Damian Lillard aims for fourth NBA 3-Point Contest title

Damian Lillard has set his sights on a fourth NBA 3-Point Contest title, a milestone that would break the all-time record he currently shares with Larry Bird and Craig Hodges, Basket USA reported.

The guard returned to the floor in a preseason matchup against the Golden State Warriors, playing less than 20 minutes and logging 15 points, 1 rebound, 1 assist, and 2 interceptions while shooting 3 of 8 from beyond the arc in a 123-118 win. That performance followed a 2026 All-Star Weekend appearance where Lillard scored 29 points in the final round to defeat Devin Booker and Kon Knueppel, securing his third career 3-Point Contest victory alongside his previous wins in 2023 and 2024.

Chasing History in Phoenix

Speaking to NBA TV after his return against Golden State, Lillard confirmed his intention to defend his crown at the 2027 All-Star Weekend in Phoenix. Oui, j’ai envie d’y participer. Je me dois d’y aller. En plus, une quatrième victoire serait synonyme de record, donc pourquoi ne pas y aller ? Lillard said, outlining his motivation to stand alone atop the event’s historical leaderboard.

The path to a fourth trophy places Lillard in a historic tier of shooters. Larry Bird claimed three titles from 1986 to 1988, a feat matched by Craig Hodges from 1990 to 1992. Lillard joined that exclusive club with his victories in 2023, 2024, and 2026. A victory in 2027 would make him the first player in league history to capture four individual 3-Point Contest championships.

The Field of Champions

Competition for the 2027 event could feature fellow multiple-time winner Stephen Curry, who holds two titles from his victories in 2015 and 2021. The historical winners list features several notable marksmen across different eras of the competition.

The all-time 3-Point Contest leaderboard includes:

• 3 victories: Larry Bird (1986, 1987, 1988), Craig Hodges (1990, 1991, 1992), Damian Lillard (2023, 2024, 2026)
• 2 victories: Mark Price (1993, 1994), Jeff Hornacek (1998, 2000), Peja Stojakovic (2002, 2003), Jason Kapono (2007, 2008), Stephen Curry (2015, 2021)

Recovery and Return to Form

Lillard’s pursuit of shooting records comes after more than a year away from NBA games due to a torn Achilles tendon. His preseason appearance against the Warriors showed he had improved his conditioning and shooting rhythm. In his 2026 All-Star appearance, the Oakland native overcame both Booker and Knueppel by hitting 21 of 27 attempts in the final round, totaling 29 points to tie Bird and Hodges before turning his focus toward the 2027 competition.