Damian Lillard Wins 3rd 3-Point Contest Title to Tie All-Time Record

Damian Lillard secured his third career 3-point contest victory, matching the historic record held by Larry Bird and Craig Hodges.

Damian Lillard secured his third career victory in the NBA All-Star 3-point contest, officially moving into a tie for the most titles in the history of the event. This victory places him alongside basketball legends Larry Bird and Craig Hodges as the only three-time winners of the competition. The achievement marks a significant milestone in the sharpshooter's career, cementing his status as one of the premier perimeter threats in the league.

Mac McClung's teammate, Johnson, also found success during the weekend festivities by winning the dunk contest. However, the primary focus of the shooting exhibition remained on Lillard's precision from behind the arc. The veteran guard navigated the racks to outlast a field of elite shooters, demonstrating consistency across multiple rounds of play to hoist the trophy once again.

Record-Tying Performance for Damian Lillard

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By winning the Damian Lillard 3-point contest for the third time, the guard has matched a record that stood for decades. Larry Bird and Craig Hodges were previously the sole owners of the triple-crown distinction in this specific All-Star Saturday night event. Lillard now shares the top spot on the all-time leaderboard, having successfully defended his reputation as a high-volume distance shooter on the global stage.

This third trophy adds to a legacy defined by long-range accuracy. The competition requires participants to shoot from five different locations around the perimeter, including specialized deep-shot zones. Lillard’s ability to maintain his rhythm through the final rack proved decisive in securing the win and matching the historical output of Bird and Hodges.

Overcoming Achilles Surgery Recovery

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This championship performance comes exactly nine months after Damian Lillard underwent surgery to repair a torn Achilles. The recovery timeline highlights a rapid return to elite form, as the procedure took place less than a year prior to this All-Star appearance. Despite the physical toll of such a significant injury and the subsequent rehabilitation process, the guard showed no signs of diminished shooting mechanics or lower-body fatigue during the high-pressure rounds.

Medical experts often cite the nine-month mark as a critical juncture for athletes returning from tendon repairs. Lillard’s victory serves as a statistical testament to his successful post-operative progress. The precision required for the Damian Lillard 3-point contest suggests that his foundational balance and lift have been fully restored following the surgical intervention on his torn Achilles.

Johnson Secures Dunk Contest Victory

While Lillard dominated the perimeter, the aerial portion of the evening belonged to Johnson. By winning the dunk contest, Johnson rounded out the list of individual winners for the night. This victory provided a contrast to the shooting display, focusing on verticality and creativity at the rim rather than distance accuracy.

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Each participant in the dunk contest was judged on athleticism and execution, with Johnson ultimately emerging as the top performer. His win ensures that multiple players leave the weekend with individual hardware. The combination of Lillard’s historic shooting feat and Johnson’s dunking display defined the competitive landscape of the NBA’s mid-season showcase.