Damian Lillard is set to make an unexpected return to the basketball court during the upcoming All-Star Saturday. Having missed the current season due to a torn Achilles tendon, Lillard will participate in the NBA three-point contest. This highly anticipated event will occur immediately after the broadcast of the Milan Cortina Winter Olympics.
Three-Point Contest Lineup
This year’s three-point contest features a lineup of talented players, including:
- Damian Lillard (Portland Trail Blazers)
- Devin Booker (Phoenix Suns)
- Kon Knueppel (Charlotte Hornets)
- Tyrese Maxey (Philadelphia 76ers)
- Donovan Mitchell (Cleveland Cavaliers)
- Jamal Murray (Denver Nuggets)
- Bobby Portis Jr. (Milwaukee Bucks)
- Norman Powell (Miami Heat)
Lillard’s participation marks his first live appearance in front of fans since rejoining the Trail Blazers. Should he emerge victorious, he would join iconic players Larry Bird and Craig Hodges as the only three-time winners of this contest.
Event Details
The three-point contest will take place at the home arena of the Los Angeles Clippers in Inglewood, California. This event is a shift from the previous format, as it will now kick off All-Star Saturday instead of following the skills competition, which is not included this year. Following the three-point contest, the Shooting Stars competition will take place, leading up to the highly anticipated dunk contest.
Lillard’s Journey
Damian Lillard, who was drafted sixth overall by the Trail Blazers in 2012, has had an impressive career spanning over 11 seasons with the team. His stint with the Milwaukee Bucks was short-lived, ending in injury and a subsequent waiver. Lillard’s remarkable performances led him to win back-to-back three-point contest titles in 2023 and 2024. However, he faces strong competition this year without last year’s winner, Tyler Herro, who is absent due to injury.
Conclusion
As Lillard prepares for this significant return to the hardwood, basketball fans eagerly anticipate witnessing his skills on display once again. The three-point contest promises to deliver thrilling moments, enhanced by the captivating backdrop of the Winter Olympics.
