Portland Trail Blazers legend Damian Lillard is suiting up for his team in the most extraordinary circumstances, having not played a single minute of NBA action this season.
The NBA announced that Lillard would return to NBA action in this weekend’s three-point shooting contest at the All-Star break in Los Angeles.
Damian Lillard Aims for Historic Third Three-Point Contest Win Despite Season-Long Injury
Lillard broke his silence on the decision to chase a third three-point shooting title, saying, “Sign me up, I’m dying for some competition, and I’m happy to be able to do it again.”
Lillard is aiming to equal the record of winning three three-point shooting contest titles, joining Larry Bird and Craig Hodges as the only three-time winners. Lillard added, “I feel great. If there is anything I can 1000% do, it’s to shoot. Anytime you can be a part of All-Star weekend in our careers, it’s an honor.”
“So, to come back and have the opportunity to tie the record, to be representing RIP City again while I’m doing it, I’m excited to be a part of some competition.”
The nine-time All-Star suffered a torn left Achilles tendon in the NBA playoffs while playing for the Milwaukee Bucks last season. Following his injury, the Bucks waived Lillard so he could sign for the Portland Trail Blazers, the team for which he made his name in the NBA.
His All-Star appearance at the weekend has come as a surprise for most NBA fans, as he’s been ruled out for the whole season. Lillard is fifth on the all-time three-point leaders, making 2,804 shots from beyond the arc, putting him just behind Klay Thompson in fourth.
Lillard won back-to-back three-point shooting contest titles in 2023 and 2024, recording 26 points in both of his victories. The veteran guard may have work cut out for him this weekend as he competes against some of the best shooters in the NBA this season.
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He will face 2018 winner Devin Booker, rookie sensation Kon Knueppel, Tyrese Maxey, Donovan Mitchell, Jamal Murray, Bobby Portis Jr, and Norman Powell. It’s not the first time a player has competed in the contest without firing a three-point shot in that season.
In 1989, the NBA invited Rimas Kurtinaitis of Lithuania to compete in the contest, having never played in the NBA before. Kurtinaitis recorded nine points in the contest, losing out to eventual winner Dale Ellis of the Seattle Supersonics, who scored 19 points.
Can Lillard defy all the odds and secure a record-equalling third three-point contest victory, or is the lack of game time and stamina going to affect his chances severely?
