This season signaled a new chapter for Damian Lillard, as he reunited with the Portland Trail Blazers after spending two seasons with the Milwaukee Bucks. Yet, his long-awaited return has been put on hold. Lillard has not featured in a single game this season while recovering from a torn left Achilles tendon.
Despite the setback, the league granted him special permission to compete in the 3-Point Contest during the 2026 NBA All-Star Weekend. After capturing the 3-Point Contest crown, Lillard made it clear that he approached the event with a serious mindset rather than as a casual exhibition.
“It honestly felt like playing in an actual game,” Lillard said. “I cared a lot more than people might have expected. I didn’t walk in thinking, ‘Whatever happens, happens.’ My mindset was to win. If I’m being given this platform, I didn’t want to show up and have everyone excited to see me shoot, only to score 15 in the first round and get eliminated. That just wasn’t going to be my story.”
Although he has yet to receive full medical clearance, Lillard showed confidence in both his preparation and progress.
“I know I’m ready,” he said. “It’s been nearly a year since the injury happened. From that day forward, I’ve committed myself to rehab and training. I’ve spent months back on the court. Physically, I feel great. I’ve put up countless shots, and if there’s one thing I know I can still do at a high level right now, it’s shoot the basketball.”
In the final round, Lillard shot last and delivered a clutch 29-point performance, outscoring Devin Booker of the Phoenix Suns. With the victory, Lillard became just the third player in NBA history to win the 3-Point Contest three times, joining legends Larry Bird and Craig Hodges.
Damian Lillard Proves Mental Toughness Still Shines Amid Injury Battle
For Damian Lillard, the win symbolized more than just another trophy. He was the only participant competing while recovering from a major injury, and he wanted his presence to send a message.
“I wouldn’t say I’m representing some ‘Achilles nation’ or anything like that,” he said. “But I do believe I’m representing strength. As athletes, when we get injured, people act like it’s the end of everything because they’re used to seeing us elevated. But people deal with much harder things in life. For me, this was about showing resilience. I refused to approach it with weakness.”
Lillard originally suffered the injury during last season’s playoffs with Milwaukee. After being waived by the Bucks, he rejoined Portland. Still, even after his All-Star heroics, he is not expected to make his full NBA return this season.
