Damian Lillard made history again on a stage he knows well. The Portland Trail Blazers star was crowned champion of the NBA All-Star Three-Point Contest for the third time, matching a record previously achieved only by legends like Larry Bird (1986-1988) and Craig Hodges (1990-1992). He did so in an unusual context. Lillard, who is out of competition this season after suffering a ruptured Achilles tendon in the 2015 playoffs, participated in the event held at the Intuit Dome in Inglewood, California. And he didn't just participate: he won. In the final round, he scored 29 points, enough to take the title in a contest that was decided in the final seconds. The format brought together eight participants, of whom only three advanced to the final stage. Devin Booker (Phoenix Suns) led the first round with 30 points, while Kon Knueppel (Charlotte Hornets) added 27, the same number as Lillard. Donovan Mitchell (Cleveland Cavaliers), with 24; Norman Powell (Miami Heat), with 23; Jamal Murray (Denver Nuggets), with 18; Tyrese Maxey (Philadelphia 76ers), with 17; and Bobby Portis Jr. (Milwaukee Bucks), with 15, were eliminated. A victory amidst the recovery. In the final, Knueppel opened with 17 points, a mark that was soon surpassed. Booker took over and scored 27 points, putting pressure on Lillard. Urged on by the crowd, the point guard responded with a solid performance, finishing with 29 points and securing his third title in this contest. The victory has a special significance. Lillard is not on track to return for the 2025-26 season. Various reports have indicated his Achilles tendon recovery will sideline him for the entire season, although Portland cleared him to participate in the All-Star Weekend shooting activities. The key detail is that the three-point contest is a controlled, non-contact event. There are no sudden changes of direction, no defensive pressure, and no constant physical demands like those of an official NBA game.Reuters highlighted the unusual nature of his appearance, emphasizing the fact that he competed “despite being out this season.” That narrative was precisely what defined the night: an injured player who, even so, extended his legacy at one of the most iconic events of All-Star Weekend. With this victory, Lillard not only adds another trophy to his collection, but also reaffirms his place among the best shooters in the contest's history.