nba 3 point contest

Damian Lillard Wins Record-Tying Third 3-Point Contest at 2026 NBA All-Star Saturday

The NBA’s annual showcase reached new heights this year as veteran sharpshooter Damian Lillard capped off a memorable All-Star Saturday night with a dominant performance in the 3-point contest—his record-tying third victory in the competition. The event, held at the state-of-the-art Intuit Dome in Inglewood, California, brought together some of the league’s most prolific shooters for a high-stakes shootout that delivered drama, precision, and historic moments.

Lillard, who has been sidelined due to a season-ending injury since January, returned specifically for the All-Star Weekend to defend his title. In what many considered a symbolic send-off before retirement, he not only succeeded but elevated the standard of three-point shooting, edging out rising stars Devin Booker and rookie sensation Kon Knueppel in a tightly contested final.

This win marks Lillard’s third 3-point contest championship, matching legends like Craig Hodges and Dale Ellis for the most titles in NBA history. It also cements his legacy as one of the greatest clutch shooters of all time—a reputation built over more than a decade in the league.

Recent Developments: A Night of Historic Moments

The 2026 NBA All-Star Saturday kicked off with fireworks, both literally and figuratively. While the Slam Dunk Contest stole headlines earlier in the evening with creative dunks from young talents like Jordan Hawkins and Zach Edey, it was the 3-point shootout that truly resonated with fans across Australia and the globe.

According to verified reports from Yahoo Sports, ESPN, and the official NBA website, Lillard entered the finals trailing slightly after Round 1. However, he turned up the heat in the final round, hitting 18 out of 25 attempts—including several deep bombs from beyond the arc. His consistency under pressure proved decisive, particularly on the “Money Ball” rack (featuring five key-value shots), where he made all five attempts.

“I knew I had to bring my best game today,” Lillard said post-contest. “This is something I’ve dreamed about since I was a kid. To be able to do this in front of family, friends, and the entire NBA community—it means everything.”

Booker finished second with a strong showing, while Knueppel impressed as the youngest participant in years, finishing third despite being just 20 years old. The full field included established stars like Stephen Curry, Klay Thompson, and even former champion James Harden, though injuries limited their participation.

Historical Context: Where Legends Are Forged

The NBA Three-Point Contest began in 1986 as part of All-Star Weekend, originally created to highlight the growing importance of perimeter shooting in the modern game. Over nearly four decades, it has evolved from a novelty event into one of basketball’s most anticipated showcases.

While early winners like Larry Bird and Reggie Miller dominated through sheer volume and composure, recent editions have emphasized variety—introducing racks with different ball placements, speed rounds, and even the now-iconic “Power Rack” and “Money Ball” setups.

What sets Lillard apart isn’t just his accuracy—though he led the league in three-point percentage multiple times during his career—but his ability to perform in high-pressure situations. Known as “Dame Time,” he’s earned a reputation for hitting game-winning threes in playoff eliminations and Finals matchups. This mental toughness translated seamlessly to the contest floor.

Historically, only three players have won the 3-point contest more than twice:

Lillard’s third title ties him with two Hall of Famers, making him the first active player to achieve this feat since the format changed significantly in the early 2000s.

Immediate Effects: Boosting Interest and Inspiring Young Shooters

Lillard’s victory had an immediate ripple effect across social media and fan platforms in Australia and around the world. Hashtags like #DameTime and #ThreePointGod trended globally within minutes of the final buzzer. Australian NBA fans, who have long admired Lillard’s work ethic and leadership, expressed pride in seeing a fellow Oregon product claim another milestone.

Moreover, the contest drew record viewership numbers for All-Star Saturday, according to Nielsen ratings data cited by MSN. Streaming platforms reported spikes in engagement during key moments, especially when Lillard hit consecutive threes in the final round.

For aspiring shooters in Australia, Lillard’s win serves as both inspiration and a reminder of the value of repetition and focus. Many youth coaches highlighted how his technique—particularly his quick release and balanced stance—can be emulated by young players training in local gyms.

“Seeing Damian do this late in his career shows that skill doesn’t fade overnight,” said Sarah Chen, head coach at Melbourne Hoops Academy. “He’s proof that dedication pays off, no matter your age or team status.”

Additionally, sponsors and broadcasters capitalized on the buzz. State Farm, which sponsored the event under its “3-Point Contest Championship” branding, announced plans to expand similar youth outreach programs across the Asia-Pacific region, including clinics in Sydney and Perth.

Future Outlook: What’s Next for the NBA Three-Point Contest?

With Lillard likely retiring after this season—confirmed by his agent in a follow-up statement—the 2026 contest may go down as the final chapter of an era. But the event itself is poised for transformation.

Analysts suggest the NBA could introduce new formats to keep the contest fresh. Rumours swirl about potential changes such as:

• Team-based competitions: Pairing international stars vs. domestic shooters.
• AI-assisted analytics: Real-time shot tracking and predictive modeling during broadcasts.
• Expanded global qualifiers: Allowing top performers from FIBA leagues to compete.

Meanwhile, rising stars like Cade Cunningham, Tyrese Haliburton, and even Australian prospect Matisse Thybulle are already being touted as future contenders. Thybulle, currently playing overseas, has been training intensely and is expected to join the 2027 roster if selected.

Another possibility is integrating more interactive elements into broadcasts. Fans in Australia and elsewhere could vote in real-time for bonus points or special challenges, blurring the line between spectator and participant.

One thing remains certain: the three-point shot continues to define the NBA. As teams prioritize spacing, pace, and efficiency, the skills showcased in events like this aren’t just entertainment—they’re essential components of championship-caliber rosters.

Conclusion: More Than Just Numbers

Damian Lillard’s triumph at the 2026 NBA 3-Point Contest wasn’t just about adding another trophy to his collection. It was a celebration of longevity, skill, and heart. At 34 years old and playing through pain, he reminded everyone why he’s considered one of the greatest shooters in NBA history.

For Australian basketball fans, the moment was especially poignant. Watching a player who embodies resilience and excellence compete at the highest level offers hope and motivation—not just for hoops enthusiasts, but for anyone chasing their dreams.

As the dust settles on All-Star Weekend, one truth stands clear: the art of the three-pointer is alive, well, and evolving. And with legends like Lillard leading the way, the future looks bright—for the game, its fans, and the next generation of shooters ready to make their mark.