The festivities for All-Star Weekend got off to a thrilling start with the Rising Stars Challenge and the Celebrity All-Star Game, but the real centerpiece of the festivities began on Valentine’s Day. With Saturday’s schedule underway, fans were ready to experience the true allure of the event.
The first competition on the schedule was one of the most anticipated events on the NBA calendar: the 3-point contest. With eight stars battling to crown a new 3-point shooting champion, fans were in for a treat — and the contest did not disappoint.
NBA All-Star 3-Point Shooting Contest Results
The contest began with one of the most exciting rookies in the league this season, Kon Knueppel, making his mark from the jump. Despite an underwhelming performance on his money ball rack, he was sublime from virtually every other spot, finishing with 27 points in the first round.
KON KNUEPPLE GOES OFF. 🔥🔥🔥
— Hoop Central (@TheHoopCentral) February 14, 2026
However, the competition was as stiff as ever, as Knueppel received an immediate answer from league veteran Donovan Mitchell. Unfazed by the 27 recorded by Knueppel, he responded with 24 points of his own while hitting 9 of 10 shots from the corner spots.
The next player up at the racks was Denver Nuggets star Jamal Murray. One of the best shot creators in the league, his performance left a lot to be desired, as he managed just 18 points, failing to make an impact at any of the five locations.
But the loudest cheers of the night came for former Los Angeles Clippers star Norman Powell. With audible chants and plenty of fanfare, Powell maintained a nonchalant attitude, going about his business with ease while eliminating Murray by scoring 23 points.
Next was the only big man in the competition, Bobby Portis. With a slow release and a pronounced jump on his usual 3-point attempts, the high-octane nature of the contest was not well-suited for his shooting style. That showed in his attempt, as he managed just 15 points through the racks, the lowest mark among the eight competitors.
Unfortunately, the next participant could not generate much momentum either. Tyrese Maxey, who has made the leap into legitimate MVP contention while helping carry the Philadelphia 76ers, struggled to find his rhythm. His shooting stroke was nowhere to be found during All-Star Weekend, as he finished with just 17 points.
The final two participants were veterans of the event and former champions. First up was Devin Booker, who, despite shooting under 33% from 3-point range over the past two seasons, showcased an otherworldly touch in the competition.
DEVIN BOOKER GOES FOR 30. 🔥🔥🔥
— Hoop Central (@TheHoopCentral) February 14, 2026
Racking up 30 points, he was sensational on his money ball rack, knocking down the final four shots to reach 30 and secure a spot in the next round. Next up was the most anticipated participant of the evening.
Sidelined for the season with a torn Achilles, it was anyone’s guess what Damian Lillard would look like on the court. But his performance was nothing short of sensational, as he eclipsed Knueppel’s total by scoring 29 points.
WELCOME BACK DAME TIME!!!pic.twitter.com/ueY0rzpr6C
— Oh No He Didn’t (@ohnohedidnt24) February 14, 2026
As a result, the final three was set: Lillard, Booker, and the rookie Knueppel.
The Second Round
With one rookie and two veterans battling for the title, it was anyone’s guess who would take home the prize. However, the Cinderella run for the Charlotte Hornets star did not last long. After a spectacular opening round, he managed just 17 points in the second round.
Barring a disaster, he was effectively eliminated. And Lillard, a two-time winner, wasted little time asserting himself. Repeating his first-round brilliance, he reached 29 points quickly, giving himself a strong chance to win the contest.
DAMIAN LILLARD DROPPED 29 IN THE FINAL ROUND. 🔥🔥
— Hoop Central (@TheHoopCentral) February 14, 2026
However, Booker made sure to apply pressure. Knocking down his first nine shots, the Phoenix Suns superstar reached 10 points in a hurry. Sitting at 27 with three shots remaining on his money ball rack, it appeared a tie was imminent.
LEGENDARY pic.twitter.com/SgATIkMvLP
— NBACentral (@TheDunkCentral) February 14, 2026
But in a shocking finish, Booker missed his final three shots in a row, giving Lillard the win with 29 points and his third 3-point contest title, tying Larry Bird and Craig Hodges for the most in NBA history.
