Damian Lillard Wins Third 3-Point Contest, Teases Star-Studded Showdown in 2027
These days, the three-point contest isn’t just part of All-Star Saturday Night-it is the main event. What used to be a warm-up act for the dunk contest has flipped the script, and now it’s the long ball that’s stealing the spotlight. And when the NBA revealed this year’s lineup, fans got a pleasant surprise: Damian Lillard was back in the mix, even though he’s sidelined for the season.
Lillard’s inclusion caught plenty of folks off guard. After all, he’s not suiting up for games right now.
But when it comes to launching from deep, few do it better-and he reminded everyone of that in a big way. The two-time champ came into the contest with something to prove, and he delivered, edging out Devin Booker and rookie sharpshooter Kon Knueppel to take home his third title.
That win puts him in rare air, joining the short list of three-time winners in the event’s history.
For Lillard, this wasn’t just about showing up-it was about showing out. And he did it with the same smooth confidence that’s made him one of the most feared shooters of his generation. Even while rehabbing and away from the regular season grind, Dame Time still finds a way to make headlines.
But what really has fans buzzing is what might come next.
In a recent post that’s been making the rounds, Lillard hinted at a potential dream lineup for next year’s three-point contest. Picture this: Stephen Curry, Klay Thompson, Devin Booker, and Lillard himself all going head-to-head in a shootout for the ages.
According to Lillard, Curry is already trying to recruit Thompson to join the fun. And if Booker’s in the mix too?
That’s a heavyweight battle of pure shooting talent.
It’s not hard to imagine how electric that would be. Between Curry’s revolutionary range, Thompson’s picture-perfect stroke, Booker’s smooth consistency, and Lillard’s fearless deep bombs, it would be must-see TV. And with the way today’s stars have embraced the three-point shot, there’s no shortage of elite shooters who could round out the field.
This year’s win is a bright spot in what’s otherwise been a tough stretch for Lillard. After being waived by the Bucks, he returned home to Portland and inked a new three-year deal-a full-circle moment for the 35-year-old vet. While fans will have to wait until next season to see him back in action, his All-Star Weekend performance was a reminder that Dame still has plenty left in the tank.
So yes, the dunk contest might still close the night, but let’s be honest-the three-point shootout is where the real fireworks are. And if that Curry-Lillard-Thompson-Booker showdown happens next year? We might be talking about the most stacked field in the event’s history.
Until then, Lillard’s third crown is more than enough to keep the hype alive.