Damian Lillard captures record-tying third 3-point crown in Los Angeles
lillard-claims-record-tying-third-three-point-shootout
LOS ANGELES — Portland Trail Blazers guard Damian Lillard, sidelined all season by a torn left Achilles, returned to the spotlight Saturday by winning the NBA All-Star 3-Point Contest for the third time in four years.
The 35-year-old posted 29 points in the final round, edging Phoenix Suns guard Devin Booker and Charlotte Hornets rookie Kon Knueppel. The victory places Lillard alongside Larry Bird and Craig Hodges as the only three-time champions since the event debuted in 1986.
Lillard suffered the injury in April during Game 4 of the Milwaukee Bucks’ first-round playoff series against the Indiana Pacers and underwent surgery in May. Milwaukee waived him in July using the stretch provision, and he later rejoined Portland on a three-year, $42 million deal.
According to the league, Lillard is only the second player to compete in the 3-Point Contest after missing the entire season to that point; Denver Nuggets guard Voshon Lenard did so in 2005 while recovering from an Achilles tear.
Source: ESPN.com
