Damian Lillard Claims Third 3-Point Title, Ties Record 9 Months Post-Achilles

Portland Trail Blazers guard Damian Lillard secured his third NBA 3-Point Contest title, tying the record held by Larry Bird and Craig Hodges. At 35 years old and just nine-and-a-half months removed from a ruptured Achilles tendon, Lillard scored 56 points across both rounds, including an impressive 29 in the final. He expressed that his participation was "necessary and needed for the fans" and an "easy call" during his recovery, marking a significant achievement in his return to basketball.