The NBA announced that Damian Lillard, the Portland Trail Blazers point guard, will participate in the 2026 State Farm 3-Point Contest despite his torn left Achilles tendon. Though sidelined for the entire 2025-26 regular season due to the injury, Lillard aims to compete on Saturday, February 14, at the Intuit Dome in Inglewood, California. His entry seeks to make him only the third player in history to win the contest three times, joining Larry Bird and Craig Hodges.
Details of the Contest and Competitors
The eight-player lineup for the 3-Point Contest includes five NBA All-Stars: Devin Booker of the Phoenix Suns, Tyrese Maxey of the Philadelphia 76ers, Donovan Mitchell from the Cleveland Cavaliers, Jamal Murray of the Denver Nuggets, and Norman Powell representing the Miami Heat. In addition to Lillard, who is a two-time defending champion (2023 and 2024), the field features Charlotte Hornets rookie Kon Knueppel, Milwaukee Bucks’ Bobby Portis Jr., and others.
The contest format involves two rounds where each competitor has 70 seconds to score as many points as possible by shooting from multiple 3-point stations. The top three scorers advance to a final round, with the highest score deciding the winner.
Notable Participants and Contest History
Among the participants, Booker is a former winner, having claimed the title in 2018, while Lillard has already secured back-to-back victories. The rookie Kon Knueppel has the opportunity to make history as the first newcomer to win the competition. The event will be broadcast live on NBC and Peacock, kicking off NBA All-Star Saturday at 5 p.m. ET.
Additional NBA All-Star Saturday Events
Alongside the 3-Point Contest, the NBA has announced other attractions for All-Star Saturday. The AT&T Slam Dunk Contest will feature Carter Bryant, Jaxson Hayes, Keshad Johnson, and Jase Richardson. The Kia Shooting Stars competition includes four teams of three players each, with notable lineups such as Team All-Star—Scottie Barnes, Chet Holmgren, and Richard Hamilton—and Team Knicks—Jalen Brunson, Karl-Anthony Towns, and Allan Houston. Other teams bridge generations, featuring Dylan Harper, Ron Harper Jr., and Ron Harper Sr., as well as Team Cameron with Jalen Johnson, Knueppel, and Corey Maggette.
What This Means for Damian Lillard and the Season
Lillard’s decision to participate in the 3-Point Contest despite his Achilles injury reflects his determination and desire to add to his legacy in the event. As a nine-time NBA All-Star, his presence elevates the competition’s profile and offers fans an exciting narrative amid his recovery. While he is not expected to return for regular-season play, this contest provides a platform to showcase his shooting talent and maintain visibility during his rehabilitation.
🌟 2026 @StateFarm 3-Point Contest field! 🌟
NBA All-Star Saturday: 2/14, 5:00pm/et on NBC & Peacock pic.twitter.com/MQnCVh1UtA
— NBA (@NBA) February 8, 2026
The order of events for NBA All-Star Saturday!@StateFarm 3-Point Contest@Kia Shooting Stars@ATT Slam Dunk
Feb. 14 at 5:00pm/et on NBC & Peacock pic.twitter.com/syKQVSTb6b
— NBA (@NBA) February 8, 2026
