Damian Lillard makes history at Intuit Dome
On February 14, 2026, Damian Lillard delivered a performance that instantly became part of NBA All Star lore. Competing at Intuit Dome in Inglewood, California, he stepped into the spotlight and walked away with his third Three Point Contest title.
What made it even more remarkable was the context surrounding his appearance. Lillard has not played a single game this season, yet he outshined a loaded field and reminded everyone why his name carries weight during All Star Weekend.
A champion without playing this season
Damian Lillard once again showed why he is known for stepping up in key moments. His presence alone raised expectations, and he met them with steady execution.
From the opening stages of the competition, Lillard looked locked in. He played with control and calm energy that signaled he was ready to claim the spotlight.
He joins Larry Bird and Craig Hodges
With this win, Lillard joined Larry Bird and Craig Hodges as the only players to win the event 3 times. Bird dominated the early years starting in 1986, while Hodges won 3 straight from 1990 to 1992.
Now Lillard’s name sits beside theirs in contest history. That level of company reinforces how consistent and dangerous he has been from beyond the arc over multiple appearances.
A 29 point final seals the title
Lillard saved his strongest round for last, finishing the final with 29 points. That score was 2 points better than Devin Booker, the 2018 champion, who finished with 27.
The 29 points also matched the best final round score ever recorded, tying Karl Anthony Towns’ mark from 2022. It was a sharp and controlled performance when it mattered most.
He waits nervously as Booker makes a push
After shooting second in the finals, Lillard could only watch as Booker attempted to overtake him. The tension grew as Booker heated up and began closing the gap.
Everything came down to the final corner rack, where Booker missed his last 3 shots. Lillard later admitted he felt at Booker’s mercy before those misses secured the win.
Experience helps him stay composed
This was Lillard’s sixth time competing in the Three Point Contest. That experience showed in the way he approached each rack with rhythm and calm control.
He explained that the event felt like a real game to him. That mindset helped him avoid rushing shots and allowed him to stay balanced under pressure.
He entered the contest confident and excited
As the final round began and the stakes intensified, Lillard showed no visible signs of nerves or hesitation. Each rack was approached with the same deliberate rhythm, proving that experience on the league’s biggest stages translates directly into moments like this competition.
While the margin for error tightened and every shot carried added weight, he avoided forcing attempts or rushing his release. That discipline allowed him to string together key makes late in the round, creating separation when it mattered most and reinforcing his reputation as one of the league’s most reliable shooters.
All Star Saturday sets the stage
The Three Point Contest opened the action on February 14, 2026, ahead of the league’s 75th annual All-Star Game. Thousands of fans packed the Intuit Dome to witness the skills competitions.
The atmosphere was energetic and loud, creating a fitting backdrop for a historic shooting display. Lillard’s performance gave the crowd exactly what they came to see.
The contest remains one of the weekend’s highlights
Since its debut in 1986, the Three Point Contest has become one of, if not the most coveted, prizes of All-Star Weekend. Larry Bird’s early dominance helped establish its legacy.
Lillard’s third victory strengthens that tradition. By matching legends of the event, he added another memorable chapter to its long-running history.
Previous wins built toward this moment
Lillard previously won the contest with 24 points in 2023 and 26 points in 2024. Those victories established him as one of the premier shooters in the event.
The 2026 win completed the trio and elevated his status even further. Each appearance sharpened his approach and reinforced his reputation.
Fun fact: Dame D.O.L.L.A. That is Damian’s stage name, which he uses as a rapper. He has released four studio albums, and his first album, The Letter O, charted in the Billboard Top 200.
Booker pushes him to the limit
Devin Booker, the 2018 champion, delivered a serious challenge in the final round and kept the pressure squarely on Lillard from start to finish. His 27-point performance was sharp, efficient, and consistent, forcing Lillard to earn every edge rather than cruising to an easy victory.
That level of competition made the ending far more dramatic and intense for both the players and the crowd inside Intuit Dome. Lillard’s 29-point final round ultimately held up, but Booker’s late surge ensured the title was decided by execution under real pressure rather than comfortable separation.
From fan in Oakland to champion on the stage
After the win, Lillard reflected on attending an All-Star Game in Oakland as a child. He spoke about understanding what fans hope to experience at such events.
That memory motivated him to participate and deliver a strong showing. He wanted to give fans the type of performance he once admired from the stands.
Loved seeing Damian and Johnson shine in the 3-Point Contest? Check out how the Hornets kept the excitement going with their impressive eight-game winning streak!
A legacy strengthened in one night
By hoisting the trophy at Intuit Dome, Lillard added another defining moment to his career. Three titles place him in rare territory among contest greats.
Even without playing this season, he found a way to leave a lasting impact on February 14, 2026. The achievement underscored his confidence, preparation, and elite shooting ability.
Curious how LeBron’s 21-season All-NBA streak finally came to an end? Dive into the full story and see how this historic run closed after more than two decades!
What was your favorite moment from Damian and Johnson’s 3-Point Contest win? Share your thoughts in the comments, and don’t forget to give a like if you enjoyed their performance!
This slideshow was made with AI assistance and human editing.
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