Damian Lillard and Giannis Antetokounmpo had a sort of reunion on Saturday during the NBA Skills Challenge, and the Portland Trail Blazers star made sure his former Milwaukee Bucks teammate would hear from him about a controversial venture.
Lillard, who rejoined his first team over the summer, participated in the Three-Point Contest despite not having played a game this season. He has been focused on recovering from the ACL injury he suffered while playing for the Bucks during the first round of the 2025 playoffs.
FIRST ROUND: 27
FINAL ROUND: 29DAMIAN LILLARD IS NOW A 3X @StateFarm NBA 3-POINT CONTEST WINNER 🚨🤯 pic.twitter.com/gMuq5cwdsp
— NBA (@NBA) February 14, 2026
He proved that shooters always shoot, winning the contest over the likes of Devin Booker, Donovan Mitchell, former teammate Bobby Portis, Norman Powell, Tyrese Maxey, and Jamal Murray.
It was his third Three-Point Contest title, tying him with legends Larry Bird and Craig Hodges for the most wins in the event.
Dame Dolla. 3x champ. 🏆🏆🏆
Damian Lillard becomes the third 3-time winner of the NBA 3-Point Contest, joining Larry Bird (1986–88) and Craig Hodges (1990–92). pic.twitter.com/ywdksxs2b5
— NBA on ESPN (@ESPNNBA) February 15, 2026
Lillard, Giannis interaction
Antetokounmpo was there to witness Lillard’s record-tying victory. He congratulated “Dame Time,” but the Blazers star quickly flipped the situation by pointing out the Greek Freak’s endorsement of a gambling company.
“Did you place a bet on Khasi?” Lillard asked.
Giannis, who is also out due to a calf injury, knew what was coming and responded, “Stop! Stop, stop, stop.”
Dame had jokes for Giannis after winning the 3pt contest 😭🤣
(via @LawMurrayTheNU) pic.twitter.com/PEoR57bc43
— Bleacher Report (@BleacherReport) February 15, 2026
Lillard later said during the press conference that he was going after the trophy — and he did just that.
Portis may have lost, but he was happy that Lillard won. He said Lillard’s performance showed that he is still capable of doing what he has done for more than a decade.
“You know, that’s my brother. I know him truly,” Portis said. “So it was good to see him win, especially with everything that he went through over the last year. He had the blood clots, then came back and played, tore his Achilles, and was out all season.
“I think it was good for him to be able to be on this platform and, you know, show the world that he’s still him.”
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