Damian Lillard Claims Third Three-Point Contest Title After Achilles Injury Layoff
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LOS ANGELES — Damian Lillard returned to the NBA spotlight Saturday night by winning the Three-Point Contest at All-Star Weekend, his first on-court appearance since tearing his Achilles on April 27. The Portland Trail Blazers guard hit 10 consecutive shots in the final round to edge Phoenix Suns star Devin Booker and rookie Kon Knueppel.
The victory is Lillard’s third in four years, matching Larry Bird and Craig Hodges as the only three-time champions since the event began in 1986.
“Every day I’m up early shooting hundreds of shots, so I knew I’d be strong out there,” Lillard said. “I came in confident.”
Lillard joined the eight-player field after another participant withdrew. Despite the long layoff, he said the competition “felt like a game” and that he was determined to win.
Heat guard Norman Powell, a former Clipper, drew loud support from the home crowd but was eliminated after scoring 23 in the opening round. Donovan Mitchell, Jamal Murray, Tyrese Maxey and Bobby Portis also exited in the first round.
Other Saturday Results
• Second-year Miami forward Keshad Johnson captured the Slam Dunk Contest, defeating Carter Bryant in the final. Jaxson Hayes and Jase Richardson fell in the first round.
• The Shooting Stars competition went to the New York Knicks trio of Jalen Brunson, Karl-Anthony Towns and Allan Houston, assisted by celebrity passer and assistant coach Rick Brunson.
Source: Hoops Rumors
