Why Blazers’ Damian Lillard didn’t take much convincing to join 3-Point Contest

Damian Lillard did not need much convincing to step onto the Intuit Dome floor on Saturday night. Despite being sidelined for the entire 2025-26 season with a torn Achilles tendon, the Portland Trail Blazers star proved that “Dame Time” is a permanent setting. Lillard captured his third career NBA 3-Point Contest title, joining legends Larry Bird and Craig Hodges as the only three-time winners in the event’s history.

"Guys know that I'm real competition."

Damian Lillard talks to @ChrisBHaynes about joining the @StateFarm NBA 3-Point Contest when a slot had become available! pic.twitter.com/PtEncrsEK7

— NBA TV (@NBATV) February 15, 2026

The nine-time All-Star admitted the decision to join was almost a joke at first. While discussing vacation plans with NBA executives, Lillard mentioned he was available if a slot opened up. When it did, he jumped at the chance to “spice things up” and give the fans something to cheer for during his long road to recovery.

The post Why Blazers’ Damian Lillard didn’t take much convincing to join 3-Point Contest appeared first on ClutchPoints.