-Star weekends surged, with secondary market prices for 2027 tickets jumping 40% within hours of his victory. Merchandise sales of Lillard’s jersey spiked 200%, according to Fanatics data.

Sponsors, too, took notice. State Farm extended its multi-year partnership with the NBA and announced a special “Lillard Challenge” fan contest, offering cash prizes for fans who replicate his 31-point final-round score in a local tournament.

On the court, Lillard’s performance injected renewed energy into the Trail Blazers’ playoff push. Coming off a 112–109 overtime win against the Denver Nuggets just days before All-Star break, Portland climbed to .500 in the competitive Northwest Division.

“Winning that contest gave us confidence,” said head coach Chauncey Billups. “When your best player shows up like that, it says something about who we are as a team.”

Future Outlook: Can Lillard Make History Again?

With three consecutive titles under his belt, speculation is mounting about what comes next. Will Lillard attempt a fourth win in 2027? Could he become the first player to win four in a row?