Lillard makes a comeback to secure a record-equaling third 3-point shooting contest victory.
LOS ANGELES — Although Damian Lillard has not participated in any games this season for the Portland Trail Blazers as he recuperates from an Achilles injury, his appearance on the court during Saturday’s All-Star 3-point shootout showcased his signature performance.
Lillard clinched the title with a final round score of 29, narrowly defeating Phoenix Suns guard Devin Booker and Charlotte Hornets rookie Kon Knueppel, marking his third victory in the last four years.
With this win, Lillard joins Larry Bird and Craig Hodges as the only other players to have won the event three times since its inception in 1986.
The 35-year-old suffered a torn left Achilles during Game 4 of the Milwaukee Bucks’ first-round series against the Indiana Pacers in April and underwent successful surgery in May. He was released by Milwaukee through the stretch provision in July and subsequently signed a three-year, $42 million deal to return to Portland, the team that drafted him and where he spent his first 11 seasons.
Lillard is the second player to participate in the competition after being sidelined for the entire season leading up to the All-Star event. Denver Nuggets guard Voshon Lenard won the 3-point competition in 2004 and later competed in the event in Denver in 2005 while recovering from an Achilles injury sustained on opening night with the Nuggets.
